Level 3 qualifications include:
A Levels / AS levels
A levels and AS Levels are academic qualifications that can allow you to go on and study courses at a higher level such as Degrees or Higher National Diplomas or prepare for employment.
AVCEs
AVCEs (Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education), are general vocational (work related) qualifications and have replaced Advanced GNVQs. You will also see AVCEs referred to as Vocational A Levels.
These programmes will enable a learner to acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to underpin specialist studies to be successful in their career.
BTECs
BTEC First Diplomas are specific work related qualifications equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grade A - C.
BTEC Nationals are equivalent to A Level standard and like AVCEs are divided into three types depending on the number of units studied.
NVQs - National Vocational Qualifications
An NVQ3 is the ideal qualification if you intend to work, or already work, in a specific industry, service or business. NVQ’s measure what you can do, as well as how much you know and understand. They are based on practical, work related skills and knowledge.
Such courses might include:
| Sector | Course Example |
|---|---|
| Business & finance | Business Administration |
| Construction | Construction contracting operations NVQ level 3 |
| Education | Teachers Certificate |
| Engineering | NCFE Level 3 Certificate for the Environmental Practitioner |
| Health & social care | Health and Social Care (Adults) |
| ICT | IT Professionals |
| Leisure, travel & tourism | Travel & Tourism services |
| Logistics | Logistics NVQ Level 3 |
| Manufacturing | Management NVQ |
| Public administration | Business Administration |
| Real estate | Sale of Residential Property NVQ 3 |
| Renting & business admin | Business Administration |
| Transport | Road Transport Manager |
| Wholesale, retail & trade | Retail Management |
