Qualification levels in the UK, particularly when comparing qualifications like Higher education, Diploma, T Level, Apprenticeship, GCSE and A level can be confusing. Every qualification is at a specific level in a recognised framework. It gives learners, employers and education providers an indication of the knowledge, skills and difficulty of a qualification.
The UK Qualifications Framework offers a structured approach to sorting qualifications by level in the education and training system. The frameworks are different in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, whilst Scotland has its own framework. But all can be used to help explain how a qualification relates to other qualifications.
You can use the UK qualification levels to help you make a decision if you are choosing your first qualification, thinking about a career change, thinking of going on to higher education or thinking of progressing in your job.
What Are Qualification Levels in the UK?
Qualification levels are a measure of the complexity, depth and difficulty of a qualification. They assist in demonstrating the knowledge, understanding and skills that a learner must be able to demonstrate upon achievement of a qualification.
In the UK, there are a number of levels of qualifications, which in general build up from entry level learning to advanced qualifications including doctoral level.
The higher qualification level does not necessarily imply that the qualification will take longer to achieve. Rather it is used to indicate the level of learning and the skills needed.
For instance, a Level 2 qualification is usually more complex than a Level 1 qualification and a Level 4 qualification is more advanced than a Level 3 qualification.
Qualification levels are especially useful because qualifications of different titles can be compared on the basis of their level.
What is the UK Qualifications Framework?
The UK Qualifications Framework is a classification and comparison system of qualifications by level and learning outcomes.
There are no single frameworks that apply to all parts of the UK. England and N.Ireland have the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), Wales use the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is in use in Scotland.
These frameworks offer a shared basis to consider qualifications.
Qualifications, for instance, GCSEs, A levels, higher education qualifications and vocational qualifications can have specific points allocated to each qualification based on the outcomes of learning and complexity.
This helps learners and employers to interpret the relative value of the different qualifications.
An Explanation of UK Qualification Levels
Below is an overview of the key qualification levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Entry Level Qualifications
Entry Level qualifications are those at a lower level to Level 1. It is suitable for learners who are learning the basics of knowledge and skills. There are three Entry Levels. It includes Entry Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
These qualifications can support the learners to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills, practical skills and vocational skills.
Entry Level qualifications can be appropriate for individuals commencing their learning path, re-engaging with learning or building skills prior to higher level learning.
Level 1 Qualifications
Level 1 qualifications offer an introduction to a specific subject or occupational area. The examples are Level 1 certificates, Level 1 diplomas and Level 1 awards.
It also includes GCSEs at grades 3, 2 and 1, or grades D, E, F and G under the previous grading system and Level 1 vocational qualifications.
These qualifications can be used as a stepping stone to further education, training or employment.
Level 2 Qualifications
The Level 2 qualifications offer a wider range of knowledge and understanding. These are typically linked to intermediate education and training. The examples include GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 or A* to C. Other examples are Level 2 diplomas, Level 2 certificates, Level 2 NVQs and Level 2 technical qualifications.
Level 2 qualifications are accepted by a wide range of employers, and are a valuable asset for some jobs and further study courses.
Sometimes a relevant knowledge or skill can be demonstrated at Level 2. This may be a suitable qualification for learners not holding the appropriate GCSEs for a particular course or job.
Level 3 Qualifications
There is an importance attached to Level 3 of the UK qualifications levels as a key point in the progression. Many of the qualifications which are at Level 3 are traditionally associated with post-16 studies. Examples include:
- A levels
- T Levels
- Level 3 diplomas
- Level 3 certificates
- Level 3 NVQs
- Access to Higher Education Diplomas
- Advanced Apprenticeships
Level 3 qualifications can lead to work, an apprenticeship, a higher vocational course or higher education.
For instance, A levels are considered academic qualifications that can be used for progression to higher education. Whereas vocational qualifications (Level 3) may offer more occupationally based learning.
Level 4 Qualifications
Level 4 qualifications are higher level qualifications and are above Level 3. Examples can include Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Level 4 diplomas and Level 4 certificates. It also includes Level 4 NVQs, Higher apprenticeships and Certain professional qualifications.
This is a level 4 UK qualification which helps individuals who wish to study a specific, advanced area. However they can’t take a full university degree. Professional development is also relevant to level 4 qualifications. These include more advanced knowledge and skills in a specific occupational field.
A Level 4 programme builds the skills necessary for progression to employment, further learning or to a higher level qualification. It depends on the subject area and qualification.
It is also pertinent to note for those contemplating education as a career path. There is a difference between what is required in Level 4 and what is required for teacher training. Anyone who wishes to become a teacher should review the specific Educator Standards, teacher training requirements, and professional requirements of the region of the UK in which he/she wishes to teach.
Level 5 Qualifications
Level 5 qualifications offer higher level knowledge and skills. These are useful in higher level professional and technical occupations. Examples may include Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Level 5 diplomas and Level 5 NVQs.
Higher apprenticeships, Foundation degrees and some higher level professional qualifications are also some of the examples.
A Level 5 qualification can help to progress to careers. It may also lead to further higher study. Specific route of progression varies by qualification, subject and institution providing the qualification.
Level 6 Qualifications
Level 6 qualifications are advanced qualifications. These include undergraduate level study and particular professional qualifications. The examples include Bachelor’s degrees, Graduate diplomas, Graduate certificates, Level 6 diplomas, Level 6 NVQs and Degree apprenticeships.
A bachelor’s degree is one of the most widely recognised Level 6 qualifications.
Level 6 qualifications generally involve more advanced theoretical knowledge. They also include practical application, analysis and independent learning.
Level 7 Qualifications
Level 7 qualifications are postgraduate level qualifications. It is above Level 6. The examples include Master’s degrees, Postgraduate diplomas and Postgraduate certificates. It also includes Level 7 diplomas and Certain professional qualifications.
A Level 7 qualification can be particularly valuable for people seeking advanced expertise. It is also important for management positions or specialist professional roles.
A master’s degree, for example, generally requires learners to engage with complex concepts. It also requires learners to demonstrate advanced knowledge within a certain area.
Level 8 Qualifications
Level 8 represents the highest level within the RQF. Examples include Doctoral degrees, Level 8 diplomas and particular specialist qualifications.
Doctoral level study involves advanced and original research or equivalent high level professional knowledge and expertise. Level 8 qualification is linked with highly specialised academic or professional achievement.
All the UK Qualifications Levels at a Glance
The table below provides an overview of the main levels of qualifications in the UK.
| Qualification Level | Qualifications Examples |
| Entry Level | Entry Level certificates and awards |
| Level 1 | Level 1 certificates, diplomas and vocational qualifications |
| Level 2 | GCSEs, Level 2 certificates, diplomas and vocational qualifications |
| Level 3 | A levels, T Levels, Level 3 diplomas and Advanced Apprenticeships |
| Level 4 | HNCs, Level 4 diplomas, certificates and higher apprenticeships |
| Level 5 | HNDs, foundation degrees and Level 5 diplomas |
| Level 6 | Bachelor’s degrees, graduate qualifications and Level 6 diplomas |
| Level 7 | Master’s degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas |
| Level 8 | Doctoral degrees and other Level 8 qualifications |
This table is just a general guide. There are variations between the different UK nations and qualification frameworks. The exact qualifications available at each level can vary.
Are All UK Qualifications Part of the Same Framework?
No. When discussing UK qualification levels it is important. The UK has different qualification frameworks across its nations.
England
England uses the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for regulated qualifications.
The RQF covers qualifications from Entry Level to Level 8.
Wales
Wales uses the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). It covers qualifications and learning across different levels.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland uses the Regulated Qualifications Framework alongside its own arrangements for qualifications and education.
Scotland
Scotland uses the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
The SCQF has 12 levels. So its numbering does not directly correspond to the RQF levels used in England.
This means that a qualification described as Level 6 in Scotland can not be assumed equivalent to a Level 6 qualification in England.
What is the Scottish Qualifications Framework?
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework is commonly known as the SCQF. It provides a way to describe and compare qualifications and learning in Scotland.
The RQF has eight qualification levels plus Entry Levels. But the SCQF has 12 levels.
For example, you can position qualifications within Scotland from SCQF Level 1 through SCQF Level 12.
This framework includes qualifications. These qualifications include National Qualifications, Higher National qualifications and university degrees.
When comparing qualifications between Scotland and the rest of the UK, it is therefore important to look at the relevant framework. In short you don’t need to rely solely on the numerical level.
How Do Qualification Levels Relate to Careers?
Qualification levels can help learners plan a progression route towards their career goals. A typical progression route looks like:
Entry Level → Level 1 → Level 2 → Level 3 → Level 4 → Level 5 → Level 6 → Level 7 → Level 8
However learners do not necessarily need to complete every level. For example, someone with relevant experience needs to enter a higher level vocational or professional programme without completing every qualification below it. Entry requirements for each qualification vary. It depends on the qualification, training provider, awarding organisation and subject.
For anyone planning to become a teacher, the relevant route may involve specific academic qualifications, teacher training, professional standards and other requirements. It means you can’t simply choose the highest available qualification level. The appropriate pathway can also vary. It depends on whether you intend to teach in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Can You Progress From One Qualification Level to Another?
Yes, you can progress from one qualification to another. Many qualifications support progression to a higher level. For example, you can progress from Level 2 to Level 3. Then Level 3 to 4 and so on.
On the other hand a learner can complete Level 3 qualifications. Then can progress directly to university or an apprenticeship. Progression depends on the specific qualification and its entry requirements.
Are Higher-Level Qualifications Always Better?
Not necessarily. A higher qualification level indicates greater complexity or depth of learning. But the best qualification depends on your individual goals.
For someone who wants to enter a specific trade, a vocational qualification at Level 2 or Level 3 is more relevant than a university degree. For someone who wants a professional management position, a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification is more appropriate.
The important thing to consider is whether the qualification is recognised. You also need to consider if it is relevant to your career and suitable for your current level of knowledge and experience.
