S/NVQ
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland Vocational Qualifications are known as National Vocational Qualifications or NVQs. In Scotland, the equivalent Vocational Qualifications are known as SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualification).
The Business & Administration National Occupational Standards detail five levels of skills, knowledge and understanding:
Level 1
At this level, candidates cover basic skills, knowledge and ability needed to apply learning in the workplace with guidance or supervision. Tasks are linked to occupation competences and relate to junior job roles such as Office Junior.
Level 2
This level provides good working knowledge and understanding of an occupation. It demonstrates an employee's ability to perform a range of tasks with some guidance or supervision. Competence levels are related to job roles such as Junior Secretary or Administration Assistant.
Level 3
This level requires a candidate to obtain detailed knowledge, skills and understanding within a relevant field. It demonstrates team leading and specialist technical skills with competence in communication, problem solving and applied teamwork. Example job roles for this level include Personal Assistant, Secretary and Administration Clerk.
Level 4
At this level, candidates will possess an in-depth knowledge of their occupation and will be used to dealing with high level information. Job roles will include managerial skills with demonstration of competence in planning and business awareness. Example job roles for this level include Office Manager and Administration Manager.
Level 5
This level of learning involves the development of strategic skills and leadership, requiring demonstration of high level specialist and professional knowledge. Example job roles for this level include Company Secretary and Managing Director.
Standards are currently under development for this level.
To help you decide which level you currently work at, the CfA have developed an interactive tool which is available through forward ePortfolio PLUS. To try this tool please click here.
What are Vocational Qualifications?
Vocational Qualifications are occupation based qualifications which are developed using the National Occupational Standards (NOS).
Why choose a Business & Administration S/NVQ?
Business & Administration skills are essential to many occupations. Employers recognise the importance of these skills and rate them as some of the most difficult to recruit for.
