At Ofqual’s recent employer event we spoke about the regulated qualifications landscape and what we’re doing to help people navigate it. We have now updated some of the charts we used at that event to include data for 2017.
Chart 1 below shows that about half of the total certifications of regulated qualifications awarded in the academic year 2016 to 17 were vocational or technical; there is an explanation of the categorisation further down this blog. However, chart 2 shows how many thousands of different vocational and technical qualifications are currently available. This diversity of options – resulting from the organic development of a market to meet the requirements of employers and learners – is potentially confusing to many.
Ofqual does not restrict the market. Our role is to regulate for quality on behalf of qualification users; that includes employers, as much as it does learners.
We take seriously our responsibility to help everyone understand the landscape, and we recently launched a tool that we hope will make exploration easier. We believe these tools will prove especially beneficial as the landscape changes, for example when T levels are introduced. We’ve been seeking feedback on this prototype, and thank-you to those who have already contributed – please keep it coming via analytics@ofqual.gov.uk.
Qualification categorisation
ESOL and SELT
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualifications are designed to help speakers of other languages develop and improve their English skills. They are not required for visa applications.
Secure English Language Test (SELT) qualifications are required for applicants applying for a number of different immigration visas. These tests must be passed with a Home Office approved SELT provider.
Functional Skills
Functional skills qualifications test applied skills in English, maths and information and communication technology (ICT). They are available in the following levels: entry 1 to 3, level 1 and level 2.
Examples of these qualifications include:
- Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Qualification in English at Entry 1
- OCR Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics at Level 1
- City & Guilds Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 2
Applied generals
Applied general qualifications are level 3 qualifications for post-16 students who want to continue their education through applied learning. These qualifications are included within Department for Education performance tables, and support entry to higher education, carrying UCAS tariff points.
Applied generals include qualifications such as:
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
- OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Laboratory Skills
- VTCT Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sports Studies
Technical awards
Tech awards are level 1 and 2 qualifications that provide 14 to 16 year olds with applied knowledge and practical skills. They are included in Department for Education performance tables.
They include qualifications such as
- City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Award in Engineering
- TLM Level 1 Certificate In Open Systems and Enterprise
- RSL Level 1 Certificate in Composition for Music Practitioners
Technical certificates
Technical certificates are level 2 qualifications that provide post-16 students with the knowledge and skills they need for skilled employment or for further technical study. They are included in Department for Education performance tables.
They include qualifications such as
- Cskills Awards Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying (Construction)
- AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting - Level 2
- IMI Level 2 Extended Diploma in Motorsport Vehicle Maintenance
Tech levels
Tech levels are level 3 qualifications that provide post-16 students with the knowledge and skills they need for skilled employment or for further technical study. They are included in Department for Education performance tables.
They include qualifications such as:
- Cskills Awards Level 3 Diploma in Plastering (Construction)
- IMI Level 3 Extended Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance
Other general qualifications
This category is based on qualifications categorised as 'other general qualifications' by awarding organisations. In some cases, these qualifications are also included amongst the aforementioned applied general, technical award, technical certificate or tech level categorisations, in which case they are counted above.
Other vocational and technical qualifications
This category includes all vocational and technical qualifications which do not come under any of the above categories. They span all qualification levels from entry 1 to level 8, and cover a wide variety of subjects.
Examples of these qualifications range from:
- AIM Awards Entry Level Award in Independent Living - Household Skills (Entry 1)
- OCNLR Level 4 Award in Managing Change in Health and Social Care Practice
- DAO Level 4 Diploma In Nuclear Submarine Engineering Management
Data for the infographics
The data for vocational and technical qualification certifications in England between is from the academic year 2016 to 2017. Data for GCSE, AS and A level is from the summer 2017 exam series.
Lucy Sydney
Director of Strategic Relationships for Vocational and Technical Qualifications
1 comment
Comment by Elizabeth Williams posted on
Excellent work Lucy. Keep it up!