The Qualifications

GCSE's

GCSE's are normally taken at the end of year 11 in schools. It is possible to re-sit these exams if you fail to get your required grades or you simply want to improve grades. You should try to make sure that you have a go at English, Maths and a Science if possible, as employers and colleges will be looking for people with these qualifications, sometimes at grade C or above.

Entry levels

• These are the first level of education achievements. They're designed to give you full recognition for your education achievements.
• Entry level certificates are available in a wide range of subjects.
• You can do them at your own pace.
• They are most helpful if you have had difficulty getting more traditional qualifications such as GCSE's.

AS (Advanced Supplementary) levels

• These are equivalent to half an A level, and mean you can try several subjects out before choosing which ones to specialise in.
• If you do like your AS level course, you can turn it into a full A level by carrying on to take it at A2 level. Or you can finish it at the end of the AS course - and still gain a certificate.
• AS levels are normally marked through a mixture of coursework (30%) and exams (70%).
• AS levels count towards the points you need to gain entry to universities and colleges of higher education.

A levels/A2 levels

• A2 levels develop the knowledge of a subject you gained at AS level into a deeper understanding of it.
• Doing an A2 level turns your AS level into a full A level.
• A2 levels are marked on 30% coursework, 70% exams.
• You can't do an A2 level until you've done the AS level.

GNVQ's (General National Vocational Qualifications) and AVCE's (Advanced Vocational Certificates of Education)

• GNVQ's are available in a wide range of subjects, such as Business, Health and Social Care, Art and Design and Information Technology, and are designed to improve your knowledge and understanding of work related topics.
• They are available at Intermediate and Foundation level, usually as one year full time courses at college and some sixth forms.
• You may progress into more advanced study or work related training.
• AVCE's emphasise knowledge, skills and understanding in broad vocational areas. They are like standard A levels in terms of difficulty and the points you can gain from them towards your place at university or college.
• The main difference is that vocational A levels are much more work related and are assessed mainly by your school/college, rather than an exam board.
• AVCE's can be taken as Single or Double Awards and taken alongside one or more AS/A2 levels - tutors will always advise you on the options available.

Key Skills

• Key Skills courses are de signed to equip you with the important skills and motivation you need for success.
• The Key Skills qualification is designed to recognise your achievement in several important areas - Communication, Application of Numbers and Information Technology. You can get certificates for your progress at different levels within each of these areas.
• There are also courses in wider Key Skills - Problem Solving, Working With Others, and Improving Learning and Performance.
• Key Skills courses are usually assessed by coursework.
• There are 4 levels of difficulty for each Key Skills area, so you can pick the level appropriate for you.
• Key Skills courses can be made to fit in with other qualifications, so you can do them alongside NVQ or AS/A2 courses. If you want though, you can do them full time.
• Key Skills courses count towards the points you need to gain entry to university or college.

NVQ's (National Vocational Qualification)

• NVQ's are a set of nationally recognised qualifications, and although comparable to academic qualifications, they measure your ability to do a job, rather than your ability to pass exams. Basically, they're hands on qualifications, and there are loads to choose from.
• They cover five levels from entry (NVQ 1 and 2) through technician and supervisory (NVQ 3) to senior management (NVQ 4 and 5).
• You'll be assessed mainly as you carry out real jobs in the workplace, although there will usually be 2 exams as well.
• You can do an NVQ as a one year course, usually at college, or as you work.
• If you are not in work, assessment can be arranged via voluntary work or through temporary placements.

Other qualifications

Schools and colleges also offer a range of other work related qualifications such as City and Guilds courses. Talk to your Connexions Personal Adviser about the sort of job you are interested in - they are there to help you choose the right qualifications.