What is a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)?
• An NVQ is a nationally recognised qualification. It shows that you are able to work to a set national standard. In Scotland these are called SVQs, so sometimes you will see them referred to as S/NVQs. • NVQs reflect best practice and are based on National Occupational Standards written by the particular employment-led body that represents your work area. In social care in England, this is Skills for Care and the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) for Childrens Care Learning and Development. • In an NVQ a National Occupational Standard is called a unit; you gain an NVQ by achieving a set number of units. • You achieve units by demonstrating your competence at work. NVQs are gained in the workplace, not in a classroom or exam hall. NVQs require that you have a certain level of background knowledge about your area of work, so you may be able to use awards (qualifications) as evidence towards the knowledge part of the requirements for the NVQ. MCQ’s knowledge sheets and trai
