Entry Level Qualifications

What are Entry Level qualifications?

Entry Level qualifications correspond to Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the National Curriculum. For those working below Level 1, Entry Level Qualifications may be available at what are called Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2 and Entry Level 3.

In what kind of areas are these qualifications offered?

Entry Level Qualifications may be taken in National Curriculum subjects or in vocational areas, for example, in life skills, retail, numeracy or construction.

Where can they be taken?

Entry Level qualifications may be taken in a variety of settings. These may include schools, FE colleges, the workplace, community settings, prisons and Young Offenders’ Institutions or residential or day-care settings.   

Entry Level Qualifications are changing

Entry Level qualifications are currently being revised to provide more flexible ‘bite sized’ learning opportunities within what’s called the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). There are already over 300 QCF Entry Level units available.  

Many QCF units are available in both English and Welsh.

Where can I find out more?

Schools, colleges and employers may be able to suggest some Entry Level qualifications which could be suitable for their learners or employees. Awarding Organisations’ websites may also have information about the Entry Level qualifications they offer.