Vocational Related Qualifications

Completing a VRQ means that you study and gain skills in a particular area. These qualifications follow a course structure and have an emphasis on developing practical skills and knowledge. They tend to be classroom-based, with assessment by written and practical examinations.

These qualifications give individuals the required technical skills to fulfil a job role. VRQs are offered by a large number of awarding bodies and range from broad-based VRQs to specialist qualifications designed for a particular industry. They can serve a range of purposes in different sectors and at different levels, and so vary greatly in terms of size, level and assessment method. Candidates who gain VRQs can follow a pathway to employment, study further or go on to show competence in their job role by completing the full Scottish/National Vocational Qualification (S/NVQ).

Vocational qualifications offered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland include:

• Vocational GCSE
• BTEC National
• Higher National Diploma (HND)
• Technical Certificate.

Examples related to the active leisure sector include; coaching or officiating qualifications, a life guard qualification, mountain leaders award or a certificate in playwork. There are a large number of awarding bodies who provide sector related VRQs.

With over 4000 qualifications recognised by the three regulatory bodies (QCA, ACCAC and CCEA) designed by 114 different awarding bodies the currency, validity and recognition of a qualification within this area can be daunting for many people.

There is a national qualifications framework (NQF) that aims to promote access, motivation and achievement in education and training. A Scottish credit and qualifications framework (SCQF) is also in place, as is a credit accumulation and transfer scheme in Northern Ireland.