What is a Vocational Qualification?

A Vocational Qualification is a cluster of NOS which together define the competences of an occupation.  For example, the NOS which define the role of a maintenance technician can be clustered to form a qualification called, ‘Process Engineering Maintenance Level 3’.  In addition, all vocational qualifications have advice on how assessment for the award is to be carried out. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the awards are called National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).  In Scotland they are called Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). Vocational Qualifications are accessed through Awarding Bodies (like PAA/VQSET, SASL, City and Guilds and BTEC).

Cogent has a key role in designing N/SVQs by determining the demand for them from both employers and employees alike. N/SVQs are organised into five levels.  Briefly these are : Level 1, Foundation Skills and Occupations ; Level 2, Operative or semi-skilled occupations ; Level 3, Technician, craft skilled and supervisory occupations ; Level 4, Technical and middle management occupations ; Level 5, Chartered, professional and senior management occupations.

What N/SVQs are available? 

There are N/SVQs available for many occupations with special emphasis on safety and operational integrity.  

List of N/SVQs currently available to Cogent’s customers (This list will be regularly updated as new qualifications are developed and old ones reviewed).

How are N/SVQs attained?

Employees going forward for an N/SVQ are called candidates.  They will register for the award with an ‘Approved Centre’ which can be a college, specialist training organisation, or in many cases, a large employer.  The awards are obtained through formal assessment and verification in which evidence is presented by the candidate to an assessor.  Unlike most qualifications, this evidence is taken mainly from the wokplace where performance can be demonstrated through normal work activities. 

Information on the assessment process and assessor training.