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National vocational qualifications (NVQs) and Scottish vocational qualifications (SVQs) standards and frameworks

What are NVQs and SVQs?

National Vocational Qualifications and Scottish Vocational Qualifications NVQs are  'competence-based' qualifications, which means you learn practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge to do a job effectively.

The learning content of NVQs and SVQs is based on the National Occupational Standards in the relevant area. These standards define the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to do a particular job.

Find a qualification structure

CITB is working with stakeholders to develop up-to-date structures with the new measures required by legislation for each qualification in construction.

These structures are designed to meet the changing needs of each sector in construction.

Search for structures listed according to occupational area.

Awarding organisations

If you have a proposal for a vocational qualification, please open the word document below, save the file, complete the form and send as an attachment to the standards team

Qualification support application form (word document 106KB)

Regulation of qualifications across the UK

The qualification frameworks are regulated differently across the UK.

The RQF provides a single, simple system for cataloguing all qualifications regulated by Ofqual and the qualifications are now indexed by their level and size.

The levels are the same as the previous frameworks but with new level descriptors.  All qualifications will now have a measure of size known as Total Qualification Time (TQT) which indicates the time a typical candidate would take to achieve the learning outcomes.

See Ofqual's infographic describing the new RQF structure

The SCQF promotes lifelong learning in Scotland. Through the Framework you can gain a better understanding of qualifications in Scotland and plan your future learning.

It works by using two measures: the level of a qualification or learning programme and the number of Credit Points awarded. The level of a qualification indicates the level of difficulty and the number of credit points indicates the length of time it takes to complete. One SCQF credit point represents an average of 10 hours of learning time.

See the SCQF website for details

The CQFW is an all-inclusive framework that recognises all forms of learning across all levels and abilities. The framework is designed to provide greater clarity on the qualifications system in Wales.

See details on Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales website

Qualifications in Wales is the regulator of non-degree qualifications and the qualifications system in Wales. The database contains details of all qualifications that are approved for teaching in Wales for learners aged under 19, excluding higher education.

See the QiW database for information on qualifications