Assessment Process

The Awarding Body:         an organization approved by the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) to provide NVQ programmes and award the NVQ certificate. Appoints external verifiers who monitor the assessment process and the internal verifiers.

Assessment Centres:         Employers, independent training providers and Colleges of Further Education which carry out assessments.   Appoints internal verifiers to monitor the assessment procedure and works closely with the assessor.

Assessor                          Someone who assesses the candidates performance against the NVQ standards and acts as a guide to the candidate.

An NVQ standard consists of a number of units of competence, some of which are mandatory (or compulsory) and some of which are optional. Candidates will have to complete all of the mandatory units and a selection of optional units chosen from specified categories.

Each unit is subdivided into a number of elements. Candidates are expected to collect evidence from their daily work activities to show how they meet the performance criteria for each element. Once they have sufficient evidence to prove their competence in one whole unit, an assessor will check the paperwork and assess their performance during normal work operations.

Each element may require a number of assessments to ensure that the candidate can consistently perform to the required standard of competence. When everything is satisfactory, the unit will be signed off. When the appropriate number of units have been achieved, a full NVQ will be awarded.

It is possible for candidates to obtain certification for just one or two units, if they wish. It is also possible to obtain certification for one or two units from each of several different NVQ programmes. In other words, you can mix and match units from different NVQs.

NVQ’s are different from traditional courses as they are based on normal work activities, and are not graded. When a candidate is deemed to have reached the level of competency required the certificate is awarded.

Employers have played a vital role in deciding upon the standards for NVQ’s in order that the employers needs are met.  Significant benefits in terms of improved employee performance and motivation have been reported. 

For the individual, a NVQ provides a qualification that gives evidence of the skills and learning that employers are looking for.

NVQs are qualifications for work and show that an employee can do a job to national standards and have up-to-date skills. They are made up of units describing skills and knowledge required. They are flexible, and there are no exams at the end. They can be completed as part of the normal job, studied at assessment centres, or through private study.  Any combination of these methods can be used.

Progression through the levels provides a framework for employees to gain all the extra skills and knowledge they need to progress from basic skills right up to the skills to become a successful supervisor or manager.

This system is completely flexible. New units or new levels to ar NVQ qualifications can be added at any time during your career. Previously acquired skills which have not been recognised by a formal qualification can be assessed and accredited towards an NVQ.

The NVQ is awarded by qualified people, either within the workplace or at an assessment centre.

NVQs are nationally recognised qualifications and are accepted by employers all over Britain

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