General Physics (UK) Ltd

How NVQs Work

National Vocational Qualifications, or NVQs (in Scotland, Scottish Vocational Qualifications, or SVQs) are work-based qualifications that reflect the skills, knowledge and understanding an individual possesses in relation to a specific area of work.

Along with GP, a number of organisations are involved with different aspects of your NVQ/SQV.

The following diagram gives an overview of the organisations involved in the NVQ system. Please note that awarding bodies (e.g. OCR, city and guilds, IPD, AAIT) are involved in both in the design and the award of NVQs.

NVQ Design & Development
Standards Setting Bodies Develop occupational standards, assessment strategies and NVQ qualification structures. These are normally National Training Organisations (NTOs), who work closely with employers to agree upon common criteria.		Awarding Bodies Design assessment and quality assurance systems. They must gain endorsement of standards setting body prior to submission to QCA for accreditation of the qualification.
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) (England/Wales) Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) (Scotland) Accredits proposals for qualifications submitted. Approves and monitors awarding bodies that offer NVQs/SVQs.
Awarding Bodies Approve assessment centres to offer specific NVQs, implement, and assure quality of the NVQs.
Assessment Centres Organisations which meet criteria for assessing NVQs as set by Awarding Bodies. GP operates assessment centres across the UK for NVQs awarded by OCR, City and Guilds, and other awarding bodies.
The NVQ Candidate Working with Assessors from GP, the candidate compiles evidence that shows underpinning knowledge and competence across a range of tasks and activities within the specific area of work.
Funding Bodies In England, learning and skills councils (LSCs) and in Scotland local enterprise companies (LECs) will provide funding of NVQ assessment for candidates who complete NVQs by age 25. Contact GP for information about funding in your area.