If you want a publicly recognized certification that will boost your chances on the job market, National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) might be exactly what you are looking for. Even if you feel more than qualified in your area of expertise, an NVQ certification could be beneficial for your career. Especially on the top levels, such as NVQ level 4 or 5, this certification can help you proof what you are actually qualified and trained to do and where you should be in your job.
Before explaining to you what the NVQ level 4 is all about, there are two main characteristics that you need to know about. Firstly, the NVQ certifications are entirely based on results, which means that you can complete them in very short time, provided that you already have all the skills you need. Secondly, the NVQs are separated into different fields of expertise. Before taking an NVQ course or exam, you will have to decide which field you want to qualify in.
What is the NVQ Level 4?
Although there is really no equivalent in the academic sense of what National Vocational Qualifications are, some may say that the level 4 is comparable to a high school diploma or certification such as a certificate in higher education if you work in an academic setting. In simple terms, this qualifications means that you are perfectly capable of performing the duties required of your specific job within a certain industry or you have learned practical job skills important to your field. Furthermore, at level 4, you should have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform these duties within different contexts. At NVQ level 4 you will be in a managing role and responsible for assigning work to others while implementing certain procedures and policies. You may furthermore be responsible for controlling limited financial budgets and even tasks such as recruiting new employees. If you want to work in a higher level management position, the NVQ level 4 might take you there.
Where the NVQ Level 4 Can Lead You
You can take NVQ courses whether you are already in a job position or if you are just starting out. You are also allowed to take NVQs while you are studying. If you are found to be at level 4, you are at the equivalent of a Certificate of Higher Education or BTEC Professional Diplomas Certificates and Awards as well as Higher National Certificates. For instance, you can gain a diploma of accounting or study in a wide range of subjects such as business and management; construction and property; food, catering and leisure services; hair and beauty; health and social care; and retail and distribution. Generally speaking, any NVQ certification will make you an interesting candidate for most employers because this qualification gives companies a clear idea of what your skills and capabilities are.
Where You Can Take the NVQ Level 4
NVQs are available in various areas of expertise. Before you think of signing up for a course, you will have to decide for one of them. The rough classification is as follows:
- Business Administration
- Sales, marketing and distribution
- Health and Social services
- Food, catering and leisure services
- Property and construction industry
- Manufacturing, production and engineering
Of course, you need to know where to go for your NVQ training. The first thing you have to do is find a college or university that offers NVQ courses. If you are interested in full time courses, you can search online at the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. Here you can search the UK and the rest of the EU. You can even find courses if you are living permanently outside the EU since there are NVQ courses for international students. You can also seek part time NVQ training by doing a Next Step search. This government source allows you to search by either college or the kind of NVQ courses you wish to take. You can even browse through courses in areas such as art, media and travel, tourism and hospitality.
