Qualification levels are used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to show how demanding a qualification is and how it compares to others within the regulated framework. Ranging from Entry Level through to Level 8, each level reflects the depth of knowledge, skills and autonomy expected of a learner.
Understanding qualification levels helps learners, employers and training providers choose the right route for education, career progression and professional development. This guide explains each qualification level, what it equates to, and who it is most suitable for.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is useful for:
- Learners choosing qualifications and progression routes
- Employers specifying qualification requirements
- Training providers and assessors
- HR and learning and development (L&D) professionals
Jump to:
- Who regulates qualification levels?
- Entry Level Qualifications
- Level 1-3
- Levels 4-6
- Levels 7 and 8
- Frequently asked questions about qualification levels
Who regulates qualification levels?
Qualification levels are set against regulated frameworks overseen by organisations such as Ofqual in England, Qualifications Wales[BN1.1] and CCEA Regulation in Northern Ireland. Regulators ensure that qualifications are consistent, comparable and meet defined standards of knowledge, skills and competence.
Awarding organisations, such as SFJ Awards, develop qualifications within these regulatory frameworks by working closely with employers, subject matter experts and sector specialists. This ensures that qualifications reflect real-world job roles, current professional standards and employer expectations.
Each qualification is carefully designed to indicate progression, helping learners, employers and training providers understand how qualifications compare and how they support education and career pathways.
With this regulatory framework in place, qualification levels can be clearly mapped from introductory learning through to advanced professional expertise.
Entry level qualifications
Entry level qualifications – at a glance
- Typical learners: People new to learning, those building confidence, or learners needing a foundation level.
- Common examples: Entry level certificates, entry level ESOL, entry level functional skills.
- Progression routes: Level 1 qualifications, supported learning, introductory vocational training.
Each entry level qualification is available at three sub-levels – 1, 2 and 3. Entry Level 3 is the most difficult.
Entry level qualifications are:
- Entry level certificate (ELCs)
- Entry level awards and diplomas
- Entry level English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- Entry level essential or functional skills
- Skills for Life
Entry level qualifications are perfect for those wanting an introduction to or foundation awareness of a topic. It usually sets a minimum standard of competence in areas that most adults are expected to be equipped with. They provide the framework of knowledge and skills that are seen to be needed to be able to access and take part in all aspects of life.
For example, Skills for Life areas might include digital skills, such as being able to use a computer and access the internet. Monitoring the percentage of the population that have these Skills for Life helps the government understand the overall skills development of the nation.
Entry Level Skills such as ESOL are often used as a minimum standard for visa and work applications for foreign nationals.
Levels 1-3
Level 1-3 qualifications – at a glance
- Typical learners: School leavers, early-career learners, and adults developing core skills.
- Common examples: GCSEs, T-Levels, apprenticeships, vocational certificates and diplomas.
- Progression routes: Employment, apprenticeships, higher education, Level 4 or 5 study.
These levels are often associated with mandatory and further education, such as GCSEs and A-Levels. However, a lot of vocational training in the workforce is also at this level. Qualifications at this level provide an in-depth core understanding and essential knowledge of topics and practices needed to be successful in a job role.
Many roles require qualification to this level as a pre-requisite to employment. You will find qualifications such as Fire Sprinkler Installation and apprenticeships for policing, fire and rescue, and other public services at this level.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|
| First certificate GCSE – grades 3, 2, 1 (or grades D, E, F, G) Level 1 awards and diplomas Level 1 certificate Level 1 ESOL Level 1 essential or functional skills Level 1 national vocational qualifications (NVQ) Music grades 1, 2 and 3 | CSE – Grade 1 GCSE – grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 (or grades A*, A, B, C) Intermediate apprenticeship Level 2 award Level 2 certificate Level 2 diploma Level 2 ESOL Level 2 functional skills Level 2 national diploma Level 2 NVQ Music grades 4 and 5 O level – grade A, B or C | A Level Access to higher education diploma Advanced apprenticeship Applied general qualification AS Level International Baccalaureate diploma Level 3 award Level 3 certificate Level 3 diploma Level 3 ESOL Level 3 national certificate Level 3 national diploma Level 3 NVQ Music grades 6, 7 an 8 T Level Tech level |
Levels 4-6
Level 4-6 qualifications – at a glance
- Typical learners: Professionals developing specialist, supervisory or management skills.
- Common examples: Certificates and diplomas, higher national qualifications, foundation degrees, bachelor’s degrees.
- Progression routes: Senior roles, Level 7 qualifications, postgraduate or professional development.
Qualifications from levels 4-6 are often seen in the workforce, with many of them indicating a higher level of competence within a profession. Many certificates and diplomas are funded by workplaces as a method of upskilling their employees.
You will also find many of these qualifications listed as desirable or essential on job applications. Professions such as human resources, learning and development, and marketing, usually desire a certificate or diploma from a relevant awarding organisation.
They are a core route of progression for individuals as well. For example, those who wish to progress in policing from a constable to a detective role may be required to have a Level 6 Diploma in Conducting Serious and Complex Investigations (or other depending on their existing qualifications and specialism routes available).
| Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of higher education (CertHE) Higher apprenticeship Higher national certificate (HNC) Level 4 award Level 4 certificate Level 4 diploma Level 4 NVQ | Diploma of higher education (DipHE) Foundation degree Higher national diploma (HND) Level 5 award Level 5 certificate Level 5 diploma Level 5 NVQ | Degree apprenticeship Degree with honours – for example Bachelor of Arts (BA) hons, Bachelor of Science (BSc) hons Graduate certificate Graduate diploma Level 6 award Level 6 certificate Level 6 diploma Level 6 NVQ Ordinary degree without honours |
Level 7 and 8
Level 7-8 qualifications – at a glance
- Typical learners: Senior professionals, leaders and subject matter experts.
- Common examples: Master’s degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas, doctorates.
- Progression routes: Strategic leadership roles, research, policy development, advanced professional practice.
Qualifications at this level are usually helped by senior management or subject matter experts. They usually involve an element of thought leadership and contribution to the overall development of the profession or topic. They will often also include competences such as leadership skills, separate from technical knowledge.
For some sectors, competence at this level is also a requirement. For example, there is the expectation that qualifications for those in policing at Inspector rank or above are sat at level 7.
| Level 7 | Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Degree apprenticeship Integrated master’s degree, for example Master of Engineering (MEng) Level 7 award Level 7 certificate Level 7 diploma Level 7 NVQ Master’s degree, for example Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc) Postgraduate certificate Postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) Postgraduate diploma | Doctorate, for example Doctor of Philosophy (PhD or DPhil) Level 8 award Level 8 certificate Level 8 diploma |
How are the levels for each qualification set?
The level of a qualification is decided against strict criteria from regulators such as Ofqual. Awarding Organisations like SFJ Awards develop qualifications by collaborating with subject matter experts and employers to rigorously quality assure the content that learners need to show competence in.
Read more about how we design qualifications in England and Wales →
SFJ Awards has a range of qualifications from levels 1-6. We work across all protective services, including policing and law enforcement, criminal justice, fire and rescue, and security.
Explore our qualificationsFrequently asked questions about qualification levels
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What are qualification levels?
Qualification levels show how difficult a qualification is and how it compares to other qualifications within the regulated education framework in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Levels range from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level reflecting increasing depth of knowledge, skills, responsibility and autonomy.
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What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications?
Level 2 qualifications demonstrate a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills and are often associated with GCSEs or entry-level vocational roles. Level 3 qualifications build on this foundation, requiring greater independence and critical understanding. Level 3 qualifications are commonly required for progression to higher education, advanced apprenticeships or more specialised job roles.
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What qualification is equivalent to a degree?
An undergraduate degree with honours (such as BA or BSc) is a Level 6 qualification. Master’s degrees are classed as Level 7 qualifications, while doctoral degrees such as a PhD sit at Level 8, the highest qualification level.
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Are qualification levels the same across the whole UK?
Qualification levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follow the same regulated framework. Scotland uses a different system known as the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), which has its own levels and equivalencies. It is important to check the framework used when comparing qualifications across different parts of the UK.
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Why are qualification levels important for employers?
Qualification levels help employers understand the standard of knowledge and skill a learner has achieved. They provide a consistent way to compare qualifications, set role requirements and plan workforce development. Many employers use qualification levels to support recruitment, training and progression pathways.
