NVQs

1. The Basics

1.1 NVQs are nationally recognised qualifications.

• NVQs are available for almost all occupations.For example, there are NVQs for customer service, training, small business management and so on.
• NVQs can be used in almost any business, of any size.For example, almost every business will have some employees for whom an administration or customer care NVQ might be suitable.
• NVQs are available at up to five levels.'Level 1' represents performance at a basic level; 'level 3' is typically performance at a supervisory level; and 'level 5' is typically performance at senior level or higher.

1.2 NVQs are based on standards of work performance. They provide measures for what an employee should be able to do, how well, and in what contexts and conditions.

• The standards for each NVQ have been nationally developed and agreed by industry.
• The standards are based on work performance, underpinned by knowledge.The usual way to achieve an NVQ is by demonstrating actual work performance which meets the specified standards.
• The standards are grouped into units.Each unit represents an area of work activity which is of value to an employer.

1.3 You can use the NVQ standards as a stand-alone business tool.

Many businesses choose to use the standards alone initially, delaying the introduction of certification (see 1.4).

You can use the standards for:

• Training needs analysis.
• Design, delivery and evaluation of training and development.
• Preparing recruitment specifications.
• Career development and succession planning.
• Continuously assessing and appraising performance.Assessment is conducted in the workplace and is not necessarily tied to any specified training programme or time frame.

1.4 Introducing NVQ certification (the award of NVQs to employees) provides additional benefits.

• Managers and employees of all ages can achieve national recognition for competent performance.Individual units of NVQs can be assessed and awarded flexibly.
• You can use NVQ certification as part of a business-led performance management system, such as Investors in People.