Whats the differance between an NVQ and a AVCE?

Question

I have been looking a caring jobs and lots say i need an NVQ level 2-3 or equivalent in Health and social care.
I have a AVCE in health and social care, is that the same thing or different? please help.
Thanks

Answer 1

As you probably know, NVQ stands for national Vocational Qualification, GNVQ stands for General National Vocational Qualification and AVCE stands for Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education. This qualification used to be known as a Vocational A-Level or as an equivalent to an advanced GNVQ, but this qualification (as has the GNVQ) has just been withdrawn and replaced by Advanced General Certificates of Education. In other words, these students do A-levels (also known as GCEs or General Certificates of Education) like everybody else but they will be available as applied A-levels (and probably GCSEs) in 'practical' subjects, such as Health and Social Care.

Ok, all the qualifications that we can do from the very basic (e.g. beginner's courses) to the very advanced (e.g. doctorates) are put onto a 'ladder' of levels called the national qualifications framework (NQF). At the moment, this 'ladder' has 8 rungs or levels, with doctorates on level 8, masters on level 7, honours degrees on level 6, Diplomas of Higher Education on level 5, certificates of higher education on level 4, A-levels on level 3, GCSEs on level 2 and basic certificates in adult literacy on level 1. In short, your course is similar to a GNVQ and NVQ in that it is a vocational qualification but yours is more recent and more advanced than the GNVQ and NVQ.

Now, the jobs that you're interested in require an NVQ at levels 2-3, so that means the employers are looking for people who have studied vocational courses which are on the same level as GCSEs and A-levels. You have an AVCE which would probably come under level 3 (as it is equivalent to an A-level in an academic subject like Maths), so in a nutshell, yes, you are qualified to apply for these jobs. However, your qualification has just been withdrawn, so you may be asked to study another course if you get the job, if your potential employers are uncertain about your current qualifications and level of experience in relation to the new qualifications.

I don't know how old you are, but if you're aged 16-19, I suggest that you see a connections advisor for further guidance on this issue. If not, Learn Direct also offers free careers advice, so you may want to speak to one of its advisors.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I'm in exactly the same position. I know that if you did the one year course it is the equivalent of 1 A Level, and the two year course is 2 A Levels.

In the nursery that I work in, it doesn't count as it is not specifically about child care. I'm applying for jobs in other areas of care now, and I am stating my AVCE on the application forms. But I'm not applying for jobs that actually say the job requires NVQ's.

So many jobs are willing to get you NVQ qualified as they have a legal quota of qualified staff to fill. I think the best advice would be, if you see a job you really like the look of, phone them up and explain what qualifications you do have and ask if it is worth applying.

Answer 3

I've got a double award AVCE in Performing Arts and I was told it's the equivalent to two A Levels. I think NVQ is not quite as good as an AVCE - it's an alternative - but I don't know how the levels work because the higher the level, the more recognised and high profile it is.

Answer 4

Found the following info that I've pasted below at http://www.owenproject.co.uk/ccm/navigation/resources/nvq-equivalents/

So the answer is yes. Your AVCE if you studied it for two years and passed is equivalent to 2 A Levels, in other words NVQ Level 3.

NVQ Level 1
Description:
•Basic Level
•Foundation
•Semi-Skilled
•Pre-training
Equivalent Qualifications:
•GCSE
•SCE
•CSE
•City and Guilds level 1
•City and Guilds part 1
•RSA Stage 1
•Vocational Certificate; BTEC,BEC, SCOTBEC or SCOTVEC 1st or general certificate
•Basic literacy and numeracy qualifications, such as Wordpower and Numberpower

NVQ Level 2
Description:
•Middle Level
•Skilled
Equivalent Qualifications:
•RSA Stage 2
•RSA Diploma
•Pitmans intermediate
•City and Guilds Craft; BTEC, BEC, SCOTBEC, TEC, SCOTEC or SCOITVEC 1st or general diploma
•1 A level, GNVQ or SNVQ

NVQ Level 3
Description:
•Middle level
•Full Craft/technician
•Intermediate academic
Equivalent Qualifications:
•City and Guilds level 3
•City and Guilds part 3
•City and Guilds advanced
•2 or more A levels
•GNVQ's or SNVQ's

NVQ Level 4
Description:
•High level;
•Advanced technical,
•Semi-professional,
•Graduate academic.
Equivalent Qualifications:
•First degree (BA, BSc, Bed and so on)
•Nursing and teaching qualifications
•Some diplomas
•HND
NVQ Level 5
Description:
•High level;
•Full professional;
•Advanced academic
Equivalent Qualifications:
•Master's degree
•PhD
•Some diplomas
•PGCE

Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

all I can tell you is NVQ means , National Vocation Qualification