If you have an NVQ, it shows that you can do the work for which it has been awarded and do it to the national standard. This means that you are competent in the field in which you are working-for example care. For this reason NVQs are described as competence based qualifications. A competent worker in the field of CARE is one who has the ability to demonstrate both their knowledge and skills in the workplace.

KNOWLEDGE + SKILLS = COMPETENCE…………

…is having the ability to do something to a particular standard-that is , NVQs are awarded to those individuals who can show that they can do something practical in work and explain why they do it.

• An NVQ is a competence based qualification.
• An NVQ reflects the needs of the workplace.
• An NVQ is best assessed in the workplace.
• Achievement of an NVQ will often require a training input.

The NVQ system

NVQs are accredited and regulated by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA). This ensures they meet the standards required to be included in The National Qualification framework.

National Training Organisations/Sector Skills Councils

NVQs in care are based on national occupational standards developed by TOPSS/Health work National Training Organisations, which represents the Health and Social Care sectors.

Awarding Body e.g. City and Guilds

Awarding bodies are approved by QCA to award qualifications. They use the standards as a basis for qualifications. They ensure the quality and consistency of assessment for qualifications nationally. When you have successfully completed your award they will issue a certificate.

Assessment Centres e.g. colleges, companies, private trainers.

They are approved by the awarding bodies to assess and verify qualifications.

External Verifiers:

• are appointed by the awarding body to check that those offering NVQ awards are meeting the standards they should;
• visit centres, talk to assessors and candidates and make reports about what they see to the awarding body;
• verify that candidates have successfully completed awards.

Internal Verifiers:

• are appointed by an assessment centre;
• work with assessors to ensure the quality and consistency of assessment decisions in the centre;
• sample candidate assessments to ensure consistent assessment;
• signs off individual units.

Assessors / Advisors:

• are appointed by an approved centre to assess candidate’s evidence against the national standards;
• support and encourage candidates;
• draw up assessment plans with candidates;
• prepare candidates for assessment;
• provide equal opportunities for assessment.

Candidates:

• are individuals seeking credit for their achievements and competence;
• show they can perform to national standards in order to be awarded an NVQ, and demonstrate the specified knowledge, understanding and skills;
• Take responsibility for the quality of evidence provided to assessors.