National occupational standards are statements of performance that describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspects of an occupation, including current best practice, the ability to adapt to future requirements, and the knowledge and understanding that underpin competent performance.
Most NVQs consist of mandatory and optional units. Mandatory units apply to all roles supported by the NOS for that role. Optional units let you select those that apply to your own role or specialism. To achieve an NVQ, candidates produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the NVQ standards. Assessment is normally through on-the-job observation and questioning to make sure you can demonstrate competence in the workplace. Because NVQs are assessed in the workplace you will need to work with your line manager to make sure you can provide the right evidence for your chosen units.
Training and development for NVQs should be tailored to the learner’s needs. For some, this might mean attending a training course if that seems the best way to learn what they need. For others, it might be possible to do slightly different work to gain the evidence of competence they need.
The structure of an NVQ is developed by the sector skills council or sector body with responsibility for the NOS that underpin it. There are NVQs for most occupational areas; visit the career development framework or the national database of qualifications to find an NVQ related to your role.
NVQs are delivered by awarding bodies that design the qualification and offer it through approved training providers. To find a training provider, either visit the awarding body’s website or Learndirect. If you would like more information on NVQs, look at the career development guidance.
The TDA is responsible for the structure of the NVQs in supporting teaching and learning in schools and the NVQs for teaching assistants that they replaced.
