Level 2 Courses
| Qualification | To start you need | Type | How is it assessed? | What's it all about? | Where does it lead? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCSEs (9-4 or A*-C) | Varies, often several subjects at GCSE grades 3 and above | General education | Mainly through exams at the end of the course. Some subjects will also have practical assessments. | Usual subjects like maths, English, science. Some new subjects may be available. Not many places offer a full GCSE resit course. | Level 3 courses or an apprenticeship |
Technical Certificates (such as BTEC Level 2 Technicals, OCR Cambridge Technicals and City & Guilds) | Varies, often look for a good GCSE record, mainly 3s and some 4s | Applied general | Mixture of assignments, projects, tests and practical, work-related activities. Assessment throughout the course. | Concentrates on general work areas such as hospitality, business, sport, engineering. Often involves some work experience. A Diploma is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at 9-4 (A*-C), an Extended Certificate to 2 GCSEs at 9-4 (A*-C), and a Certificate to 1 GCSE at 9-4 (A*-C) | Level 3 courses (if you have equivalent of four GCSEs at grade 4 or C or above), or an apprenticeship |
| BTEC Firsts and OCR Cambridge Nationals Level 2 | Varies, often look for a good GCSE record, mainly 3s and some 4s | Applied general and vocational/technical | Assignments, projects, tests and practical activities. | Available in several industry sectors. Provide skills, knowledge and understanding needed to work in those sectors | Level 3 courses or an apprenticeship |
NVQ 2 | Varies, but employers and colleges often look for a good record at GCSE | Vocational/technical | Recording practical experience and assessment of you doing the actual job | Training for a particular job. Sometimes offered full-time at college but usually taken as part of an apprenticeship | Can lead to NVQ 3 courses or an apprenticeship |