Understanding the differences in qualification levels is important - and for several reasons. It shows employers and teachers what level of difficulty you have already mastered.
Information in this section explains the difficulty level of a qualification. It is useful for comparing qualifications across different countries.
Almost all qualifications contain a difficulty level. A higher level represents a qualification with a higher degree of difficulty.
As a result, there are several ways to determine the level of a qualification. For example, you can:
Check through the list of different qualification levels below (used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
Compare how countries outside of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland use different level systems for their qualifications (details below).
In fact, the whole range of exam qualifications is huge and varied. But, grouping them together into levels makes them easier to compare.
Nonetheless, it is important to be aware that the same qualification levels often cover different amounts - even in the same subject.
An Example:
You can learn about the same subject in AS levels and A levels (e.g. languages, mathematics, science). But, they are both classed as level 3 qualifications.
The difference between the two levels is the length of study time. So, you would study AS levels over a one (1) year period and A levels over a period of two (2) years.
So, you would learn significantly more about a particular subject when studying it as an A level qualification.
Contacting the Helplines
The National Careers Service helpline provides advice about qualification levels for learners who are studying in England. Use the different helplines for other parts of the United Kingdom:
UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) provides information and advice on academic and vocational qualifications and skills from all over the world. Contact UK NARIC to compare a UK qualification with any non-UK qualification (there is a fee for using this service).
What Qualification Levels Mean in the United Kingdom