National Vocational Qualification - work based awards accredited by the national awarding bodies, that assess competence and expertise in various occupationsto an industry standard.

Academic qualifications that assess the work skills of candidates sometimes through an external assessment. They include:

• Communication (written and spoken English)
• Information Technology
• Application of Number (numeracy)
• Problem Solving
• Working with Others
• Improving Own Learning & Performance

The underpinning knowledge or 'theory' of an Apprenticeship is achieved through a Technical Certificate. This is a separate award that gives a candidate the knowledge associated with their occupation. For example

• BTEC National Diploma in Engineering
• Business Administration Technical Certificate
• Association of Accountancy Technicians

Most Apprenticeships include a Technical Certificate

A component or module of a full NVQ that can be separately certificated. These are sometimes taken by candidates unsure of the commitment for a full NVQ or Apprentices whose qualification requires additional units from other NVQs.