NVQs Explained
What is an NVQ?
NVQ’s are competency-based, this means that the person learns on the job and then produces evidence of their work, this then becomes the basis of a portfolio that is assessed against the occupational standard.
The learner must demonstrate that their skills are current and prove their competency over a period of time. The timescale will be dependent on how experienced the learner is.
How long will it take?
In many cases a learner may have years of experience but not have the qualification to evidence their competency, if they can provide evidence that they are working to the National Occupational Standard they are likely to be able to collate evidence and complete the qualification in a relatively short period of time. For those that are inexperienced this would naturally take a bit longer as they build their competence through training and experience in the workplace. It can take up to 12 months for a new learner.
How is the NVQ assessed?
The learner will be given the NVQ criteria and units so that they understand what their learning outcomes need to be.
The NVQ is assessed in different ways to ensure that the learner is competent to carry out their work.
Professional discussions – This will be a verbal discussion that can be recorded where the assessor asks the learner questions relating to their trade. The discussion will cover areas of knowledge that the learner will be expected to understand.
On site assessment – The assessor will carry out some visits to the learners workplace and see them carry out work on site. This can be recorded on video.
Portfolio - Collation of evidence through an online portfolio will evidence the learners work. The learner can upload evidence such as videos or photographs that cover the criteria outlined in their NVQ units to an online portal or via email.
There is no pass or fail with an NVQ. You are either classed as competent or not yet competent, which means the learner would need to provide additional or further evidence over a period of time.
Funded courses available
The IAA CS are currently offering part funded NVQs that includes mini online bootcamp session of 2 days to boost the learning experience covering Building Defects and Interfaces as well as a practical day session with a registered System Designer.
Find out more here
NVQ’s are competency-based, this means that the person learns on the job and then produces evidence of their work, this then becomes the basis of a portfolio that is assessed against the occupational standard.
The learner must demonstrate that their skills are current and prove their competency over a period of time. The timescale will be dependent on how experienced the learner is.
How long will it take?
In many cases a learner may have years of experience but not have the qualification to evidence their competency, if they can provide evidence that they are working to the National Occupational Standard they are likely to be able to collate evidence and complete the qualification in a relatively short period of time. For those that are inexperienced this would naturally take a bit longer as they build their competence through training and experience in the workplace. It can take up to 12 months for a new learner.
How is the NVQ assessed?
The learner will be given the NVQ criteria and units so that they understand what their learning outcomes need to be.
The NVQ is assessed in different ways to ensure that the learner is competent to carry out their work.
Professional discussions – This will be a verbal discussion that can be recorded where the assessor asks the learner questions relating to their trade. The discussion will cover areas of knowledge that the learner will be expected to understand.
On site assessment – The assessor will carry out some visits to the learners workplace and see them carry out work on site. This can be recorded on video.
Portfolio - Collation of evidence through an online portfolio will evidence the learners work. The learner can upload evidence such as videos or photographs that cover the criteria outlined in their NVQ units to an online portal or via email.
There is no pass or fail with an NVQ. You are either classed as competent or not yet competent, which means the learner would need to provide additional or further evidence over a period of time.
Funded courses available
The IAA CS are currently offering part funded NVQs that includes mini online bootcamp session of 2 days to boost the learning experience covering Building Defects and Interfaces as well as a practical day session with a registered System Designer.
Find out more here