Wherever you are on your route to success, you’ll want to know what BTEC qualifications can do for you and your career. As well as level-specific BTEC qualifications, there are BTEC Specialist and BTEC Professional qualifications and competence-based qualifications too.

Entry Level – eg BTEC Entry Level Award in Vocational Studies (Entry 3) (QCF)
Entry Level BTEC qualifications provide a broad introduction to a subject or sector.
Designed to enhance learners’ work and life skills in a range of vocational contexts, BTEC Entry qualifications are part of Foundation Learning.

Level 1 – eg BTEC Level 1 Award in Preparation and Operation of a Tractor (QCF)
Level 1 BTEC qualifications, which can be a component part of Foundation Learning, give an introduction to a vocational subject or sector.

Level 2 – eg BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Creative Media Production (QCF)
Level 2 qualifications are good for those who have some GCSEs, for example, but who want to do something different. They also develop skills and knowledge from Level 1.

Level 3 – eg BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (QCF)
These qualifications are at the same level as A levels but can get you a job as well as a university place. BTEC Nationals are very well known and recognised.

Level 4 – eg BTEC Level 4 Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (QCF)
These are professional qualifications leading to specific higher-level skills.

Level 5 – eg BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Equine Studies 
These are BTEC’s undergraduate qualifications. They’re roughly equivalent to the first half of a degree.

Level 6
There are currently no BTEC qualifications at this level, but there may be in the future.

Level 7 – eg BTEC Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership (QCF)
Level 7 qualifications are normally for managers wanting to gain more skills in a particular area.

Level 8
There are currently no BTEC qualifications at this level, but there may be in the future.

If you’re thinking of going to university in the UK, you can find more information on the Ucas website (www.ucas.co.uk). Don’t forget, a BTEC HND can get you on to the third year of many degree programmes.
 
If you’re thinking of going a little further afield, don’t worry. BTEC qualifications are available in over 80 countries, so you may be able to use your HND as a stepping stone to your degree in another country.