Types of BTEC
BTECs come in different levels, from Entry Level Skills for Working Life, right through to professional qualifications at Level 7 (equivalent to postgraduate study). They also come in different sizes at each level. The smallest size is an Award, the next size is a Certificate and the largest is a Diploma.
BTECs are made up of a number of units. This number is dependent on the level and size of BTEC being taken. To complete each unit, students’ work is assessed along the way, linking theory with practical exercises. This ongoing assessment allows students to analyse and improve their own performance through their course in much the same way as they would in a real workplace. Unit results are graded as Pass/Merit/Distinction.
The time taken to complete a BTEC depends on the size and level of the qualification. A BTEC will generally take one to two years to complete, depending on whether the student is studying full or part time.
BTEC Entry and Introductory qualifications
These are now part of the Foundation Learning suite. Find out more
Level 2 BTEC Firsts
Over 60 Level 2 BTEC First qualifications are available, each linked to an industry sector. Students may take Level 2 BTEC Firsts alongside core GCSE subjects such as English, maths and science.
Level 2 BTEC Firsts come in two sizes. The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Diploma is a 360-guided-learning-hour qualification. It comprises core and specialist units covering the aspects of knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for employment within the sector. The shorter Level 2 BTEC First Certificate is a 180-guided-learning-hour qualification that’s ideal for anyone seeking initial experience of a vocational area.
Level 3 BTEC Nationals
Level 3 BTEC Nationals are designed as specialist qualifications for those who have a clear view of their future career or want to progress to higher education. There are more than 250 qualifications for students to choose from. They are equivalent to A levels and are highly valued by universities, further education colleges and employers alike.
Level 3 BTEC Nationals are suitable for students aged 16 upwards and are recommended for those who have achieved at least four A*- to C-grade GCSEs or have completed a Level 2 BTEC First.
Level 5 BTEC Higher Nationals
The BTEC Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are Level 5 higher education qualifications, widely recognised by universities and professional bodies. The HNC is often studied part time alongside full-time employment.
A Higher National student will develop management and other higher level technical skills required by employers. After a period of usually two years, students often progress to the final year of degree programmes. Level 5 Higher Nationals can be studied in both FE colleges and universities.
BTEC WorkSkills
Developed in response to the demand for employable people, BTEC WorkSkills is a suite of units designed to help you prepare your students for working life. The units are built around four skills pathways: Personal Life Skills, Sustainable Employability Skills, Work Placement Skills and Skills for Business.
BTEC Short Courses
BTEC Short Course qualifications are available at a range of different levels, from 1 to 7. Each focuses upon the understanding, skills and knowledge needed for a particular sector, area of expertise or professional development.
What subjects are available?
Currently, BTECs cover the following subject areas:
What is a BTEC ‘worth’?
BTEC qualifications are fully recognised as holding equivalences to GCSEs. For example, a Level 2 BTEC First Diploma is worth the equivalent of four A*- to C-grade GCSEs. This means a student can take a Level 1 BTEC First independently alongside GCSEs, or work towards them both in the same subject area. See BTEC equivalence and progression for more information.