As many of you will know, we’ve recently launched our next generation of NQF BTEC Firsts for level 2 learners for first teaching in September 2012.

For the first time, our new NQF BTEC Firsts include Pass criteria at level 1, which means that learners’ achievements can be recognised at level 1 if the Level 2 standards are not quite met.

Teachers and lecturers are best placed to make decisions about which qualifications are suitable for which learners. However, following a number of enquiries, we wanted to provide some guidance to help you decide whether to enter candidates for a Level 1 BTEC or one of the new NQF BTEC Firsts for level 2 learners.

Should my learner be doing a next generation NQF BTEC First or a Level 1 BTEC?

We believe that our suite of Foundation Learning Level 1 BTECs remains the best choice for learners who are clearly at this level. These qualifications have been specifically designed to meet the needs of this cohort and provide an excellent platform for progression to the new NQF BTEC Firsts for level 2 learners.

If a learner is unlikely to achieve at level 2, our Level 1 BTECs are the best option. Such learners will benefit from a stepped approach to level 2.

Our new NQF BTEC Firsts are designed for level 2 learners. So if a learner has a good chance of achieving at level 2, then the new NQF BTEC Firsts are likely to be the right option.

Learn more about:
 
• our range of Level 1 BTECs
• the new BTEC Firsts for level 2 learners.

If you have any questions about any of our BTEC qualifications or how they might fit in to your curriculum, please email us at btec@edexcel.com.