There are over 3 million people in the UK employed in the health and social care sectors, with an increasing demand, through regulation and an aim to improve standards, to recruit, retain and develop the skills of the workforce. With this there has been increased funding to to support training and qualifications in health and social care.

Health and social care NVQs (and their Scottish equivalent SVQs) are the benchmark qualifications. They have been developed in line with National Service Standards in social care and Agenda for Change in the NHS.

Health & Social Care NVQs were introduced in 2005 and are based on National Occupational Standards. They have been created to cater for a range of job roles, differing settings, such as care homes, homecare and hospitals, and the need for ongoing development.

The NVQs have been developed to fit in with the workers circumstances, allowing for work-based assessment which is sensitive to confidentiality issues.

There are 3 levels of Health and Social Care NVQ - Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. Levels 3 and 4 are split into Adult and Children options.

NVQ stands for ‘National Vocational Qualification’. It is a work-related qualification which has been designed to recognise your abilities in your job. There are many types of NVQs in all sorts of subjects, including Health & Social Care. Each NVQ reflects the skills and knowledge you need to do a particular job effectively.

A Health & Social Care NVQ is based on national occupational standards, which describe what you are expected to be able to do at work. NVQs can be taken by working people, or by school or college students with a work placement or part-time job. There are no special entry requirements or age limits - and you don’t have to complete an NVQ in a set time period.

How do you get a Health & Social Care NVQ?

You can gain a Health & Social Care NVQ through a mixture of training and assessment. With the help of an assessor, you identify what you can do already, agree what level you’re aiming for, and work out what you need to learn to get there - and how best to learn it.

Each NVQ is made up of units or levels, which you take one at a time. You are usually assessed by someone observing you at work and asking you questions. You also collect evidence that shows you are competent to meet the relevant NVQ standards.

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