What is a Health & Social Care NVQ?
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.
