As an awarding body, the CIEH works closely with the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority (QCA) and Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) to develop qualifications that meet the national demand for various skill levels. These skill levels have recently been revised by the QCA and have been used to define the level of all new and updated CIEH qualifications included in this listing.
Please note that all current CIEH qualifications are still registered against the former level definitions. The new levels set by the QCA for Vocational Related Qualifications (VRQs) are:
Level 1
Aimed at those new to the workplace who require a simple overview of a subject, before starting work or as part of an induction programme.
For example, school leavers taking their first job or candidates with special needs.
Level 2
Aimed at those in the workplace who participate in activities related to the subject area (equating to the present foundation or ‘basic’ qualification).
Examples are shop floor employees, front line staff employees in production or services.
Level 3
Aimed at those in the workplace who participate in activities related to the subject area and who also have a related supervisory role (equating to the present intermediate qualification).
Examples are team leaders, supervisors and junior managers.
Level 4
Aimed at those in the workplace who participate in activities related to the subject area and who also have a related management and/or training role (equating to the present advanced qualification).
Examples are senior supervisors, departmental managers and operations managers with responsibility for multiple sites.