What is a Level 3 Qualification?
- Glossary
- Last updated 10 Jan 2020
Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are grouped into levels, from Entry Level to Level 8.
Level 3 qualifications:
AS and A-Level
Advanced Extension Award
Cambridge International award
International Baccalaureate
Key Skills Level 3
NVQ Level 3
Advanced diploma
Progression diploma
BTEC award, certificate and diploma Level 3
BTEC National
OCR National
Cambridge National
Qualifications explained
Qualifications at the same level are a similar level of difficulty, but the size and content of the qualifications can vary.
For example, AS-levels and A-levels are both Level 3, but people study AS-levels over one year and A-levels over two years. You’ll therefore have a deeper knowledge of a subject if you’ve studied it at A-level, rather than just AS-level.
The different levels are used in both education and work to compare different qualifications. They also show how one qualification can lead to another.
Check the Register of Regulated Qualifications if you’re not sure what level a qualification is.
Qualifications in Scotland
People can compare Scottish qualifications with those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Contact the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework for more information.
