An NVQ, or National Vocational Qualification, is a nationally recognised qualification, which is available at various achievement levels. 

It is designed in order to provide each learner with the chance to show what they can do at work and the skills they have developed in order to carry out their role.

The achievement of an NVQ is proof of competence to do the job rather than just write about it. 

Each learner is accredited for the skill levels and experience they achieve both in their job and through the training provided, which is then used as part of the overall evidence collected during the training programme itself.