National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)

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The AAT units of competence are grouped into Levels of increasing complexity.

At Level 2 (Foundation Stage) students will be expected to demonstrate competence in a range of work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Most of these activities will be routine and non-complex, but some will be non-routine and reasonably complex.

At Level 3 (Intermediate Stage) students will be required to demonstrate competence in a broad range of work activities, most of which are complex and non-routine.

At Level 4 (Technician Stage) students will be required to demonstrate competence in a broad range of complex, technical or professional work activities, performed in a wide variety of contexts and with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources is often involved.

Competence is the ability to perform activities within an occupation to a defined standard. This includes :

• The ability to transfer skills and knowledge to new situations within the workplace

• The ability to organize and plan work

• The ability to innovate and cope with non-routine activities

• The possession of those personal skills which are required in the workplace to deal with co-workers, managers, clients and customers