BTECs provide an alternative route for some learners into Higher Education.

They are not exam-based qualifications and instead offer project-based work. These can be spread over a number of years to build skills gradually.

In the form of Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) they are an alternative to A Levels and can lead onto a degree path.

The subject matter is vocational such as construction through to travel and tourism, aimed at giving a more practical approach to subjects than that offered within GCSE and A level.

There are a number of levels within the BTEC framework.They range from entry level to professional qualification.

• Introductory Certificate
  
• Introductory Diploma
  
• First Certificate
  
• First Diploma
  
• National Award
  
• National Certificate
  
• National Diploma
  
• Professional Diploma, Certificate, Award
  

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has devised a table to help learners make an informed decision about what type of qualifications they might need and how certain qualifications levels compare.

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) table can be assessed on the Edexcel website where BTECs are clearly defined www.edexcel.org.uk