Courses & Qualifications
Every trade the Board examines, with the code, name and qualification level exactly as they appear on the national register.
Mainstream Trades
The trades most in demand, and the ones the Board is asked for most often. Each runs as a ladder — you can start at the level that matches your experience and progress from there.
Computer OperatorLevel 4
Qualification ladder
- 4Computer Operator Junior Network Technician Generic
CarpenterLevel 2 – Level 4
Qualification ladder
- 2Carpentry Helper
- 3Carpentry Technician
- 4Carpentry Supervisor/Foreman
Auto CADShort courseAlso offered as a short course
What this course covers
- 1CAD Fundamentals
- 2Basic 2D Drawing & Drafting
- 3Layers, Properties & Drawing Standards
- 4Precision Drafting & Advanced 2D Tools
- 5Text, Dimensions & Annotation
- 6Layouts, Viewports & Printing
Cook / ChefLevel 2 – Level 5Also offered as a short course
Qualification ladder
- 2Commi-3 / Demi Chef
- 3Demi Chef de partie
- 4Chef de partie
- 5Sous Chef
Plumbing / Pipe FittingLevel 2 – Level 4
Qualification ladder
- 2Helper
- 3Assistant Pipefitter
- 4Pipefitter
WeldingLevel 2 – Level 3Also offered as a short course
Qualification ladder
- 2Welder [Flat (1F, 1G) & Horizontal (2F, 2G) Positions
- 3Vertical (3F, 3G) and Overhead (4F, 4G)
Building ElectricianLevel 2 – Level 4
Qualification ladder
- 2Helper
- 3Assistant
- 4Supervisor
BeauticianLevel 2 – Level 5Also offered as a short course
Qualification ladder
- 2Junior Artist/Therapist
- 3Senior Artist
- 4Assistant Salon Manager
- 5Manager
Auto MechanicShort courseAlso offered as a short course
Auto ElectricianLevel 2 – Level 3Also offered as a short course
Qualification ladder
- 2Automobile Electrician
- 3Automobile Electrician
HVACRLevel 2 – Level 5
Qualification ladder
- 2HVACR Technician (Domestic)
- 3HVACR Technician (Commercial)
- 4HVACR Installer
- 5Industrial HVACR Technician
Fashion DesigningLevel 2 – Level 5
Qualification ladder
- 2Junior Assistant fashion Designer
- 3Assistant Dress Designer
- 4Associate Fashion Designer
- 5Assistant Fashion Designer
Civil SurveyorLevel 2 – Level 5Also offered as a short course
Qualification ladder
- 2Site assistant
- 3Assistant surveyor
- 4Supervisor
- 5surveyor
Mason / Tile FixerShort courseAlso offered as a short course
House KeeperShort courseAlso offered as a short course
Machinist (CNC)Level 2 – Level 5
Qualification ladder
- 2Machinist
- 3CNC Machinist
- 4CAD/CAM Supervisor
- 5Associate Engineer
How Qualifications Are Organised
Three routes, each suited to a different starting point.
Competency-Based Training (CBT&A)
415 qualifications
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Competency-Based Training (CBT&A)
Assessed against what a trainee can actually do, and placed on the National Vocational Qualifications Framework at Levels 1 to 5.Short Courses
316 qualifications
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Short Courses
Focused programmes running from a few weeks to a year, designed to put a specific, employable skill in place quickly.Conventional Qualifications
63 qualifications
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Conventional Qualifications
Multi-year diploma programmes delivered in technical colleges, leading to a Diploma of Associate Engineering.
Qualification Levels
Competency-based qualifications sit on the National Vocational Qualifications Framework. The level tells an employer what the holder can be trusted to do.
Level 1
Entry / Trainee
1
Level 2
Helper
126
Level 3
Skilled Worker
115
Level 4
Supervisor
107
Level 5
Associate Engineer
64
Search the Full Catalogue
All 794 qualifications the Board examines. Search by name, code or job role.
Start typing, or choose a filter, to search the catalogue.
Codes, names and qualification levels are set nationally and are reproduced here exactly. The Board does not alter them.
Want to offer these trades?
Institutes affiliated with the Board may enrol candidates, run approved programmes and present them for Board examination.