What is the difference between a VRQ and an NVQ?
NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) recognise your competence in your specific area of expertise - that is your ability and skills in carrying out your job effectively. This is demonstrated through evidence you provide and supported by witness statements from colleagues and observations by a qualified assessor appointed to you. The evidence you produce must also show that you understand what you do and why - known as underpinning knowledge - that meets the requirements of the National Standards being assessed and supports you in your business activity.
VRQs (Vocationally Related Qualifications) are more focused on developing and assessing your knowledge and understanding. They are delivered through a taught programme and may have a work placement running alongside - this provides an opportunity to utilise what you are learning and develop your skills as you work through the programme. To acheive the VRQ you will work through a series of set tasks that will help demostrate your knowledge and understanding. To achieve the certificate there will be an end of programme multiple choice exam where you will demonstrate what you have learnt in response to set questions for different scenarios.
VRQs are typically undertaken by candidates wishing to progress their career, either in preparation to taking an NVQ at the same level or whilst developing their knowledge and expertise to achieve the next level in the same suite of qualifications; they may also be used in helping a candidate step-up into a team leader or management role. Candidates who wish to undertake an NVQ without the VRQ support must demonstrate that they have the relevant skills and knowledge beforehand.