i           What is a skill standard ?

It is made up of one or more units, identified by industry which reflects the competencies needed for workplace performance. Competence is much more than the acquisition of a narrow set of job related skills and the ability to carry out specific tasks at a workplace.

ii           What is a qualification?

It is a bundle of units which have been identified on the basics of employability in the industry according to the industry requirement and the expectations.

Qualifications at levels 1-4 are called certificates. Qualifications at levels 5-7 are called Diplomas. The Diploma at level 7 is considered as to equivalent to the first degree. The use of the term “national” shall be restricted to qualifications as determined by the TVEC.

The national qualifications consist of the following.

National Certificate                                                       - Level 1

National Certificate                                                       - Level 2

National Certificate                                                       - Level 3

National Certificate                                                       - Level 4

National Diploma                                                           - Level 5

National Diploma (Higher)                                               - Level 6

National Diploma (equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree)             - Level 7 

In order to recognize the increasing levels of worker capability and competence, national skill standards and all qualifications are classified across seven levels. The levels recognise skills progression for workers and trainees in all areas of technical and Vocational education. A broader framework shall be developed integrating technical/vocational and higher education and further levels may be added. The framework allows for an interface with secondary education and provides a progression for technical and vocational education graduates to proceed into higher education. Industry and professional bodies participating in the development of the national skill standards are therefore in a position to plan for a smooth progression of qualifications from craft to technician to higher education.   

iii       How can I get a qualification?  

          There are two ways.

      a)   Completing a course or module which has been accredited by TVEC designed towards a particular qualification based upon a skill standard, conducted at a training centre of public or private sector.  

      b)   Competencies of a specified qualification getting assessed at the workplace by a licensed assessor with using the skill standards as the base, after getting registered at NAITA (National Apprentice & Industrial Training Authority)