
A Guide to Qualifications
This guide is to help you understand what qualification is best for you
What is Vtct ?
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The Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) is an awarding organisation (Government-approved). VTCT has been awarding world class qualifications since 1962, and has been at the forefront of developing the vocational system in the UK.
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VTCT has more that 800 hundred approved centres both in the UK and internationally, including centres in Malta, Italy, Ireland, Kenya, Cyprus, India, South Africa and Australia. VTCT is the lead specialist awarding organisation for the Beauty TherapySector. The objective of VTCT is to provide high quality education and qualifications for the service industries, and to award vocational qualifications that recognise world class skills. The vision of VTCT is to become the leading awarding organisation in the UK, providing qualifications of the highest standard.
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
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NVQs are awarded at six different levels, equivalent to other academic qualifications. A Level 6 NVQ is equivalent to a Bachelors degree, while Levels 4 and 5 equate to the first and second years of a Bachelors degree respectively. NVQs are focused on practical skills in the context of your full or part-time work. You must be employed prior to enrolling onto an NVQ course.
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Instead of taking exams, you're assessed by demonstrating your ability to do your job over a period of time - by submitting a portfolio and undergoing observations by an assessor. Candidates are observed on each unit when they're ready, meaning there's no time limit on completing NVQ modules.
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NVQ at higher levels are normally privately funded and fees vary between courses and institutions
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What is a CPD Qualification ?
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Continuing Professional Development enables individuals to adapt positively to changes in both work and industry requirements. Planning CPD helps an individual to be more efficient with their time, and recording CPD properly provides evidence of Continuing Professional Development, which can be useful for professional body obligations as well employer supervision and appraisals.
CPD shows a clear commitment to self-development and professionalism. CPD provides an opportunity for an individual to identify knowledge gaps and to resolve these in a recognisable approach to improvement.
Accredited CPD providers should make available to individuals a Certificate of Attendance to attach to their CPD log as evidence of development once a training course is complete or the desired standards of learning have been met.
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