The Department for Education (DfE) describe Tech level qualifications as follows:
Tech levels are rigorous advanced (level 3) technical qualifications on a par with A Levels and recognised by employers. They are for students aged 16 plus who want to specialise in a specific industry or prepare for a particular job. They cover jobs and careers where employers recruit people at this level or where a level 3 qualification is needed before students can progress to a related higher education course. Tech levels give students an opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills to help them get an apprenticeship or job, for example in engineering, IT, accounting or professional cookery, or progress to a higher level qualification. In some cases, a tech level qualification is a ‘licence to practise’ or can exempt someone holding the qualification from a professional exam. Tech levels are recognised by trade or professional bodies or at least five employers. Alternatively, the qualification may be accepted by a national licensed professional registration scheme.
Once all components are achieved, a Pass is awarded.
Mandatory assessments for both qualifications
- Anatomy and physiology for exercise – an externally set theory paper consisting of multiple choice questions.
- Know how to support clients who take part in exercise and physical activity – an externally set, internally marked client interview, and an externally set, internally marked worksheet. (Know how to support clients).
- Health, safety, and welfare in a fitness environment – an externally set, internally marked worksheet (Health, safety, and welfare in a fitness environment).
- Principles of exercise, fitness, and health – an externally set theory paper consisting of multiple choice questions.
- Anatomy and physiology for exercise and health – an external theory paper consisting of multiple choice questions.
- Applying the principles of nutrition to a physical activity programme:
- an external theory paper consisting of multiple choice questions
- an externally set, internally marked case study
Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training only
- Planning gym-based exercise:
- an externally set, internally marked worksheet or professional discussion, ('Planning gym-based exercise')
- an externally set, internally marked client interview (see unit 2 and 5 client interview guidance)
- PAR-Q
- an externally set, internally marked programme card
- four externally set, internally marked session plans
- Instructing gym-based exercise:
- a formative observed session
- a summative observed session
- an externally set, internally marked session self-evaluation
- Programming personal training with clients – an externally set, internally marked case study
- Delivering personal training sessions:
- a summative observed session
- an externally set, internally marked session self-evaluation
For detailed assessment and unit information, please view the qualification specification on the Active IQ website.
Tech level qualifications are advanced (Level 3) qualifications, mainly taken by 16-19 year old students who want to specialise in a specific industry, occupation, or occupational group. They equip students with specialist knowledge and skills.
There are a number of key considerations for HEPs when reviewing Tech level qualifications that do not meet the full DfE criteria from 2018:
- Applicants holding interim-reformed Tech level qualifications may not have had experience of external or synoptic assessment.
- The reformed and interim-reformed qualifications will be delivered by schools and colleges at the same time (see ‘Education context’). Therefore, HEPs may wish to consider their approach to setting and listing entry requirements for the specific qualifications.
- The dual running of the qualification may result in applicants declaring the incorrect version within their application. UCAS will be working to support applicants and advisers in this area.
- These qualifications are fundamentally different to the reformed versions and likely to result in students developing different skills and aptitudes. HEPs should review their understanding of these qualifications to ensure it remains up to date. HEPs may also wish to consider their approach to setting and listing entry requirements for the specific qualifications, and any differences should be clearly articulated.
Tech levels are designed to support progression to employment, an apprenticeship, or to higher education.
Progression to higher education is generally within the vocational area of the Tech level, and may be to a foundation degree.
The exact curriculum studied may depend on the choice of optional units taken.