Top 10 Tips - Choosing an NVQ centre

1. Make sure that the NVQ is appropriate to the job role that your employee holds.Don't forget to make sure that the NVQ level is right too - choosing the wrong award and the wrong level is setting a candidate up to fail. A good centre will offer help and advice to make the right choice.

 2. Does the centre you are considering offer on-site assessment? As NVQs are awarded on the basis of competence in the job role, assessment should take place when and where a candidate is carrying out their job role.

 3. Does the centre work around your normal work patterns - shifts, evening work, part time work etc?

4. Does the centre that you are considering offer holistic assessment? Holistic assessment allows the candidate and their assessor to work together following the natural flow of work.

5. Does the centre offer a diverse range of assessment methods to ensure equality of access for individual candidates?

6. Does the centre hold direct certification status to enable your candidate to receive their certificate without delay?

7. Ensure that the centre has robust quality assurance arrangements.

8. Does the centre provide ongoing reports as to the progress that your candidates are making (face to face or written)?

9. NVQs are about competence in a job role - if a candidate has not yet reached the level of competence required, will the centre offer development opportunities or at least advise on how to source opportunities?

10. Last - but not least. Will you value the NVQ once your employee has achieved it? If not, don't be surprised if your employee is not committed to achieving it.