Whats the difference between a diploma and an NVQ?

Whats the difference between a diploma and a NVQ?

• Im only 15 but i've started to look at the courses online at the college i would like to go to when im 16. I've always wanted to do something with hair and beauty so im going to do a hairdressing course. I'm going to miss doing level one because its simple things that i already know and it says you dont have to do it. So im going to do hairdressing level 2 diploma. I looked at another college i could attend and it has NVQ's and diplomas. whats the difference? what is better?

• Answer:

  NVQ = National Vocational Qualification. Basically, when you complete an NVQ, an assessor will watch you work and mark what you are doing against a list of criteria you need to meet. A diploma is a higher qualification and will include the NVQ as part of it, so you'll still be observed whilst you work, but the added part is that you will have to show that you have the knowledge of the job by completing tests and answering questions on your chosen topic. It's a bit more work on your part but will probably be more useful in the end. Good luck!