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NVQs/SVQs


For details of new Hair and Beauty Qualifications for implementation from 1 August 2010 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - click here.

NVQs and SVQs are the basis for a great deal of the training that takes place in the UK hair, beauty, nails and spa industries. Here you can find information on what they are, how they work and the different levels you can study.

What are NVQs/SVQs?
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are work-related, competence based qualifications that allow learners to work and train in a salon, spa or training centre with progress measured through ongoing, continuous assessment – not by time-serving or exams.

They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and show that a learner is competent in a particular role.

How do NVQs/SVQs work?
All NVQs/SVQs are made up of separate units that set out exactly what a learner must be able to do and to what standard. Each unit is like a mini qualification, representing a training target for building up credits towards a final certificate.

The overall NVQ/SVQ is achieved through continuous assessment and training. Assessment is conducted via on-the-job observation and questioning. Learners produce evidence to prove they have the competence to meet the NVQ/SVQ standards. Assessors sign off units when the learners are ready after testing the learner's underpinning knowledge, understanding and work-based competence to see if they can demonstrate competence in the workplace.

Who writes them?
NVQs/SVQs are written by Awarding Bodies and delivered by training providers, but are based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS) created by Habia.

What qualifications can I study?
NVQs/SVQs are placed in a framework of three levels designed to give learners, as well as employers looking to train their staff, more flexible options. Click the links below to see the qualification structures:

Standards - Hairdressing
Standards - Beauty Therapy
Standards - Nail Services
Standards - Spa Therapy
Standards - Barbering
Standards - African Type Hair

Level 1
This is an introduction to the industry, based on assisting technical staff in the salon. It is aimed at school-work experience, inductions and special needs learners. Level 1 is available only in hairdressing and beauty therapy.

Level 2
Level 2 is junior level and covers basic skills and knowledge. It is the minimum standard required to work effectively in a salon. Level 2 is available in hairdressing, beauty therapy, nails services and barbering.

Level 3
Level 3 is the target qualification for anyone wanting to be a truly proficient professional in their chosen field. It expands upon the basic skills of Level 2 and is aimed at those wishing to enter the top level of their profession or go on to become salon managers and owners. People who have been in the industry for some time but are looking to update or accredit their skills can also take it. Level 3 is available in hairdressing, beauty therapy, nails services, spa therapy and barbering.

Am I eligible for NVQ/SVQ training?
Within reason, NVQs/SVQs do not have to be completed in a specified amount of time. They can be taken by full-time employees or by school and college students with a work placement or part-time job. There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.