Course overview

National Vocational Qualifications are one of the most popular qualifications within industry as they are delivered during working hours and demonstrate competency within a job role. These qualifications are based on national occupational standards, which are statements of performance that describe what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They cover all the main aspect of a specified occupation, including current best practice and are ideal for addressing skills gaps as well as identifying competence.

To achieve the full qualification, candidates must attain a minimum of 45 credits in total, comprising all the mandatory units (Group A) and the remaining credits will be achieved by selecting the following optional units; a minimum of 14 credits from group B and a maximum of 10 credits from group C and a maximum of 6 credits from Group D.

The Learning and Skills Development Officer will provide support and guidance in selecting the appropriate units.

Mandatory units (21 Credits)

• Communication in a business environment
• Principles of providing administrative services
• Principles of business document production and information management
• Understand employer organisations
• Manage personal performance and development
• Develop working relationships with colleagues

Optional Units - Group B (14 Credits)

• Manage diary systems
• Produce business documents
• Collate and report data
• Store and retrieve information
• Produce minutes of meetings
• Handle mail
• Provide reception services
• Prepare text from notes using touch typing
• Prepare text from shorthand
• Prepare text from recorded audio instruction
• Archive information
• Maintain and issue stationery and supplies
• Use and maintain office equipment
• Contribute to the organisation of an event
• Organise business travel or accommodation
• Provide administrative support for meetings
• Administer human resource records
• Administer the recruitment and selection process
• Administer parking dispensations
• Administer finance
• Buddy a colleague to develop their skills
• Employee rights and responsibilities
• Health and safety within a business environment
• Use a telephone and a voicemail system
• Meet and welcome visitors in a business environment
• Develop a presentation
• Deliver a presentation
• Contribute to the development and implementation of an information system
• Monitor information systems
• Analyse and present business data

Optional Units – Group C (10 credits)

• Using email
• Word Processing Software
• Website Software
• Spreadsheet Software
• Presentation Software
• Bespoke Software
• Data Management Software
• Deliver customer service
• Process information about customers
• Develop customer relationships
• Participate in a project
• Processing customers’ financial transactions
• Payroll Processing

Optional Units – Group D (6 credits)

• Understand the use of research in business
• Understand the legal context of business
• Principles of customer relationships
• Principles of team leading
• Principles of equality and diversity in the workplace
• Principles of marketing theory
• Principles of digital marketing
• Understanding working in a customer service environment
• Know how to publish, integrate and share using social media
• Exploring social media
• Understanding the safe use of online and social media platforms

Entry requirements

To be working a minimum of 10 hours per week in a appropriate vocational role which will enable you to gather the evidence for your qualification

How will I be assessed?

Assessment for this qualification will be via direct observation in the working environment.  Knowledge will also be assessed via assignments or a portfolio of evidence.  Some of the evidence used in portfolios will include; witness testimonies, professional discussion and and written records. 

What can I do next

Upon completing this qualification a review will take place with yourself and your employer to discuss progression opportunties which may lead to further study.