Entry requirements for any NVQs do not exist. 

You do not have to be successful at level one before doing a NVQ at level three or even level five.

You do not need to have passed a traditional or academic examination. 

NVQs assess your competence. This means that you do not have to attend a college course before being assessed, but you may benefit from additional training.  Indeed, NVQs may highlight gaps in your knowledge and skills.  But you can learn at your own pace.  Learning can be provided in flexible ways - open and distance learning is available and computer based learning is becoming more widespread, even learning from work colleagues by working alongside others to gain knowledge and experience.  These opportunities mean that you can learn in situations that fit in with your working and social life.

NVQs are not based on time serving.  If you are already competent then you can be assessed straight away.  How long this takes to cover units will depend on you, the time available and your motivation.

All candidates have to satisfy the occupational standards.  Passes in traditional examinations are not mandatory.  This helps people who are good at their jobs but poor or inexperienced at passing examinations.

NVQs are appropriate for people of all ages; new trainees as well as mature, well experienced employees can be assessed using NVQs.