Website of the UK government

Why qualifications matter

Specific qualifications are required for certain jobs and careers, for example, medicine and law. Qualifications also strengthen your case when applying for a job or a promotion.

Many job adverts give you details of the qualifications they're looking for. You may also need certain qualifications to apply for a further course of study or to gain membership of a professional body.

Choosing the right qualification for you

As an adult learner, you can choose from a huge range of qualifications. You could go for an academic subject, or something more related to your job. Or you could choose a qualification that focuses on skills you can use in a range of situations.

If the choice seems daunting, don't panic: there's lots of help and advice available to help you pick a qualification that's right for you.

Free advice by phone or email

For free and impartial advice over the phone, call the Careers Advice Service:

• 0800 100 900 (calls are free, and lines are open from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm, seven days a week)
  

You can also book a free call back at a time to suit you, or email a learning adviser with your question.

• Book a free call back from a learning adviser
• Email a learning adviser

Free advice in person

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to get advice in person from your local nextstep service. Follow the link below to find out more.

• Find personal learning and careers advice

Academic qualifications

Traditional academic qualifications show that you've achieved a certain educational standard. These can include GCSEs, AS and A levels and degrees.

• GCSEs
• AS and A levels
• Bachelors degrees

Vocational qualifications

Vocational or work-related qualifications focus on learning practical skills. These can include NVQs, GNVQs, City and Guilds, BTECs and OCR Nationals.

• NVQs
• BTECs, OCR Nationals and other vocational qualifications

Skills based qualifications

Other qualifications can show you've got the skills to get on in work and life in general, such as reading, writing, working with numbers or using a computer. These are called Skills for Life.

You can also take Key Skills qualifications, which can include other skills such as working with others.

• Skills for Life qualifications
• Key Skills qualifications

What if my course doesn't lead to a qualification?

Learning is valuable even if it doesn't lead to a qualification, and you may still get a certificate to show that you've completed a course. Working knowledge, such as being able to speak a second language, can be just as important as an official qualification.

Qualifications needed for higher education

There are various routes into higher education, including academic and vocational qualifications. Some courses may require specific qualifications and so it's worth looking at the university or college prospectus for more detailed information.

If your qualifications don't meet the standard entry requirements, you can do an Access course. You need few or no previous qualifications to do an Access course and it allows you to develop skills, knowledge and confidence.

• Routes into university and higher education

Qualifications from outside the UK

If you have gained qualifications from another country, you'll need to find out whether they are recognised in the UK. The National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) website offers information and advice on overseas qualifications and how they compare with those gained within the UK.

• How to compare international qualifications with those in the UK Opens new window

More useful links

• Starting your first job: what to do about tax (money, tax and benefits section)
• Qualifications explained