What is a Vocational Qualification?
A VQ is a Vocational Qualification. It is a work-based qualification designed to measure competence in a professional role.
A VQ is different from a traditional taught course as it requires a member of staff to show what they currently do and how they have the underpinning knowledge required to do their job, as opposed to teaching and testing on new knowledge.
To prove their competence, the candidate (member of staff) is required to collect evidence from your workplace in line with the Occupational Standards of the VQ.
What qualifications are equivalent to a VQ?
Due to the fact that VQs are work-based qualifications, it is often difficult to give an exact academic equivalent. However as a guide:
Advanced Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration : Level 3 VQ roughly equates to a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma
Advanced Certificate in Funeral Services: Level 2 VQ roughly equates to a BTEC First Diploma
Why should staff register for a VQ?
By completing a VQ it shows employers that staff are competent in their role and demonstrates an interest in continuous professional development.
Do staff have to attend college or night school?
No. VQs are an assessment of current competence in the workplace.
Are there any examinations?
No. The assessor will assess an individual’s competence over a period of time in your workplace.
Will working towards a VQ stop your staff from doing their job?
No. In fact, the VQ should complement the job by prompting the individual to demonstrate to you their current level of competence.
How much time will it take?
Staff can work at their own pace, although timescales of 4 – 6 weeks are normally recommended for completion of each Unit (Workbook). The time it takes for your staff to complete their VQ may be affected by your workload, their own motivation and your commitment to helping them to achieve this form of qualification.
Can staff fail a VQ?
No. If your staff have not provided enough or the correct evidence, the assessor will guide the individual to find the additional or different evidence in order to support their claim to competence.
Who is the assessor?
This is very much your decision. Most Independent Funeral Directors choose to train as an assessor so that they are able to take responsibility for their own staffs’ training and assessment. The other option is to arrange for a trained VQ assessor within your local area to work with your staff, although this option does increase the overall cost of the qualification.
What qualifications will I have as an assessor?
All of the assessors we train at the NAFD have to be 'occupationally competent'. This means that your professional experience must match the VQs that you are intending to assess. By training as an assessor it ensures that your staff receive training from those who are competent to deliver it.
How can I register my staff for a VQ?
To register any of your staff for a VQ, please contact Gill Anderson at National Office on 0845 230 1343 Ext 25
How much will it cost?
The Advanced Certificate in Funeral Service = £350.00
The Advanced Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration = £485.00
Assessor Training = £125.00
Is there an age limit for completing a VQ?
No. All NAFD qualifications including VQ’s are accessible to all irrespective of age.
Who awards the certificate?
The awarding body is called Edexcel and the original certificate of competence is produced as such.
As an NAFD member, your staff will also receive an 'NAFD Certificate of Recognition' for achievement of a full award.