Level - National UK Scale (Scotland is Different) | Validated
by Awarding or Professional Body | Nature | What Is Appropriate to record as CPD? |
Below Level 3 | Y / N | Introduction level. Not a Professional award. Below Competency. | Do not quote as a competency. May mention it as an interest. |
Level 3 | Y | Apprenticeship level or basic competency. Same level as A level | Appropriate for adding competency of a model related to your existing work. E.g. A level 3 in a psychotherapy model if you are already an accredited psychotherapist. Not a stand-alone level of expertise. |
| N | Unknown validation | Lack of validation means you cannot substantiate competency. Treat as below level 3 |
Level 4 | Y | Certificate of Education / first year at university. In depth competent knowledge. | As level 3, but more substantial. Be cautious describing it as a stand-alone expertise. Appropriate as an accredited therapist, “also trained in xxx”. |
| N | Unknown validation | Treat as level 3 if sure of the trainer. Lack of validation means you cannot substantiate competency. |
Level 5 | Y | HND equivalent. Generally, a level associated with professional vocational training as a stand-alone practitioner. | This is the stand-alone entry level. Validated courses at this level should be treated as qualification in stand-alone topics. |
| N | Unknown Validation | Treat as level 3 if sure of the trainer. Lack of validation means you cannot substantiate competency. |
Level 6 | Y | Degree level (BSc / BA) | As level 5, only clearly more prestigious and comprehensive. |
| N | Unknown Validation | Treat as level 3 if sure of the trainer. Lack of validation means you cannot substantiate competency. |
Level 7 | Y | Master’s Degree and equivalent | This is the level associated with mastery of your topic and is beyond competency. This is the entry level for specialism. |
| N | Unknown Validation | Treat as level 3 if sure of the trainer. Lack of validation means you cannot substantiate competency. |
Level 8 | Y | PhD and equivalent expert certifications. (Also accredited Specialism courses with minimum postgraduate entry) | These are levels of Expert certification. |
Unknown Level | Y | Reputable Professional Body recognised competency courses, suitable for listing on professional registers | These are professional body validated courses without clear level and caution should be used. State the validating body clearly. |
