National qualifications

A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) or Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) is awarded to someone who has proven their competence to do a job to a national standard. They are practically based qualifications which assess a person’s skills in the workplace. They are suitable for people who want to achieve a recognised qualification that shows they’re good at their job.

These qualifications reflect National Occupational Standards which are performance benchmarks set by different industries. They determine the skills that a candidate is expected to have. In the automotive glazing sector, the standards are developed by (link) Proskills, which is a Government licensed Sector Skills Council.

These qualifications are open to everyone in employment. There are no entry requirements and there is no specified time frame for completing an N/SVQ. You go at your own pace to fit in with your job.


What’s in it for me?

Achieving a national qualification is a real feather in your cap. It shows that you are more than competent in the workplace and that you’re committed to self improvement. These are important qualities for employers. Having a recognised qualification under your belt will help your chances of promotion in the future and could make the difference in being offered a new role. Furthermore, you don’t have to pay anything out of your own pocket. In effect, it’s free training. All you have to do is put in the required work in order to reap the benefits.

How do I get one?

The N/SVQ qualification involves on-the-job assessment and training. IWA can advise you on which level is appropriate for you.

Once registered with IWA, a specialist ‘Assessor’ will observe you doing particular tasks in your job and assess your competence at them. A portfolio of evidence is compiled while carrying out specific tasks, which satisfies all the required practical modules of the qualification.

Candidates undergo an online multiple choice test of their knowledge about the job role.

Typically, it takes around two years to achieve a Level 2 but it can be achieved in as little as six months if all the evidence is presented and the tests are passed.

Certificates are awarded by (link) The Glass Qualifications Authority (GQA), which is the only awarding body offering the NVQ  and SVQ in Automotive Glazing.

Benefits to the business

Nationally recognised qualifications are Government funded to help employers improve the skills of their workforce. This means it’s a highly cost effective means of training and recognising staff who, in turn, will contribute more to the business. So it’s a real Win-Win.

Feedback from employers suggests that national qualifications:


The NVQ and SVQ in Automotive Glazing is the only nationally recognised qualification which satisfies the evidence of competency for the BSI Kitemark for Bodyshops.