General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs) are about work, but they don't train pupils for a specific job.  They prepare pupils for work through studying broad areas - for example health and social care.  They give them experience, knowledge and skills relevant to work, usually through contact with working adults.  GNVQs are made up of units, and pupils gain a certificate for each unit as they complete it.

GCSE course titles can sound similar to National Curriculum subject titles.  But the names of GNVQs don't sound like the National Curriculum subjects - they draw aspects of a number of subjects into the area of study.

GNVQs are helpful for pupils who want a more active, work-based style of study than offered by GCSEs.  GNVQ study usually involves:

• Time in the workplace. Pupils will be interacting with adults at work (although pupils won't be doing the work themselves). 
• More independent learning. Two-thirds of the marks come from a portfolio of coursework, so pupils are less tied to tests and the classroom.
• More work in groups.

Pupils can do GNVQ study in four main ways:

Complete GNVQs

• From 14-16, pupils usually work towards a Part One GNVQ, either at Foundation or at Intermediate level. 
  
  Foundation level is equivalent to two GCSEs at grades D to G. 
  Intermediate level is equivalent to two GCSEs at grades A* to C.
  
  Both have three units and take twice as much time as a GCSE course. Much of the work pupils do during the course is built into a portfolio which counts for two-thirds of the final grade. Pupils must also pass a test on each unit. The tests can be taken during the course (in January or June) or at the end of the course. The qualification is graded pass, merit or distinction at each level
• In some subjects, pupils can study for the Six-Unit GNVQ at Foundation or Intermediate level. 
  
  Foundation level is equivalent to four GCSEs at grades D to G. 
  Intermediate level is equivalent to four GCSEs at grades A* to C