The ICE approves a number of NVQs and SVQs for Technician, Incorporated and Chartered Members.

NVQs combine knowledge, skills and performance and differ, therefore, from academic qualifications which focus on general learning and theory. ICE approved NVQ's and SVQ's at Level 3 can fulfil both the educational base and Initial Professional Development (IPD) stages for Technician Members. Candidates who have obtained such NVQ/SVQs can proceed directly to the Technician Professional Review.

NVQs & SVQs are qualifications that reflect competence, and this competence is defined by National Occupational Standards (NOS). Candidates gather evidence that they have met the relevant NOS, and qualified assessors assess this evidence.

ICE-approved NVQ's and SVQ's at Levels 4 and 5 can satisfy the Initial Professional Development (IPD) stage for Associated Membership and Membership.
Please consult Membership Guidance Note 7 for further information on NVQs and SVQs which meet the academic requirements for an Engineering Technician (EngTech).

The NVQ and SVQ framework is now established in the UK, and 4 million certificates have been awarded.

The UK National Qualifications Framework has five levels:

Level 1	Describes competence in routine and predictable activities - unskilled work.
Level 2	Covers a wider range of activities, some complex and non-routine, with some personal autonomy and responsibility - basic craft.
Level 3	Includes more varied activities, many complex and non-routine. There is more personal autonomy, and responsibility for others. This covers advanced craftspeople, technicians and first line supervisors. (Level 3 plays a key role in linking the lower and upper levels of the framework in a way that enables progression.)
Level 4	Describes a broad range of complex technical activities, with significant personal autonomy, responsibility for others and for the allocation of resources. This includes junior managers and professionals.
Level 5	Covers the application of fundamental principles across a wide range of unpredictable contexts. There is substantial personal autonomy and responsibility for others, and accountability for analysis, design, planning, execution and evaluation. This includes middle/senior managers and professionals.

How to get an NVQ/SVQ

NVQs and SVQs are awarded by a range of bodies; the two primary consortia for awards relevant to civil engineering are:

• The Construction Vocational Group: (ICE and CIOB - in partnership with Edexcel).
• The Transportation Vocational Group: (ICE and IHT and IHIE and ILT in partnership with the Open University).

For further information on NVQs and SVQs, visit  www.qca.org.uk and www.sqa.org.uk.