What are Entry Level Certificates?

Entry Level Certificates (ELC)

  • ELCs are subject-based qualifications targeted at 14 to 16-year-old students who are working at a level below that required from GCSE Grade G, but there are no age restrictions on entry.
  • Entry level is the first level of the National Qualifications Framework, lower than foundation or level 1.
  • All entry level qualifications are therefore pitched below grade G of a GCSE, NVQ level 1 or vocational qualifications at level 1.
  • To allow small steps of achievement to be recognised, entry level is divided into three sub-levels: entry 1, entry 2 and entry 3, broadly comparable with national curriculum levels.
  • At entry 3, courses are specifically designed to help students progress to related level 1 qualifications.
  • Qualifications may cover one or more of the entry sub-levels. Entry level qualifications can cover any area of learning from, for example, life skills to literacy, religious studies to retail.
  • Entry level qualifications are designed for a wide range of candidates:
    • 14–16 year olds not yet working at GCSE level – they are most likely to be taking entry level qualifications in national curriculum areas
    • learners of any age who may have a weakness in a given area (eg numeracy or English for speakers of other languages) and who are operating in other areas at level 1 or above
    • adults with little formal education and few, if any, qualifications, often seeking to improve their basic skills
    • adults returning or planning to return to employment after a long break; they may be interested in qualifications in a particular vocational area or in a general skill area such as IT.
  • Entry level candidates may be pursuing qualifications in a variety of settings, most commonly in FE colleges or at school but also in the workplace, in community settings through voluntary work, in prisons and Young Offenders’ Institutions or in residential or day-care settings

How are they assessed?

  • Externally set, on-demand assignments (about 50%).
  • Classwork, internally set (about 50%).

Other information

  • If students progress well they can transfer to GCSE courses.

ELC specifications, specimen tests and support materials.