This page contains further search options. It allows you to narrow your searches by selecting the appropriate search criteria and clicking the “Search” button. If you have navigated to the “Detailed qualification search” screen from the “Qualification search results” screen, your previous search options will be automatically displayed.
Qualification keyword search:
Enter one or more search terms (the words or phrases that best describe what you are looking for) into the search box and select on the ‘Search’ button or enter/return key. Be careful to separate words with a comma if they are not part of a known qualification name.
The search engine looks for those words/phrases against the following qualification attributes:
- Qualification reference number
- Original and revised levels
- Awarding body name and acronym
- Potential job occupations.
In response to your query, the NDAQ database produces a results page with most recently accredited qualifications appearing first.
Here are some tips to help you maximize the effectiveness of your keyword search.
- Choosing search terms: Choosing the right search terms is key to finding the information you need. Start with the obvious. If searching for information on geography, enter ”geography”. It can be helpful to use more than one keyword but generally these must be separated with a comma, as the search function is sensitive to word order. It is advised to use the additional search features to narrow searches when possible. Do not use quotation marks when searching for multiple words.
- Capitalisation: NDAQ searches are not case sensitive. So searches for “GCSE”, “gcse” and “GcSe” will all return the same results.
- No need to include “and”: By default, NDAQ only returns results that include all of your search terms.
There is no need to include “and” between terms. However, the order in which the terms are typed will affect search results.
- Word variations: NDAQ searches for anything that begins with the words entered in the search box. If you search for “vision” NDAQ will find “visions” but won’t find “supervision”.
Selecting one or more of the other filters will restrict the results returned. Results will only be displayed where they match all selections. However, specifying multiple values from the following filters will produce results if any of the selections are found: qualification level, sectors.
Examples of how to carry out a detailed qualification search:
To find, within the NDAQ database, all qualifications at Level 2 or Level 3 containing the word "mining":
- Click on Detailed qualification search. All data boxes will remain blank by default if no option is selected.
- Type mining in the Qualification keyword box, and select Level 2 or level 3 from the Qualification level boxes.
- Click on the "Search" button.
To find all qualifications that have anything to do with mining or have mining within their title:
- Click on Advanced qualification search. All data boxes will remain blank by default if no option is selected.
- Type mining in the Qualification keyword box.
- Click on the "Search" button.
The second method finds far more qualifications with mining in their title than the first.
The available criteria to narrow a qualification search are:
Qualification keyword
Qualification Keyword e.g. plumber, agriculture or geography. Please also select the appropriate level, qualification type and awarding body from the drop-down menus if known. If the qualification code is known you can enter this
individually in the keyword search without additional parameters. Be aware that the order you type keywords will affect the search if you do not separate the terms with a comma. You may also wish to search for expired qualifications, the option for which can be found below.
Qualification level
Specify the level at which the qualification is positioned in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), to find specific qualification(s) at the chosen level.
For Diploma qualifications
This shows the level for the qualification being viewed. The Diploma is available at Level 1 (Foundation), Level 2 (Higher) and Level 3 (Advanced). Each level varies in size in terms of guided learning hours.
The size of the three key components (principal learning, additional and specialist learning and generic learning), also given as guided learning hours, varies at each level.
Awarding body
An organisation or consortium recognised by Ofqual to award accredited qualifications.
Qualification type
Qualifications with distinctive structural characteristics are grouped together under specific types: for example, Vocationally Related Qualification, National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), GCSE, GCE A-Levels, QCF, etc.
Use this option to narrow the search to specific qualification types that fall under either the NQF or the QCF framework.
Include current or expired qualifications
The default setting - current only - limits the search results to qualifications that are still within their accreditation period and for which candidates may register. To view expired qualification(s) choose the expired
only setting, or current and expired for both types.
Potential job occupation
Shows the possible job roles that achievement of the qualification could lead to. The chosen job occupations are selected from a list provided by Connexions (the Governments support service for all young people aged 13 to 19 in
England).
Please note:
1) these are guidelines only - there is no guarantee that completing the qualification will automatically lead to one of the jobs.
2) where no specific job occupations are listed, the qualification will allow learners to progress to a wide range of job roles in different employment sectors.
Sectors
Sector/subject areas are the series of categories based on industry sectors and academic subjects used to classify qualifications. These areas are subdivided into 1st and 2nd tiers. For further information visit the Ofqual website
Restrict to ASL Qualifications
Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) is a component of
the Diploma that enables the learner to specialise and/or take up relevant complementary
learning. If you select 'Yes' then only ASL qualifications that match your other
criteria will be returned by your search. If you select 'No' then all qualifications
that match your other criteria will be returned by your search.
Restrict to Foundation Learning Qualifications
Foundation Learning (FL) is the name given to education provision at entry level and level 1.
FL is a credit based programme where learners (both 14-19 and post 19 adult learners) build a
personalised programme of learning. The programme is a core component of the four national
suites of qualifications.
Foundation Learning programmes must include
- Subject or vocational knowledge, skills and understanding
- Functional skills
- Personal and social development learning
If you select 'Yes' then only qualifications matching the Foundation Learning criteria will
be displayed by your search. If you select 'No' then all qualifications that match your criteria
will be included in your search.
Languages this qualification is offered in
Indicates that the specification and/or assessment materials are offered in English,
Welsh and/or Irish (Gaeilge). Please contact individual awarding bodies for more information.