EDEXCEL Level 5 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Applied Chemistry
Qualification summary
BTEC Higher National Certificate in Chemistry have been developed to focus on:
the education and training of applied chemistry technologists who are employed in a variety
of types of technical work, such as: quality control, organic preparations, laboratory
analysis, materials testing, pilot scale, research and development, education
a standard national vocationally specific qualification at Level 4 provides links to the
National Occupational Standards
a nationally recognised qualification that will give employers confidence when recruiting
holders of the qualification who possess the requisite knowledge, understanding and skills
a programme of learning that ensures full understanding of the role of the applied chemistry
technologist. This includes an understanding of the role at departmental/section level as
well as an appreciation of how the role and that of the department/section fits within the
overall structure of their organisation and within the scientific and local community.
Qualification details
5 (Current NQF Level)
4 (Original NQF Level)
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Applied Chemistry mainly offers a progression route
for learners who are employed in the applied chemistry and related manufacturing and service
science industries. It is at this stage that many learners make a choice to progress from studying
a general science programme to majoring in chemistry.
Learners studying on the BTEC Higher National Certificate will be able to apply for Affiliate
Membership status of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
No specific job occupation
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02 Science and Mathematics
The assessment of these BTEC qualifications is criterion-referenced and centres will be required to assess the learners’ evidence against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. This gives transparency to the assessment process and provides for the establishment of national standards for each qualification.
It is recognised that learners present with varying experiences of education and training and/or work and centres are encouraged to take an open approach to the choice of assessment methods in the general guidance from Edexcel and other support material such as Tutor Support Material. In particular Edexcel has always supported a learner-centred approach to learning and the associated assessment so that maximum use is made of learner’s environment and experience.
A range of assessment methods are available to centres that include open-book projects or assignments, practical tests, closed or open short answer questions, essays, performance or artefacts. Centres are expected to use assessment methods that are fit-for-purpose in relation to the size and subject content of each qualification and the nature of the learners so that there are maximum opportunities to present evidence that will meet the requirements of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. For part time learners who principally study for the BTEC Higher National Certificate, Edexcel encourages centres to make maximum use of the learners’ current and/or past work and other experience. For the full time learners on the BTEC Higher National Diploma programmes, while full use should be made of any work experience, it is likely that realistic case studies and research into companies and organisations will offer a more appropriate assessment approach
The guidance section of the specifications and the Information for Tutors section of the units will provide guidance about suitable assessment strategies.
Candidates must complete all six Units from Group A, plus four Specialist Optional Units from group B.
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A -
Mandatory Units
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B -
Optional Units