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For more information see Frequently Asked Questions on the Ofqual website.

Qualification details

NOCN Entry Level Diploma in Skills Towards Enabling Progression (Step-UP) (Entry 3) (QCF)

Qualification summary

This qualification offers learners a wide, engaging and personalised curriculum choice, providing them with a range of challenging options and activities. It offers maximum flexibility for delivery in a variety of learning and training contexts, providing the tools to motivate learners and enable them to gain confidence by providing a supportive teaching framework.

The wide range of units and flexibility of approach gives opportunities for learners to negotiate their curriculum. They can develop their personal and social skills as part of their learning, which offers a holistic approach to recognising learner needs. The opportunity to accredit learning (both inside and outside school), will support the delivery of education to a wide range of young people and so aid and encourage their progression/return to learning.

The breadth of vocational taster units will give learners the opportunity to gain knowledge of a range of sectors successfully enabling them to make the transition into further learning and training. The opportunity to capture and to accredit ‘short’ bursts of learning will have a significant impact on the self esteem and aspirations of disengaged young people.

This qualification is one of a suite of qualifications, including both generic and endorsed pre-vocational pathways, offering focused progression routes into a range of qualifications and employment.

The qualification meets the needs of and supports national/educational strategies and drivers such as Every Child Matters, 14 -19 Education and Skills, Learning Pathways 14-19 (Wales), Extending Entitlement (Wales).

Qualification details

500/3993/3
Entry
QCF - QCF Qualification
Accreditation start date:
01/04/2008
Operational start date in centres:
01/04/2008
Accreditation end date:
31/07/2013
Certification end date:
31/07/2014
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.
English
The qualification provides clear progression pathways for Key Stage 4 to post-16 provision. It gives opportunities for pre-16 learners to ‘try out’ different vocational options (linked to post-16 choices), which will support more informed choices.

It supports the development of accredited activities which build the links with employers, Further Education, Higher Education and training providers to actively support young people in accessing post-16 education and training. There is also the opportunity to use the units to accredit work related learning.

Increased curriculum choice will allow younger learners to develop a more personalised mix of subjects and increase their participation and progression. The wide range of units allows the accreditation of all learning; both inside and outside school, the recognition of this learning will support the delivery of education to a wide range of young people and so aid and encourage their progression/return to learning.

It enables both the development of personal, social and employability skills and the creation of a wide range of opportunities for progression.
No specific job occupation
A. Recognise personal growth and engagement in learning
A1. Recognise development of skills for life
A2. Recognise development of knowledge and/or skills to operate independently and effectively in life, learning and work
A3. Recognise development of personal skills and/or knowledge
A4. Recognise development of employability skills and/or knowledge
  • 14 Preparation for Life and Work
    • 14.1  Foundations for Learning and Life
37
24
360
Pass
Aural Examination
Coursework
E-assessment
Multiple Choice Examination
Oral Examination
Portfolio of Evidence
Practical Demonstration / Assignment
None
Details of exemptions for ITQ units are available on the e-skills UK website. Please contact NOCN for further information.
No
For the achievement of the NOCN Entry Level Diploma in Skills Towards Enabling Progression (Step-UP) (Entry 3) the learner must achieve a minimum of 37 credits. A minimum of 24 credits must be achieved at Entry 3 with a maximum of 12 credits being achieved at Level 1. 6 credits must be achieved from the Mandatory Group A - Core Skills at either Entry Level (Entry 3) or Level 1. Learners can only use a maximum of 6 credits from Optional group G2 - IT for User (ITQ).
  • QS -  Parent Group
    Overall rule
    Credit Value required: Minimum 37.
    Sub-components required: Minimum 1.
    • A  -  Core Skills
      Units for skills for life, preparation for work and ICT in sub-sectors 14.1 and 14.2.
      Credit Value required: Minimum 6.
      Sub-components required: Minimum 1.
      • A1 -  Core Skills L1
        Core Skills Units at L1
        Credit Value required: Minimum 1.
        • A/500/8892 - Assertive Living
        • A/500/4681 - Building a Personal Career Portfolio
        • H/500/4688 - Demonstrating Speaking and Listening Skills
        • K/500/4689 - Develop Independent Skills for Living in the Community
        • M/500/5682 - Developing Customer Service Skills
        • F/500/5380 - Developing Group and Teamwork Communication Skills
        • H/500/5470 - Developing Lip Reading Skills
        • H/500/5467 - Developing own Interpersonal Skills
        • M/500/4693 - Developing Personal Confidence and Self Awareness
        • M/500/5469 - Developing Personal Development Skills
        • F/500/4696 - Developing Personal Learning Programme
        • R/500/4699 - Developing Personal Learning Skills
        • L/500/4703 - Developing Punctuation and Grammar Skills
        • R/500/4704 - Developing Skills for Independent Life
        • D/500/4804 - Exploring Computers to Support Family Learning
        • K/500/4708 - Family Relationships
        • L/500/8900 - Healthy Lifestyles
        • R/500/4718 - Improving Assertiveness and Decision Making
        • R/500/8901 - Improving Own Confidence
        • R/500/4721 - Improving Own Learning and Performance
        • K/500/5454 - Improving Spelling Skills
        • Y/500/8902 - Induction to Study
        • L/500/5382 - Introduction to Alcohol Awareness for the Individual
        • Y/500/5384 - Introduction to Drug Awareness for the Individual
        • M/500/8985 - Job Seeking Skills
        • L/500/5379 - Making and Using Story Sacks for Family Learning
        • T/500/4744 - Making Choices in Pursuit of Personal Goals
        • A/500/4745 - Managing Your Own Learning
        • D/500/8903 - Personal Awareness
        • H/500/5386 - Personal Budgeting and Money Management
        • H/500/5291 - Personal Career Planning
        • H/500/5422 - Personal Career Preparation
        • H/500/8904 - Personal Development
        • K/500/5292 - Preparation for Work
        • K/500/8886 - Prepare for Interview
        • D/500/5306 - Recognising Employment Opportunities
        • F/500/4746 - Sex and Relationship Education
        • M/500/8906 - Time Management Skills
        • J/500/4747 - Understanding Active Citizenship in the Local Community
        • R/500/4766 - Understanding and Using Numbers
        • D/500/4768 - Understanding and Using Shapes
        • T/500/4775 - Understanding Aspects of Citizenship
        • L/500/5088 - Understanding Data Handling
        • F/500/4780 - Understanding Diversity within Society
        • Y/500/4784 - Understanding Eating Disorders
        • M/500/4788 - Understanding Equal Opportunities
        • Y/500/5448 - Understanding Own Response to Body Image
        • M/500/4791 - Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination
        • A/500/4793 - Understanding Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
        • M/500/5486 - Understanding Stress and Stress Management Techniques
        • M/500/8887 - Understanding Trades Unions and Professional Associations
        • T/500/8888 - Understanding Work-based Learning and Apprenticeships
        • A/500/8889 - Understanding Working Patterns
        • R/500/5481 - Understanding Young People, Law and Order
        • L/500/5317 - Undertaking an Enterprise Project
        • T/500/5361 - Using Calculations: Whole Numbers
        • Y/500/4798 - Using Calculations: Fractions, Decimals, Percentages
        • D/500/4799 - Using Common Measures
        • J/500/5364 - Using Cooking Skills in a Domestic Kitchen
        • T/500/8891 - Using Labour Market Information
        • J/500/4800 - Using Reading for Meaning
        • R/500/5478 - Using Spelling Rules and Strategies
        • T/500/4808 - Using Teamwork Skills
        • L/500/4801 - Using Writing for Meaning
        • L/500/8914 - Work, Review and Plan
        • M/500/8890 - Work–based Placement
      • AE -  Core Skills - Entry Level
        Core Skills units at Entry Level
        Credit Value required: Minimum 1.
        • Y/501/5171 - Accessing Public Transport
        • A/500/9752 - Addition and Subtraction
        • M/500/9702 - Data Handling: Extracting and Interpreting Data
        • T/500/9703 - Data Handling: Recording and Representing Data
        • A/500/9704 - Developing and Applying Addition and Subtraction Skills
        • F/500/9705 - Developing and Applying Fraction Skills
        • J/500/9706 - Developing and Applying Measuring Skills
        • L/500/9707 - Developing and Applying Number Skills
        • R/500/9708 - Developing and Applying Shape and Space Skills
        • F/500/4732 - Developing Personal Hygiene Skills for Hands and Feet
        • J/500/4733 - Developing Personal Hygiene Skills for Oral Health
        • M/500/5519 - Developing Skills for a Healthy Lifestyle
        • H/500/4707 - Developing Skills for Table Setting in your Home
        • Y/500/9709 - Division of Whole Numbers
        • J/500/5493 - Drug and Alcohol Misuse Awareness
        • D/500/9503 - Grammar
        • D/500/5368 - Health and Safety Awareness
        • M/500/5522 - Induction to College
        • K/500/4675 - Introduction to Aspects of Citizenship
        • H/500/4674 - Introduction to Assertiveness and Decision Making Skills
        • J/500/4814 - Introduction to Career Preparation
        • K/500/4840 - Introduction to Customer Service Skills
        • D/500/4687 - Introduction to Developing a Personal Learning Programme
        • H/500/5369 - Introduction to Developing Personal Study Skills
        • Y/500/5501 - Introduction to Food, Drink and Cooking
        • Y/500/4722 - Introduction to General Health and Hygiene Skills
        • F/500/5489 - Introduction to General Skills for Independent Living
        • Y/500/5515 - Introduction to Group and Teamwork Communication Skills
        • T/500/4727 - Introduction to Lip Reading Skills
        • L/500/4684 - Introduction to Living in the Community
        • T/500/4677 - Introduction to Making and Using Story Sacks for Family Learning
        • L/500/4698 - Introduction to Making Choices in Pursuit of Personal Goals
        • M/500/5505 - Introduction to Personal Budgeting and Money Management
        • L/501/5717 - Introduction to Personal Development
        • D/501/5172 - Introduction to Road Safety
        • K/500/5020 - Introduction to Selecting Information Using the Internet
        • J/501/5179 - Introduction to Skills for Employability
        • A/500/4695 - Introduction to Teamwork Skills
        • F/500/4682 - Introduction to the Local Community
        • Y/500/4705 - Introduction to the Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
        • R/500/4685 - Introduction to Understanding and Achieving Personal Learning Goals
        • H/500/4691 - Introduction to Understanding Diversity in Society
        • J/500/4697 - Introduction to Understanding Self and Others
        • J/500/5526 - Introduction to Understanding Young People, Law and Order
        • R/500/5366 - Introduction to Undertaking an Enterprise Project
        • L/500/5026 - Introduction to Using ICT Systems
        • F/500/5024 - Introduction to Using the Internet
        • J/500/5025 - Introduction to Using Word Processing Software
        • L/500/9710 - Measure
        • R/500/9711 - Measure: Distance and Length
        • Y/500/9712 - Money: Adding and Subtracting
        • D/500/9713 - Multiplication of Whole Numbers
        • H/500/9714 - Number
        • F/500/4729 - Personal Body Hygiene Awareness
        • R/500/9501 - Personal Spelling
        • L/500/9500 - Practical Spelling
        • A/501/5180 - Preparation for Production Skills
        • Y/500/9502 - Punctuation
        • H/500/9504 - Reading: Comprehension
        • K/500/9505 - Reading: Grammar and Punctuation
        • M/500/9506 - Reading: Vocabulary, Word Recognition and Phonics
        • J/500/4702 - Recognising Own Skills for Personal Development
        • F/501/5178 - Skills for Shopping
        • A/500/9508 - Speaking and Listening: Speak to Communicate
        • F/500/9509 - Speaking and Listening: Engage in Discussion
        • T/500/9507 - Speaking and Listening: Listen and Respond
        • K/500/9715 - Time
        • Y/500/5367 - Understanding a Work Experience Placement
        • F/500/4679 - Understanding Family Relationships
        • A/500/9511 - Writing for Meaning: Grammar and Punctuation
        • J/500/9513 - Writing for Meaning: Spelling and Handwriting
        • T/500/9510 - Writing for Meaning: Writing Composition
    • B5 -  Child Development and Well Being
      Units from sub-sector 1.5.
      Credit Value required: Minimum 3.
      • M/500/5004 - Introduction to Food and Nutrition for Children and Young People
      • T/500/5005 - Introduction to Preparing, Presenting and Keeping Food for Children and Young People
      • F/500/5007 - Understanding Human Growth and Development
    • D2 -  Horticulture and Forestry
      Units from sub-sector 3.2.
      Credit Value required: Minimum 1.
      • R/500/5402 - Developing an Awareness of Soil Types and Garden Habitats
      • Y/500/5403 - Developing Skills for Sowing and Growing Plants
      • D/500/5404 - Developing Skills for Using and Maintaining Garden Tools
      • J/500/5395 - Introduction to Amenity Horticulture Skills
      • L/500/5396 - Introduction to Cultivating Plant Cuttings
      • Y/500/5398 - Introduction to Garden Horticulture
      • D/500/5399 - Introduction to Garden Maintenance Skills
      • J/500/5400 - Introduction to Planting in a Container
      • L/500/5401 - Introduction to Practical Floristry Skills
      • K/500/5017 - Introduction to Propagation of Plants
      • R/500/5397 - Understanding the Skills Required for Floristry
    • E3 -  Transportation, Operations and Maintenance
      Units from sub-sector 4.3.
      Credit Value required: Minimum 1.
      • J/500/5445 - Checking and Maintaining Car Tyre Pressures and Tread
      • J/500/5560 - Checking and Maintaining Fluid Levels on a Car
      • L/500/5561 - Identification of Basic External and Internal Car Parts
      • L/500/5446 - Valeting a Car Interior
      • K/500/5535 - Washing a Car Exterior
      • R/500/5447 - Waxing and Polishing a Car Exterior
    • F2 -  Building and Construction
      Sub Sector F2
      Credit Value required: Minimum 3.
      • M/501/5189 - Brickwork: Introduction to Assisting Workshop Practice
      • H/501/5187 - Brickwork: Introduction to Building a Half Brick Wall Three Courses High
      • K/501/5188 - Brickwork: Introduction to Building a Three Brick Square Hollow Pillar
      • D/501/5186 - Introduction to Brickwork
      • J/501/5182 - Introduction to Building and Construction
      • L/501/5183 - Introduction to Carpentry and Joinery
      • F/501/5181 - Introduction to Health and Safety: Construction
      • R/501/5184 - Introduction to Painting and Decorating
      • Y/501/5185 - Painting and Decorating: Introduction to Cutting and Hanging Wall Coverings
    • G2 -  IT for User (ITQ)
      ITQ units in Sector 6.2
      Credit Value required: Minimum 1, Maximum 6.
    • H1 -  Retailing and Wholesaling
      Sub Sector H1
      Credit Value required: Minimum 3.
    • H3 -  Service Enterprises
      Sub Sector H3
      Credit Value required: Minimum 3.
      • K/501/5191 - Hairdressing: Introduction to Assisting a Stylist
      • M/501/5192 - Hairdressing: Introduction to Health and Safety
      • T/501/5193 - Hairdressing: Introduction to Working Relationships
    • I1 -  Sport, Leisure and Recreation
      Units from sub-sector 8.1.
      Credit Value required: Minimum 3.
      • A/501/5194 - Health and Fitness
      • F/501/5195 - Indoor Team Games
      • F/500/4827 - Introduction to Participating in Leisure Activities
      • Y/500/5028 - Introduction to Planning and Participating in Walks
    • J1 -  Performing Arts
      Units from sub-sector 9.1.
      Credit Value required: Minimum 3.
      • J/501/5196 - Basic Performance Skills
      • D/500/5256 - Introduction to Physical Performance Skills
    • J2 -  Crafts, Creative Arts and Design
      Sub Sector J2
      Credit Value required: Minimum 3.
    • K1 -  History
      Sub Sector K1
      Credit Value required: Minimum 3.
    • P2 -  Business, Administration & Law
      Credit Value required: Minimum 3.
      • A/500/5085 - Developing Reception and Filing Skills
      • F/500/5086 - Using the Telephone, Fax and Photocopier
    • Z1 -  Level 1 Units
      Units at Level 1. A maximum of 12 credits can be used towards the full achievement of the Entry Level Diploma
      Credit Value required: Minimum 1, Maximum 12.
      • M/500/5584 - Checking and Maintaining a Car’s Tyre Pressure and Tread
      • F/500/5606 - Constructing a Cavity Wall Using Bricklaying Skills
      • L/500/5639 - Constructing a Half Brick Wall Using Bricklaying Skills
      • F/500/5640 - Constructing a One Brick Wide Wall Using Bricklaying Skills
      • D/500/5581 - Developing Creative Writing Skills
      • H/500/5582 - Developing DJing Skills
      • H/500/5338 - Developing Filing Skills
      • T/500/5604 - Developing Hand Knitting Skills
      • A/500/5488 - Developing Music Skills for Solo Performance
      • K/500/5468 - Developing Musical Ensemble Skills
      • K/500/5583 - Developing Oral Storytelling Skills for Performance
      • Y/500/5580 - Developing Performance Improvisation Techniques
      • L/500/5575 - Developing Performance Realisation Skills - Administrator
      • D/500/5418 - Developing Performance Realisation Skills - Designer
      • L/500/5155 - Developing Performance Realisation Skills - Director
      • Y/500/5157 - Developing Performance Realisation Skills - Marketing/Publicity
      • H/500/5159 - Developing Performance Realisation Skills - Performer
      • Y/500/5160 - Developing Performance Realisation Skills - Stage Manager
      • H/500/5162 - Developing Performance Realisation Skills - Technician
      • T/500/5165 - Developing Performance Realisation Skills - Theatre in Education
      • R/500/5349 - Developing Practical Floristry Skills
      • Y/500/5188 - Developing Production Rehearsal Process Skills - Administrator
      • M/500/5455 - Developing Production Rehearsal Process Skills - Designer
      • H/500/5453 - Developing Production Rehearsal Process Skills - Director
      • Y/500/5191 - Developing Production Rehearsal Process Skills - Marketing/Publicity
      • M/500/5195 - Developing Production Rehearsal Process Skills - Performer
      • T/500/5196 - Developing Production Rehearsal Process Skills - Stage Manager
      • J/500/5204 - Developing Production Rehearsal Process Skills - Technician
      • H/500/5212 - Developing Production Rehearsal Process Skills - Theatre in Education
      • K/500/5096 - Developing Skills in Caring for Young Children
      • R/500/5111 - Developing Skills in Garden Horticulture
      • D/500/5449 - Developing Song Writing Skills
      • J/500/5574 - Developing Sound and Audio Production Skills
      • D/500/5855 - Developing Technical Skills for Performance in the Arts
      • J/500/5641 - Developing Wallpapering Skills
      • R/500/8882 - FE Enrichment Activity
      • H/500/5243 - Garment Construction Skills – Making a Simple Kameez/Dress
      • T/500/5246 - Garment Construction Skills – Making a Simple Skirt
      • A/500/5250 - Garment Construction Skills – Making a Simple Top
      • J/500/5252 - Garment Construction Skills – Making Simple Shalwar/Trousers
      • L/500/5253 - Garment Construction Skills – Making Simple Shorts
      • R/500/5254 - Garment Construction Skills – Sewing Garments
      • A/500/5586 - Identification of Basic External and Internal Car Parts
      • T/500/5490 - Introduction to Composing Music
      • M/500/5097 - Introduction to Developing Language and Communication Skills in Children
      • H/500/5856 - Introduction to Musical Theatre
      • H/500/5601 - Introduction to Plastering Techniques
      • K/500/5616 - Knitting Garments
      • A/500/5622 - Measuring and Cutting Skills for Garment Making
      • T/500/5537 - Participating in Leisure Activities
      • L/500/5219 - Performance Planning Skills - Administrator
      • F/500/5220 - Performance Planning Skills - Designer
      • L/500/5222 - Performance Planning Skills - Director
      • H/500/5226 - Performance Planning Skills - Marketing/Publicity
      • K/500/5230 - Performance Planning Skills - Performer
      • M/500/5231 - Performance Planning Skills - Stage Manager
      • T/500/5232 - Performance Planning Skills - Technician
      • F/500/5234 - Performance Planning Skills - Theatre in Education
      • A/500/5863 - Performing Irish Traditional Dance Music
      • T/500/5487 - Performing Physical Theatre
      • M/500/5603 - Preparing Ceilings and Walls for Decoration
      • R/500/5593 - Taking Part in Sport
      • A/500/5491 - The Theory of Music
      • Y/500/5417 - Understanding and Applying Technical Theatre Skills
      • K/500/5471 - Understanding and Directing a Musical or Theatrical Performance
      • F/500/5444 - Understanding Biology and Environmental Study
      • R/500/5321 - Understanding Business Communication
      • J/500/5347 - Understanding Business Information for Managers
      • F/500/5332 - Understanding Business Meeting Techniques
      • D/500/5337 - Understanding Business Performance Management
      • L/500/5687 - Understanding Business Process Surveillance
      • J/500/5686 - Understanding Business Resources Management
      • K/500/5521 - Understanding Child Development
      • T/500/5523 - Understanding Children’s Social and Emotional Development
      • T/500/5120 - Understanding Ecology and Conservation
      • K/500/5101 - Understanding Growth, Social and Emotional Development of Children
      • Y/500/8883 - Understanding HE: Raising Aspirations
      • D/500/5113 - Understanding how to Cultivate Compost and Soils
      • K/500/5115 - Understanding how to Cultivate Herbs
      • L/500/5091 - Understanding Nutrition, Performance and Healthy Eating
      • M/500/5116 - Understanding Organic Horticulture
      • F/500/5119 - Understanding Plant Pruning
      • R/500/5531 - Understanding Play for Early Learning
      • Y/500/5109 - Understanding Soils and Crop Plants
      • J/500/5350 - Understanding Sowing and Growing Techniques
      • L/500/5351 - Understanding Techniques used in Floristry
      • M/500/5102 - Understanding the Importance of Play
      • A/500/5104 - Understanding the Intellectual and Language Development of Children Aged Birth to Eight years
      • R/500/5092 - Understanding the Role of Young People as Peer Mentors
      • F/500/5492 - Understanding the Social and Historical Development of Irish Traditional Dance Music
      • L/500/5236 - Understanding the use of Digital Sampling Techniques for Composing and Producing Music
      • A/500/5684 - Understanding Time Management in the Workplace
      • R/500/5352 - Use and Maintain Woodworking Tools
      • D/500/5354 - Use of Tools and Equipment for Bricklaying
      • R/500/5237 - Using Acoustic Recording Techniques
      • M/500/5472 - Using Aural Skills in Music
      • A/500/5605 - Using Carpentry Hand Skills
      • L/500/5284 - Using Commercial Patterns to Make a Garment
      • R/500/5108 - Using Craft Activities with Children and Young People
      • D/500/5595 - Using Decorative Paint Effects for Interior Walls
      • A/500/5345 - Using Faxes and Photocopiers
      • M/500/5598 - Using Floor and Wall Tiling Techniques
      • M/500/5357 - Using Painting Skills for Interior Ceilings and Walls
      • R/500/5285 - Using Pattern Drafting for Garment Making
      • A/500/5359 - Using Plastering Skills - Floating Coat to an Attached Pier
      • T/500/5358 - Using Plastering Skills – Plastering to a Window Reveal
      • D/500/5287 - Using Stitched Surface Decoration Techniques
      • D/500/5841 - Using the Internet as a Medium for Music
      • H/500/5288 - Using Tools and Equipment for Garment Making