Information about this qualification could differ depending on where you are in the UK. Chose your nation to view the relevant detail:
Before looking at this particular National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), it is worth explaining the purpose of an NVQ. It is a competence based qualification, which means it reflects what someone does as part of their job. They are normally flexible and are essentially an assessment to prove that someone can do a job. Training is still required over and above the assessment to bring someone new or developing in a role to full competence and hence enable them to gain the qualification.
NVQs are work based qualifications, but can be delivered full-time in colleges. NVQs can be delivered by the employer themselves or with help from a commercial work based provider or college. Their delivery can be very flexible, including day release, on the job, online training assessment etc.
NVQs are available at levels 1 to 5 and reflect the differing competences of different jobs, with 5 being the highest level of competence.