BTEC/CTEC Overview

Alongside A levels, BTEC Nationals and Cambridge Technicals are the most widely-recognised qualification for admission to higher education. They are level 3 vocational qualifications that provide specialist, work-related learning across a range of sectors. BTEC Nationals and Cambridge Technicals are designed to equip students with the specialist knowledge, practical skills and understanding they need to progress along their chosen learning and career paths. BTEC Nationals and Cambridge Technicals are career-based qualifications designed to give students the skills they need to move on to higher education or go straight into employment.
More employers and higher education institutions than ever before are choosing BTEC/CTEC-qualified candidates for their academic and practical knowledge and skills.

Did you know?

BTECs and CTECs provide the same UCAS tariff points as A Levels and more and more universities are realising the value of high-quality vocational qualifications. There are 76% (4475) more UK 18 year old applicants holding Cambridge Technicals in 2019 compared to 2017 figures. In 2017, 25% of all university applicants had a BTEC, compared with 18% in 2010.

It is becoming increasingly common for students to apply to university with a mixture of A level and BTEC qualifications. If the academic and exam focus of A levels isn’t right for a student you’re advising, then how about a vocational qualification at Level 3?
UCAS website

Who would they suit?

Vocational courses like these might suit students considering university or work-related options in future. Students will still spend time in the classroom, but they should also get the chance to apply their learning. There’s a focus on coursework and assignments over exams.

Considering whether A level or BTEC qualifications would suit you best? Explore the differences between them, where they could take you and how universities view BTECs.
Target Careers: A Levels v BTEC/CTEC

Mr. Kershaw’s presentation on alternative Level 3 qualifications
BTEC & CTEC courses – Level 3 alternatives

Sample BTEC and CTEC Course Summaries and hyperlinks
BTEC & CTEC Sample Summaries