About this qualification

The technical qualification (TQ) forms part of the new T Level study programme.

The purpose of the level 3 technical qualification is to ensure students have the knowledge and skills needed to progress into skilled employment or higher level technical training relevant to the T Level.

UCAS points

The T Level study programme is eligible for UCAS points. Please check the UCAS website for more information.

Performance points

The TQ is eligible for performance points.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is suitable for post-16 students looking to develop both knowledge and practical skills in the science sector.

This technical qualification will support students onto a range of progression routes including employment, higher education and higher apprenticeships.

What are the entry requirements?

This qualification is designed for post-16 students.

There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a student must have for this qualification. However, students may find it helpful if they have already studied at level 2

How is this qualification structured?

The technical qualification is split into 2 component parts:

Core component:

• route core component
• pathway core component

Occupational specialism components:

• Technical: Laboratory Sciences
• Technical: Food Sciences
• Technical: Metrology Sciences

Students will only complete one occupational specialism.

The occupational specialisms provide students with knowledge and skills required to enter employment or further study in the specific occupational area.

How is it assessed?

Core component:

• paper A written examination
• paper B written examination
• employer set project

In order to achieve a grade for the core component, students must have results for both sub-components (the core (written) examination and the employer set project).

The combined results from these sub-components will be aggregated to form the overall core component grade (A* to E and U).

If students fail to reach the minimum standard across all sub-components, they will receive a U grade. No overall grade will be issued for the core component until both sub-components have been attempted.

Occupational specialism component: 

• synoptic assignments

The student is also required to successfully achieve a distinction/merit/pass grade in one of the occupational specialism components. If the student fails to reach the specified level of attainment, they will receive a U grade. 

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Students who achieve this qualification could progress to the following, depending on their chosen occupational specialism:

• employment
• higher education
• apprenticeship

Career opportunities

Entry level role in the science sector.

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

Science technician (for example, food technologist, laboratory technician, metrology technician).

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.

Key dates

Please see the Key Dates Schedule below for a timeline of the key dates for this qualification.

T Level Technical Qualifications Key Dates Schedule 2025/2026 and 2026/2027

Useful Links

Regulations for the Conduct of External Assessment

Qualification Specific Instructions for Delivery (QSID)

NCFE and Gatsby Technical Education Projects (GTEP) are working in partnership to provide free teaching materials for T Levels in Health and Science.

Gatsby T Level Resources

NCFE and RCNi are working in partnership to provide teaching materials for T Levels in Health and Science.

RCNi T Level Resources

The lifelong learning partner for nurses

Royal College Of Nursing | 20 Cavendish Square | London | W1G 0RN | UK

RCNi is part of the Royal College of Nursing Group

Sim & Skills Resources

By working in partnership, Health, Healthcare Science and Science T Level providers can access resources to support with students in using Sim & Skills equipment and resources.