Level 2 Certificates

What are Occupational and Foundation Certificates?

As part of England's post-16 qualification reforms, Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates are new Level 2 qualifications designed to create clearer progression routes for learners.

Level	Qualification	Vocational / Technical	GLH	Programme Length	Progression to
Level 2	Foundation certificate	Vocational	240-300	1 year	T Levels, V Levels or A Levels
Level 2	Occupational certificate	Technical	540-720	2 years	Skilled employment

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Subjects and rollout timeline

Teaching will begin in September 2027 with the first subject areas being:

Education and Early Years
Digital Systems and Data

NCFE Offer

We’re pleased to confirm, subject to DfE and Ofqual approval, NCFE will offer:

Foundation Certificate – Digital Systems and Data
Foundation Certificate – Education and Early Years
Occupational Certificate – Early Years Practitioner

Additional subjects will follow in future years as the rollout continues.

Prepare for post-16 reforms with confidence

Join our free webinars throughout November exploring our new V Level and Level 2 qualifications.

Book your place today.

Timeline

The new level 2 qualifications will be introduced in a phased approach from 2027, with new subject areas launching each year through to 2030.

Year	Occupational certs	Foundation certs
27/28	Education and early years Catering and hospitality	Digital systems and data Education
28/29	Business and finance Health and care services Construction (On-site) Construction (finishing trades) Engineering and manufacturing Sports and leisure	Business, administration and law Construction and the built environment Engineering and manufacturing Health and care services Science Sport, fitness and exercise science
29/30	Construction Agriculture, environmental and animal care Horticulture and floristry	Agriculture, land management and animal care Hospitality and catering Protective services
30/31	Hair and beauty Creative and design	Creative media and design Hair, beauty and aesthetics Performing arts Travel and tourism

How NCFE can support you

As the largest specialist vocational and technical awarding organisation and educational charity, NCFE is committed to supporting providers throughout qualification reform.

We’ll continue to provide:

regular policy and reform updates
sector insights and practical guidance
curriculum planning support
resources for providers
opportunities to engage with qualification development.

We're excited to get working on the future provision and keen to work closely with subject matter experts, employers, providers, HEI and professional bodies to gather your views and expertise.

Find out more about how you can get involved in shaping and developing the future of the 16-19 landscape.

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