Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) sit at Levels 4 and 5 and are quality-marked by IfATE to confirm their alignment with occupational standards. They provide clear, structured progression from T Levels and offer tangible routes into the workforce or onto further study at Level 6. These qualifications play a critical role in addressing the national gap in higher technical skills by offering learners high-quality, career-focused education.
Prestigious qualifications of the highest quality
NCFE believes that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in lifelong learning, and our specialist, high-quality progression pathways support learners at every stage of their career journey. Our HTQs set the gold standard in technical education—without exception, they are fully mapped to 100% of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in the relevant occupational standards.
With three NCFE qualifications already approved as HTQs and more in development, we are committed to expanding opportunities for learners and ensuring they have access to qualifications that truly prepare them for success in their chosen industries.
New qualifications now launched
The journey to HTQs – what does it look like?
At NCFE, we are committed to facilitating a seamless learner journey from Level 2 through to Levels 4 and 5, ensuring that learners can continuously develop their skills, knowledge and technical ability in their chosen specialist area.
Use the drop-down buttons to discover what a lifelong learning journey with NCFE looks like in early years, cyber security and data analysis.
Early years
For an early years practitioner, progressing from Level 2 through to Levels 4 and 5 allows practitioners to deepen their knowledge, refine their practical skills and stay up to date with best practices in early years education. This not only improves the quality of care and learning they provide for children but also opens doors to career advancement or further study at Level 6.
|
Level |
Qualification |
|
2 |
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner-603/3723/0 |
|
3 |
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)-610/4164/6 |
|
4 |
NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner-601/8424/3 |
|
5 |
NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner-610/4163/4 |
Cyber security
For someone pursuing a career in cyber security, a structured learning journey with an HTQ provides the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in this field. As learners progress to more advanced levels, they gain hands-on technical expertise. This clear pathway not only enhances employability but also supports career growth into specialist roles, ensuring learners remain equipped to tackle the ever-changing challenges of cyber security.
|
Level |
Qualification |
|
2 |
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Cyber Security-603/5853/1 |
|
3 |
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Cyber Security Practices-603/5762/9 |
|
4 |
NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Cyber Security Engineer-603/7748/3 |
Data analysis
For anyone looking to build a career in data analysis, a lifelong learning journey that includes Higher Technical Qualifications provides a great way to develop the right skills at the right time. As learners progress, they build more advanced skills in specialist areas. This kind of structured learning not only boosts job prospects but also opens up opportunities for more specialist or senior roles.
|
Level |
Qualification |
|
2 |
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Data Analysis-603/3916/0 |
|
3 |
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Data-603/7882/7 |
|
4 |
NCFE Level 4 Diploma: Data Analyst-603/7751/3 |
Supercharge your apprenticeships with Higher Technical Qualifications
- Elevate your offer with a prestigious Level 4 or 5 qualification.
- Boost credibility and appeal for both employers and apprentices.
- Fully mapped to the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the relevant occupational standards.
Find out more
Watch our free webinar
HTQ expert David Rowley explores what makes NCFE’s Higher Technical Qualifications stand out.