| Qualification | External Assessment | Real Work Environment | Grading systems |
| Technical Award in Childcare and Education | No | No | Unit 1 and Unit 2 must achieve a pass
A*-D |
| Technical Certificate in Childcare and Education | Yes | Yes 365 hours | Units 1 – Unit 7 must be achieved A*-D |
| Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education | Yes in addition to the one gained at Certificate level. | Yes 750 hours | Units 1 – 16 must be achieved A*-D |
| Criteria | Grade Descriptors |
| D Grade | The learner is expected to:
Explain Identify Describe key areas within the assignment brief |
| C Grade | The learner must achieve the D grade criteria plus be able to:
Describe in depth Explain in detail Be able to plan activities and events within an early years setting. |
|
B Grade
|
The learner must achieve D and C criteria and be able to:
Fully explain with examples of practice Evaluate the findings of research related to early years |
| A & A* Grade | The learner must achieve D,C and B criteria and be able to:
Analyse with appropriate reference Critically evaluate key areas and texts with early years. |