LCCI levels and equivalences

Find out more about the different levels of LCCI qualifications, what they mean and how they compare to other recognised types of qualifications. 

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Understanding LCCI qualification levels

The level of a qualification indicates how difficult the qualification is and how the knowledge and skills gained relates to job roles. LCCI International Qualifications are available from Preliminary Level to Level 4. 

These levels help students to decide which qualifications they need for their career progression and help employers to assess the level of knowledge and skills a candidate has, and for which job roles they would be suited.

LCCI qualification levels are benchmarked against the UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This sets out the levels against which a qualification is recognised in the UK. The NQF is also used internationally as the basis for comparison with other frameworks, particularly in terms of the levels of qualifications awarded.

LCCI Level 1 qualifications improve your basic knowledge and skills in a particular subject or business-related job area, and help you to use your learning to complete straightforward routine tasks with direction and guidance.

In addition, LCCI Level 1 qualifications help you prepare for LCCI Level 2 qualifications.

LCCI Level 2 qualifications give you good knowledge and a solid understanding of a subject or business-related job area. They help you to use your learning to complete clearly set tasks and solve straightforward problems with some guidance or supervision. Level 2 qualifications are usually the recommended minimum entry requirements for jobs. 

LCCI Level 3 qualifications develop your ability to learn and apply a range of knowledge, understanding and skills at a detailed level. They help you to use your learning in a wide range of complex tasks and situations, and develop your supervisory skills. If your job role requires you to work independently or supervise and train others in your field of work, then this level is suitable for you.

Level 3 is also suitable for you if you're planning to go to university or progress to professional qualifications.
 

LCCI Level 4 qualifications help you to become a specialist in your area of learning or work. They involve detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge in an area of work or study. Learning at this level is appropriate for you if you work in a technical and professional job, and/or manage and develop others.

Quality you can trust

LCCI International Qualifications are provided by Pearson. We are an awarding organisation recognised and regulated by Ofqual, the regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.

Increasingly, LCCI International Qualifications are being recognised by Ofqual.

Read more about the quality of Pearson and LCCI qualifications.

How do LCCI levels compare with other qualifications?

The table below shows how LCCI qualification at different NQF levels compare to other recognised types of qualifications. Understanding how the qualifications compare can help in assessing levels of achievement.  

Qualification levels Examples of LCCI qualifications Equivalent qualifications Example job roles
Introductory/Preliminary
  • English for Business Preliminary
  • Introductory Certificate in Book-keeping
Entry level awards Data Entry Clerk, Journal Entry
Level 1
  • Level 1 Book-keeping
  • Level 1 English for Business
  • Level 1 Travel and Tourism
GCSE grades D - G Accounts clerks, Travel Assistant, Hotel Receptionist
Level 2
  • Level 2 Book-keeping and Accounts
  • Level 2 Marketing
  • Level 2 Contact Centre Skills
  • Level 2 Cost Accounting
  • Level 2 Business Statistics

GCSE grades A* - C

BTEC Firsts

Accounts Assistant, Administration Assistant, Contact Centre Operator, Marketing Assistant
Level 3
  • Level 3 Accounting
  • Level 3 Accounting (IAS)
  • Level 3 Marketing
  • Level 3 Management Accounting

A level

BTEC Nationals

Junior Accountant, Marketing Executive, Cost Accountant, Accounts Executive
Level 4
  • Level 4 Financial Accounting
  • Level 4 The Legal Environment

 

Undergraduate courses Accountant, Accounts Advisor

Quality you can trust

LCCI qualifications are awarded by Pearson, an accredited awarding body providing vocational and professional qualifications worldwide. Pearson is accredited by UK qualifications regulator Ofqual and many regulatory bodies and Ministries of Education around the world recognise LCCI qualifications.

See the range of LCCI qualifications we offer