Assessment and grading

Find out about grading for BTEC Firsts and how we ensure that assessment standards are consistently applied.
Grading
BTEC First learners receive a grade for each individual unit (Distinction, Merit, Pass, or Unclassified). Next generation BTEC Firsts also include a Level 1 pass at unit and qualification level, and a Distinction* grade (at qualification level only).
All internally assessed unit grades are subject to quality assurance. This ensures that learners get the grades they deserve and all centres assess every BTEC assignment to the highest standard.
We calculate the final grade for a BTEC First by looking at performance across each unit in the qualification using a points-based scale. Each individual specification contains details of how to grade each unit and calculate the overall qualification grade.
Confidence in the standard: Quality assurance
We have a rigorous process to ensure all teachers and tutors are assessing BTEC consistently to the same high standard. This process is called quality assurance.
Everyone in the BTEC team will be involved in the quality assurance process:
Results
Once a learner has completed all the units in their course, the school or college can make a claim.
About claims and certification
For next generation BTEC Firsts, which contain an element of external assessment, there's additional support including mark schemes and past papers.