Post-16 Level 2 Vocational qualifications
Find a Post-16 Level 2 Vocational qualifications subject
- {{letter}} {{letter}}
-
{{selectedLetter}}
Level 2 qualifications support 16–19-year-olds and adult learners to take confident steps towards their chosen careers. Each qualification helps learners build the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to progress to further study, an apprenticeship or employment.
This page provides you with:
- the latest information about the post-16 qualification reform
- a summary of the qualifications available now
- a timeline for the future landscape
View our post-16 qualifications review page for latest updates
Post-16 reform: Introduction of new qualifications
The Department for Education has published its post‑16 pathways implementation plan.
From 2027 the new Level 2 Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates will be introduced, with a phased rollout by subject area which will replace current Level 2 vocational qualifications and the T Level foundation year.
Download our Guide to Funding and Support
We’ve included below a timeline summarising the implementation of these new qualifications:
Occupational Certificates
- Catering and Hospitality
- Education and Early Years
Foundation Certificates
- Digital
- Education and Early Years
Occupational certificates
- Business and Administration
- Care Services
- Construction and the Built
Environment - Digital
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Finance and Administration
- Health and Science
- Sports and Leisure
Foundation certificates
- Business, Administration and Law
- Care Services
- Construction and the Built
Environment - Engineering and Manufacturing
- Health and Science
- Sports, Fitness and Exercise
Science
Occupational certificates
- Â Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
- Hair and Beauty
- Horticulture and Floristry
Foundation certificates
- Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
- Catering and Hospitality
- Hair and Beauty
- Protective Services
Occupational certificates
- Art and Performing Arts
- Creative and Design
- Travel and Tourism
Withdrawal of post-16 level 2 BTEC qualifications
As the reformed qualifications are introduced, the current, relevant BTEC Firsts, BTEC Technicals and BTEC Skills qualifications will be withdrawn as they will no longer be eligible for funding. These withdrawals apply across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Please refer to your dedicated funding guide:
View the current qualifications in your sector
We have four different qualification suites available:
- BTEC Technicals (2025 Technical Occupational Entry qualifications)
- BTEC Level 2 Technicals
- BTEC Level 2 Firsts
- BTEC Level 2 Skills
See list below for what is currently available in the various sectors.
Art and Design:
L2 Skills: Art and Design Skills
L2 Technicals: Design Production
Creative Media:
BTEC Firsts: Creative Digital Media Production
L2 Skills: Creative Media Skills
Music
L2 Skills: Music Industry Skills
Performing Arts
L2 Skills: Performing and Productin Arts Industry Skills
Find a Post-16 Level 2 Vocational qualifications subject
- {{letter}} {{letter}}
-
{{selectedLetter}}