Level 3 EQF

Level 3 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) represents qualifications for learners who have acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies allowing them to perform tasks under supervision. It's considered an intermediate level, typically aligned with high school education, vocational training, or entry-level employment skills.

Key characteristics of Level 3 EQF:

• Knowledge: Basic factual and theoretical knowledge in a specific field or work/study area.
• Skills: Range of cognitive and practical skills that allow solving routine tasks and procedures using basic methods, tools, materials, and information.
• Responsibility and Autonomy: Ability to take responsibility for completing tasks under direction and solve routine issues independently.

Level 3 qualifications are commonly used as a stepping stone for learners moving toward Level 4 (which often aligns with post-secondary or polytechnic training). These qualifications can vary by country but generally prepare learners for more specialized education or skilled work.

At the Polytechnic Institute of Switzerland, we offer various levels of awards, certificates, and diplomas tailored to develop practical skills, knowledge, and understanding for employment. Each qualification is designed to meet specific career goals, with flexible options for direct entry into the workforce or continued study at higher levels.

Awards

Awards are concise programs that focus on essential skills and foundational knowledge. Available at various levels, they generally require 120 hours or less. Learners who complete an award may progress to a certificate or diploma program at a similar or higher level, depending on their professional aspirations.

Certificates

Certificates provide a broader learning experience than awards, with more in-depth study of a subject. These qualifications typically require 121 to 369 hours and are available across multiple levels. After earning a certificate, learners may choose to continue studying toward a diploma or pursue further higher education.

Diplomas

Diplomas are comprehensive programs that offer an extensive exploration of a subject, requiring 370 hours or more. Extended Diplomas, which involve at least 1,080 hours, allow learners to gain a deep and thorough understanding of their chosen field. Diplomas are available at different levels, making them suitable for both beginners and those looking to specialize.

Flexible Study Paths

The Polytechnic Institute of Switzerland provides flexible pathways for these qualifications, enabling learners to pursue them independently, in combination with other academic or vocational courses, or as part of structured programs like apprenticeships.

Qualification Size and Time Commitment

Each qualification follows the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), with "Total Qualification Time" (TQT) guiding the estimated time needed to complete each course. TQT includes all aspects of study time, both with instructors and independently. One credit represents roughly 10 hours of study. For example, a qualification with 12 TQT credits would require approximately 120 hours to achieve.

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are also used to specify time spent directly with instructors, which often affects program funding arrangements. This provides a clear expectation of the commitment required to succeed.

Understanding Qualification Titles and Duration

The titles of our programs—Award, Certificate, or Diploma—indicate the scope of study and approximate completion time:

• Award: 1-12 credits (10-120 hours of study)

  • Example: Level 3 Award in Education and Training (12 credits, 120 hours)

• Certificate: 13-36 credits (130-360 hours of study)

  • Example: Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (36 credits, 360 hours)

• Diploma: 37 or more credits (370+ hours of study)

  • Example: Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (120 credits, 1,200 hours)

These titles refer to the required study time, not the progression level, and allow learners to pursue awards, certificates, and diplomas at different levels within the same subject. This flexible approach helps meet varied career objectives and supports continuous professional growth.

To enrol in our Level 3 course, you must be at least 16 years old and have a full secondary education.

If you don’t have a full secondary education or the equivalent, you may also be able to enrol based on your work experience.

Level 3 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is roughly equivalent to qualifications typically associated with:

• High School Diploma or GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in the UK. Specifically, it corresponds to the level achieved around the age of 16 after completing foundational education, but before specialized advanced studies.
• Secondary School Completion or Vocational Certificate in many European countries, marking the end of compulsory education or entry into a basic vocational or trade pathway.
• Entry-Level Vocational Qualification or Apprenticeship: In some systems, Level 3 is equivalent to early-stage vocational certificates or apprenticeships that qualify learners for semi-skilled positions.
• International Equivalent:
• • USA: Roughly equivalent to a High School Diploma or some early vocational certificates.
  • Australia: Comparable to Certificate III in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
  • Canada: Comparable to completion of high school or vocational certificates, depending on the province.

It represents qualifications for learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge to perform tasks under supervision, suitable for entry-level positions and further vocational or academic progression.

All programs offered by the Polytechnic Institute of Switzerland (PIS) are recognized by awarding bodies regulated by Ofqual UK.Gov, such as OTHM, Qualifi, and ATHE. As an affiliate of SIMI Swiss, PIS also benefits from SIMI Swiss’s advanced quality assurance system. For more information, please refer to here.

PIS’s Level 3 Diploma programs offer dual certification, ensuring that both the programs and diplomas are recognized in most countries and territories.

It is important to note that each country has its own specific regulations regarding diploma recognition, in addition to general guidelines. Therefore, PIS and SIMI Swiss encourage students to verify recognition information independently to protect their interests, especially given the variations in educational systems across different countries.

At Level 3 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), a learner’s "can do" abilities include the following competencies:

1. Apply Basic Knowledge in Specific Contexts: Can use basic factual and theoretical knowledge in a chosen field of study or work to understand and complete tasks.
2. Perform Routine Tasks with Some Independence: Can handle familiar tasks using set procedures and tools, often under supervision, but with some autonomy.
3. Solve Routine Problems: Can address straightforward issues and make decisions within clearly defined parameters, applying basic problem-solving techniques.
4. Use Standard Tools and Methods: Able to work with standard tools, techniques, and materials to accomplish tasks, following established practices.
5. Communicate Clearly and Effectively: Can communicate factual information clearly, relay instructions, and interact with colleagues or team members to carry out tasks.
6. Take Responsibility for Completing Tasks: Can take responsibility for routine tasks within a structured framework and demonstrate reliability in completing assignments on time.
7. Work in a Team Environment: Capable of working effectively as part of a team, understanding roles, and cooperating with others under guidance.
8. Adapt to Minor Changes in Work Processes: Can adjust to small changes in procedures or tasks and can continue work with some guidance in new situations.

These competencies make a Level 3 learner suitable for entry-level roles where routine procedures are followed and prepare them for further learning or training at higher EQF levels.

The progression from Level 3 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) typically involves moving towards higher levels of education or training to gain more advanced skills, knowledge, and autonomy. Here’s an outline of the typical progression pathways from Level 3 EQF:

1. Move to Level 4 EQF:

   • Learners can progress to Level 4 qualifications, which often involve more in-depth theoretical knowledge and skills. At this level, learners gain more responsibility and autonomy and are prepared to handle complex tasks with less supervision. Level 4 qualifications are often aligned with post-secondary education, advanced vocational training, or specialized certifications.

2. Further Vocational Training:

   • Many learners use Level 3 as a foundation for further vocational training, where they gain specialized skills in trades or technical fields. This can lead to industry-recognized certifications or apprenticeships at Level 4, equipping them for roles requiring a higher level of skill.

3. Entry into the Workforce:

   • Level 3 prepares learners for entry-level roles, often in semi-skilled positions. After gaining some work experience, learners may advance within their field or pursue additional training and certifications to improve their qualifications.

4. Apprenticeships and Traineeships:

   • Level 3 qualifications often serve as a prerequisite for apprenticeships or traineeships in various fields, offering practical experience while learners continue to study and acquire skills at higher levels.

5. Transition to Specialized Programs:

   • Depending on the field, learners might transition to specific programs that require a Level 3 qualification as a starting point. This could include areas like healthcare support, technical trades, or administrative work.

6. Lifelong Learning and Upskilling:

   • Learners may also choose to engage in lifelong learning opportunities, taking additional courses to build on their Level 3 knowledge and broaden their skills, allowing for career flexibility and advancement.

The progression options from Level 3 EQF are designed to allow flexibility, enabling learners to tailor their educational and career pathways based on individual goals and regional education frameworks.

Transitioning from a Level 3 diploma to a bachelor’s program often requires completing additional steps to bridge the academic gap. Here are common pathways to help students move from Level 3 to undergraduate studies:

1. Enroll in a Foundation or Access Program:

   • Many universities offer foundation or access programs specifically designed for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree. These programs typically last one year and focus on essential academic skills and subject knowledge to prepare for degree-level study.

2. Pursue a Level 4 Qualification:

   • Level 4 qualifications, such as a higher certificate, diploma, or other vocational qualifications, help build on Level 3 knowledge and skills. By completing a Level 4 qualification, students align more closely with the entry requirements of bachelor’s programs and may sometimes receive credits toward the degree.

3. Take a Bridging Course:

   • Some universities provide bridging courses that cover specific subjects or skills required for a bachelor’s program. These courses are often shorter than a foundation program and target key areas needed to prepare for undergraduate studies in a chosen field.

4. Apply for a Vocational Pathway Program:

   • Certain education systems offer vocational pathway programs where students progress from Level 3 to bachelor’s-level qualifications through structured vocational training. These pathways often include a mix of practical experience and academic coursework, leading to eligibility for a bachelor’s program.

5. Use Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

   • For students with work experience or relevant learning outside of formal education, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be an option. RPL assesses prior skills and knowledge to determine if they meet bachelor’s program entry requirements. RPL may lead to credits or partial fulfillment of admission requirements.

6. Choose a University that Offers Flexible Entry Options:

   • Some universities have flexible entry requirements and may consider applicants with Level 3 qualifications based on other factors like work experience, personal statements, and entrance exams. This approach varies by institution and may require additional evaluations.

Key Steps in the Transition Process:

• Research Entry Requirements: Look into specific bachelor’s programs to understand their entry requirements and whether they offer foundation, bridging, or RPL options.
• Seek Guidance from Admissions Advisors: Most universities have admissions advisors who can help clarify pathways and guide applicants through foundation or vocational programs.
• Plan for Additional Study Time: Foundation and bridging programs may add an extra year to the study plan, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

In summary, while a Level 3 diploma alone doesn’t usually meet bachelor’s entry standards, foundation programs, Level 4 qualifications, bridging courses, vocational pathways, or Recognition of Prior Learning can help students transition smoothly into undergraduate studies.