What Is the NVQ-J?

The National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J) is a certificate of competence that is recognized islandwide as well as in the CARICOM and Commonwealth countries.  

General Framework for NVQJ

The award is proof that you have the skills, knowledge and understanding to perform in accordance to workplace requirements. The award is based on the demonstration of performance outlined in the Competency Standards for a qualification.

The NVQ-J certification is awarded at the following levels:

Level 1 – Directly Supervised Worker
Level 2 – Supervised Skilled Worker
Level 3 – Supervisor
Level 4 – Middle Manager
Level 5 – Manager
Level 6 – Specialist
Level 7 – Specialist/Multi-disciplined Professional
Level 8 – Specialist

The NVQ-J provides the opportunity for more working age Jamaicans to get formal recognition of their competence. The NVQ-J can be awarded to:

  • High school graduates
  • School leavers without graduate certification
  • Workers in the labour force
  • Re-trenched (displaced) workers seeking new skills to re-enter the workforce
  • Self-employed individuals

THE VALUE OF THE NVQ-J

  • A certificate which attests to competence
  • Awarded on the achievement of competence in a qualification plan
  • Recognized by employers island wide
  • Recognized in CARICOM and Commonwealth countries
  • Based on standards determined by industry
  • Recognized by regional and international awarding bodies

NVQ-J and the Individual

  • Provides relevant qualifications that are internationally recognized
  • Proves that an individual has attained competence in a given set of work activities
  • Ensures a better match of pay to ability and responsibility
  • Enables an individual to make progress in his/her career by moving from one level to another
  • Provides clear learning goals so that an individual can see what skills are needed to become fully competent in a particular work function

NVQ-J and the Employer
The NVQ-J can help the employer to:

  • Find the right workers
  • Measure worker’s skill and experience
  • Recognize worker’s achievement