The IT GNVQ is a general vocational qualification taught in schools, sixth form colleges and FE colleges. The intention of this qualification is to lay the broad foundation of skills and knowledge required for employment within the IT industry.

GNVQ's can be completed as a stand-alone option or alongside other qualification such as NVQ's, GCSE's or A and AS levels.

There are three levels to the IT GNVQ and all three levels consist of the key skills which are to acquire practical experience of, communication, application of number, information technology, working with others and improving their own learning and performance.

The three levels are:

The foundation level which has entry requirements of age 16, but no other qualifications necessary, this aims at recruitment at junior level in computer operations, office IT operations, engineering in IT, software support services. Upon completion of this qualification the candidate should have skills and experience of using information technology, using a range of software applications, common business presentation standards and formats.

The Intermediate Level would need entry requirements at the age of 16+ and GCSE's at grades D - G. They are expected to obtain experience for employment in computer operation, database operation and support, office IT operations, computer services and bureaux, engineering (IT operations), software support services and software development. They would have skills and experience of those areas mentioned above and also including industrial and commercial information systems and basic communication and network systems.

The Advanced Level requires entry at 16+ with 4 GCSE's at grades A - C. This level would give the candidate experience for work in services and bureaux, engineering (IT technician), software support services, software design and development, business and systems analysis, communications and networks. They will have gained the skills and experience of industrial and commercial information systems, using and developing information technology systems, used a extensive range of applications, business and systems analysis, database development, software design, communications and networks, information flow and data handling, and IT project team handling.

Baroness Blackstone - Minister of State for Education and Employment quotes that GNVQ's have an important role in increasing the employability of young people. GNVQ's provide a broad understanding of an area of employment and include the Key Skills that are fundamental to success in the world of work. There is much scope for progression from GNVQ's to Modern Apprenticeships and National Traineeships.