The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Business is 30 credits and 180 guided learning hours qualification, it consists of two mandatory units plus optional units that provide for a combined total of 30 credits. The units for the BTEC qualifications in this specification are available on our website (www.edexcel.com).

How Btec grades work. There are four grades you can receive in a Btec, a pass (P), merit (M), distinction (D) and distinction* (D*). Pass is the lowest and distinction* is the highest.

A-levels
They can be studied at various levels, each of which equates to a different qualification: Btec Level 1 and 2 = equivalent to GCSEs. Btec Level 3 = equivalent to A-levels. Btec Level 4-5 = equivalent to 1st and 2nd year of an undergraduate degree.

The type of award, and the grades for each unit, with dictate how many UCAS points a BTEC is worth, with a Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma Pass worth 40 UCAS points (equivalent to an A level grade E), and a Level 3 Extended Diploma with triple Distinction* being typically worth 420 points (equivalent to three grade ‘A*’ A …

A grade 8 is slightly below an A*, whereas a grade 9 is above. This means that an A and A* are both considered a distinction grade.

BTEC and A Level UCAS points

They’ll usually accept BTECs alongside other qualifications such as A-Levels. The standard 18-unit extended BTEC level 3 diploma is equivalent to three A-Levels, so plenty of unis will be happy to accept you with this qualification.

Is a BTEC easier than A levels? Don’t choose a BTEC expecting an easy life. The top grade – D* – is treated as equivalent to an A* at A level and the bottom grade – P – is equivalent to an E (a pass at A level). You’ll also have to work very steadily throughout your course due to the continuous assessment methods.

Most of the universities in Australia will consider anywhere between 70 and 84 score as a Distinction which is equivalent to A in the states. For example, if you score more than 90% in an exam, you might get a distinction.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge) suite of qualifications have been developed through close collaboration with the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship Employer Group, professional bodies and other awarding organisations.

Alongside A levels, BTEC Nationals are the most widely-recognised qualification for admission to higher education. They are level 3 vocational qualifications that provide specialist, work-related learning across a range of sectors.

BTECs embody a fundamentally learner -centred approach to the curriculum, w ith a flexible, unit-based structure and knowledge applied in project -based assessments. They focus on the holistic development of the practical, interpersonal and thinking skills required to be able to succeed in employment and higher education.

The Level 3 Award in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering has been designed to meet the minimum requirements of the Foundation phase of many of the Trailblazer standards, including the Mechatronics Maintenance Technician. This qualification can also be delivered as a standalone qualification to learners aged over 16 as part of a programme of study.