Overview
The National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) framework is Sri Lanka's national system for certifying vocational and technical skills, regulated by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC). NVQ certificates are awarded for competency in specific occupations and are widely used across Sri Lanka's technical colleges, vocational training centres and industry training.
Levels or stages
The NVQ framework runs from Level 1 (basic competency) through to Level 7 (equivalent to a bachelor's degree level in technical fields), with each level reflecting increasing skill, responsibility and underpinning knowledge within an occupation.
Who can apply
Candidates enrol through TVEC-registered training providers, which include government vocational training institutes and accredited private training centres, with entry requirements depending on the level and occupation.
Exam pattern
NVQ assessment is competency-based: candidates are assessed against National Occupational Skill Standards for their trade, through practical demonstration of skills and underpinning knowledge checks, carried out by TVEC-registered assessors.
Marking and results
Candidates are assessed as competent or not yet competent against each unit of competency; achieving all required units for a level leads to the NVQ certificate at that level, issued under TVEC's authority.
How to apply
Candidates apply through a TVEC-registered training provider offering the trade and level they want to study or be assessed in.
FAQs
How many levels does the Sri Lankan NVQ framework have?
Seven levels, from Level 1 (basic competency) up to Level 7 (degree-equivalent in technical fields).
Who regulates NVQ certification in Sri Lanka?
The Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).