Qualification structure

OCR Level 1 Nationals are aimed primarily at 14-16 year olds, especially those who might have a particular career in mind, or who want to find out more about a certain sector.

OCR Level 1 Nationals combine complementary sectors so that students get the opportunity to investigate related areas that might interest them. An OCR Level 1 National will provide a firm foundation, with an introduction to the knowledge and understanding needed to prepare for work in a chosen area.

Level 1: Diagram of Certification

The OCR Level 1 Nationals contain three types of qualifications, each one building on the previous.

• To achieve the First Award you have to achieve four mandatory units (units 1, 2, 3, and 4).
• To achieve the National Award you have to achieve five mandatory units (units 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) and complete three optional units.
• To achieve the National Certificate you have to complete 12 units consisting of the six mandatory units and six optional units.

Level 1 table of equivalences

OCR Level 1 Nationals	Number of units	Number of mandatory units	Guided learning hours	Qualifications of the same size and level
First Award	4	4	120	1 GCSE (D - G)
Award	8	5	240	2 GCSEs (D - G)
Certificate	12	6	360	4 GCSEs (D - G), Foundation GNVQ