Apprenticeship Levels Explained (2 to 7)
Key Takeaways
Apprenticeships in England run from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) up to Level 7 (equivalent to a master's degree), and you do not have to start at the bottom.
- Level 2 and 3 are the most common starting points for school leavers aged 16 to 18
- Levels 4 and 5 are equivalent to the first year or two of a bachelor's degree
- Level 6 gives you a full bachelor's degree. Level 7 gives you a master's degree
- Your starting level depends on the qualifications you already hold, not your age
- You can progress from one level to the next without ever leaving employment
In this guide
How the levels work
Every apprenticeship in England sits on a numbered framework from Level 2 to Level 7. The number tells you the academic difficulty of the training and the qualification you will earn at the end. The framework is the same one used for all qualifications in England, so a Level 3 apprenticeship is officially equivalent to two A-level passes, and a Level 6 apprenticeship is officially equivalent to a full bachelor's degree.
Each apprenticeship follows a specific standard. Standards are designed by groups of employers in that industry and approved by Skills England. The standard sets out exactly what you will learn, how you will be assessed, and what qualification you will receive. You can look up any standard on Skills England's standards search.
Below Level 2, there are also Foundation Apprenticeships, short entry routes launched in August 2025 for 16 to 21 year olds who are not yet ready for a full apprenticeship. See our guide to Foundation Apprenticeships.
You do not have to climb the levels in order. If you already have A-levels, you can start at Level 4 or higher. If you have a bachelor's degree, you can start at Level 7. Your starting point depends on what you already hold, not on your age or how long you have been working.
For the full picture of how apprenticeships work, including pay, rights, and how to apply, see our complete guide to apprenticeships in the UK.
Level 2: Intermediate
Equivalent to: Five GCSE passes at grades 9 to 4.
Typical duration: 12 to 18 months.
Entry requirements
Most Level 2 apprenticeships do not require any formal qualifications. Some employers ask for GCSEs in English and maths at grade 3 or above. If you are 16 to 18 and do not have English and maths at grade 4, you will study Functional Skills alongside your apprenticeship at no cost. For apprentices aged 19 and over, this is now up to the employer.
Who it suits
School leavers aged 16 and above who want to start working immediately. Career changers entering a new sector. Anyone who wants to build foundational skills in a specific role before progressing.
Example roles
| Role | Sector |
|---|---|
| Retail team member | Retail |
| Care assistant | Health and social care |
| Hospitality operative | Hospitality |
| Customer service practitioner | Business and administration |
| Supply chain practitioner | Logistics |
What you learn
Level 2 standards focus on the practical skills needed for a specific role. You learn by doing the job, supported by off-the-job training at a college or training provider. At the end, you complete an end-point assessment to confirm you have met the standard.
Progression
After completing Level 2, you can move to a Level 3 apprenticeship in the same or a related sector. You do not need to leave your employer. Many employers promote apprentices internally once they complete Level 2.
Level 3: Advanced
Equivalent to: Two A-level passes.
Typical duration: 18 to 24 months.
Entry requirements
Most employers ask for five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths. Some accept completion of a Level 2 apprenticeship instead. A few employers ask for specific GCSEs relevant to the role (for example, a science GCSE for a lab technician apprenticeship).
Who it suits
School leavers with GCSEs who want more responsibility than a Level 2 role. People who have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship and want to progress. Career changers with some relevant experience.
Example roles
| Role | Sector |
|---|---|
| Engineering technician | Engineering and manufacturing |
| Dental nurse | Health and social care |
| Junior journalist | Media |
| Accounts assistant | Finance |
| Digital marketing executive | Marketing |
| Paralegal | Law |
What you learn
Level 3 standards build on Level 2 skills and add more technical knowledge and some supervisory responsibility. You might manage a small team, handle more complex client queries, or operate specialist equipment. The off-the-job training is more academic than Level 2, often delivered at a college or specialist training provider.
Progression
After completing Level 3, you can progress to Level 4 or 5 in the same sector. You can also use your Level 3 qualification to apply for higher education if you change your mind about the academic route. Many universities accept a Level 3 apprenticeship as an entry qualification, though most apprenticeships do not carry UCAS tariff points, so check with each university.
Level 4: Higher
Equivalent to: The first year of a bachelor's degree, or a Certificate of Higher Education or HNC.
Typical duration: 18 to 24 months.
Entry requirements
Most employers ask for A-levels, a Level 3 apprenticeship, or equivalent qualifications (such as a BTEC). Some employers accept relevant work experience in place of formal qualifications, particularly for career changers.
Who it suits
People with A-levels who want to start working rather than go to university full-time. People who have completed a Level 3 apprenticeship and want to progress. Career changers moving into a new field at a higher level.
Example roles
| Role | Sector |
|---|---|
| Construction site supervisor | Construction |
| Data analyst | Technology |
| Associate project manager | Business |
| Commercial procurement specialist | Procurement |
| Cybersecurity technologist | Technology |
What you learn
Level 4 standards introduce more complex, analytical work. You might manage projects, analyse data sets, supervise teams, or handle technical problems that require independent judgement. The training often involves more written assignments and structured problem-solving than lower levels.
Progression
After completing Level 4, you can progress to Level 5. Some employers run Level 4 and 5 as a continuous programme. Some Level 4 standards also include a separate qualification such as an HNC or Certificate of Higher Education, which universities may count towards a degree if you later switch to academic study. Check the standard to see what yours includes.
Level 5: Higher
Equivalent to: A foundation degree or Diploma of Higher Education. Roughly the first two years of a bachelor's degree.
Typical duration: 24 to 30 months.
Entry requirements
Most employers ask for A-levels, a Level 3 or Level 4 apprenticeship, or equivalent. Some accept significant relevant work experience. The specific requirements vary by employer and standard.
Who it suits
People with A-levels or a Level 3/4 apprenticeship who want a higher-level qualification without a full degree. Career changers with several years of experience who want to formalise their skills. People aiming for management or specialist roles.
Example roles
| Role | Sector |
|---|---|
| Operations manager | Business and management |
| HR consultant | Human resources |
| Construction management (site management) | Construction |
| Laboratory scientist | Science |
| Insurance professional | Finance |
What you learn
Level 5 standards focus on management, strategy, and specialist technical skills. You might lead a team, manage a budget, design processes, or conduct research. The training is more academic than Level 4, with longer written assignments, presentations, and sometimes a project or dissertation.
Progression
After completing Level 5, you can progress to Level 6 (degree apprenticeship). If your standard includes a foundation degree or Diploma of Higher Education, universities will recognise it. Some employers run Level 5 and 6 as a continuous programme, taking you from higher-level skills all the way to a full bachelor's degree.
Level 6: Degree
Equivalent to: A full bachelor's degree (BSc, BA, BEng).
Typical duration: Three to six years (longer than a traditional degree because you study part-time while working full-time).
Entry requirements
Most employers ask for A-levels (typically BBB to AAB, depending on the firm), a Level 4 or 5 qualification, or equivalent. Some accept relevant work experience. Because of these requirements, most degree apprentices start at 18 or older.
Who it suits
School leavers with strong A-levels who want a degree without student debt. People who have completed Level 4 or 5 and want to progress to a full degree. Career changers who want a degree-level qualification alongside work.
Example roles
| Role | Sector |
|---|---|
| Registered nurse | Healthcare |
| Chartered manager | Business and management |
| Civil engineer | Engineering |
| Software developer | Technology |
| Accountancy/taxation professional | Finance |
| Digital and technology solutions specialist | Technology |
What you learn
You study at a university while working. Your modules are tied to your job role. You complete the same academic assessments as full-time students. In a degree apprenticeship, you earn a full bachelor's degree and complete an end-point assessment. A small number of Level 6 standards do not include a degree, so check the listing if the degree matters to you.
Cost
Your employer pays all tuition fees. You do not take out a student loan for the degree. You earn a salary throughout. For a detailed breakdown of the financial comparison with traditional university, see our article on degree apprenticeship vs university: costs and outcomes.
For a comprehensive guide to Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships, including top employers and how to balance work with study, see our Degree Apprenticeships Deep Dive.
Level 7: Master's
Equivalent to: A master's degree (MSc, MA) or senior professional qualification (such as Solicitor or Chartered Accountant).
Typical duration: Two to six years (shorter for post-graduate entry; five to six years when entered straight from sixth form).
Entry requirements
Entry requirements depend on the route. School-leaver Level 7 programmes—most notably the six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship and Level 7 accountancy (ACA/ACCA) apprenticeships—take 18-year-olds directly after A-levels (typically AAB–ABB) with no degree required. Other specialist Level 7 standards are designed for graduates who already hold a bachelor's degree or professionals with substantial industry experience.
Who it suits
School leavers with strong A-levels aiming for law or accountancy without university debt, or young graduates under 22 who want a master's-level or chartered qualification while earning a salary.
Example roles
| Role | Sector |
|---|---|
| Solicitor | Law |
| Accountancy / taxation professional (ACA / ACCA) | Finance and professional services |
| AI data specialist | Technology |
| Clinical scientist | Healthcare |
| Architect | Construction and built environment |
What you learn
You study towards a master's degree or top-tier professional qualification while working in a demanding technical or professional role. Many Level 7 apprenticeships award an MSc or MA, while others lead to chartered status: the solicitor apprenticeship, for example, combines a law degree with the SQE1 and SQE2 exams to qualify you as a solicitor.
Cost
As with all apprenticeships, you pay nothing for the training. You earn a salary throughout and take out no student loan.
Choosing your starting level
Your starting level depends on the qualifications you already hold.
| You have | You can typically start at |
|---|---|
| No formal qualifications | Foundation or Level 2 |
| GCSEs at grade 4+ | Level 2 or Level 3 |
| Five GCSEs at grade 4+ | Level 3 |
| A-levels or BTEC Level 3 | Level 3, 4, 5, 6, or school-leaver Level 7 |
| Level 3 apprenticeship | Level 4 or 5 |
| Level 4 or 5 apprenticeship | Level 5 or 6 |
| Bachelor's degree | Level 6 (in a new subject) or Level 7 (if eligible) |
These are guidelines. Individual employers set their own entry requirements. Some employers will accept you at a higher level if you have relevant work experience, even without the formal qualifications. Always check the specific vacancy listing.
You do not need to start at Level 2 if you have A-levels. A common mistake is assuming apprenticeships are only for people who left school at 16 with GCSEs. Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships are as competitive as places at top universities.
Progression between levels
You can move up the levels without leaving employment. Here is how progression typically works.
After completing a Level 2 apprenticeship, you can apply for a Level 3 role with the same employer or a different one. Your Level 2 qualification counts as evidence that you can work at that level.
After completing Level 3, you can progress to Level 4 or 5. Some employers run continuous programmes that take you from Level 3 through to Level 5 or 6 without a break.
After completing Level 5, you can progress to Level 6. After Level 6, you can progress to Level 7.
You do not have to stay in the same sector. The qualifications are transferable. Someone who completes a Level 3 engineering apprenticeship can move into a Level 4 data analysis role if they want to change direction.
You do not have to stay with the same employer. If your current employer does not offer the next level, you can find a new employer who does. Your training provider will help you arrange the transfer.
Myths, corrected
"Apprenticeships are only for people who didn't do well at school." Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships are as competitive as places at top universities. Programmes at the BBC, Goldman Sachs, and the NHS receive thousands of applications for a limited number of places, and higher and degree apprenticeships now make up around 41% of all starts. School leavers with A-level grades that would secure Russell Group places choose apprenticeships because they want to earn, avoid debt, and gain experience.
"You have to start at Level 2." You do not. If you have A-levels, you can start at Level 4, Level 6, or a school-leaver Level 7 programme. The framework is designed so you enter at the level that matches your existing qualifications.
"The qualifications are not respected." Every standard is designed by employer groups and approved by Skills England. Professional bodies including the Engineering Council, ICAEW, ACCA, and the SRA recognise apprenticeship routes as equivalent to traditional academic paths. The degree you earn at Level 6 or 7 is the same qualification awarded to full-time university students.
"You can only do one apprenticeship." You can do as many as you like, at different levels or in different sectors. The only rule is that you cannot repeat training you have already received. If your new apprenticeship covers the same content as your old one, the employer and training provider will flag the overlap.
FAQ
Can I do a Level 6 apprenticeship if I already have a degree?↓
Can I do a Level 6 apprenticeship if I already have a degree?
Yes, with one condition: you cannot repeat training you have already received. If your existing degree is in a different subject from the apprenticeship, you can use a Level 6 degree apprenticeship to retrain into a new field.
Do I get a certificate at the end?↓
Do I get a certificate at the end?
Yes. You receive an official apprenticeship completion certificate confirming you have met the standard. If your apprenticeship includes a degree, you also receive a degree certificate from the university. Both are yours.
Are the levels the same across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?↓
Are the levels the same across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?
The framework described here applies to England. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own apprenticeship systems with different structures and naming. Check Skills Development Scotland, Careers Wales, or the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland for their frameworks.
How do I find apprenticeships at a specific level?↓
How do I find apprenticeships at a specific level?
You can discover live apprenticeship roles from top UK employers on EarlyBird or filter by level on the government's Find an apprenticeship service.
Can I do a Level 7 apprenticeship without a degree?↓
Can I do a Level 7 apprenticeship without a degree?
Yes. Many of the best-known Level 7 apprenticeships—including the six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship and Big 4 ACA accountancy programmes—are built specifically for 18-year-old school leavers with A-levels and include a bachelor's degree or professional exams along the way. Other specialist Level 7 standards ask for a bachelor's degree or substantial industry experience.
Is there an age limit?↓
Is there an age limit?
You must be at least 16 to start an apprenticeship (18 for most Level 6 and 7 roles). There is no upper age limit for Levels 2 to 6, though government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships now focuses on starters aged 21 and under (see above).
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| Source | URL |
|---|---|
| Skills England | gov.uk/government/organisations/skills-england |
| Skills England Apprenticeship Standards | skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships |
| gov.uk Find an apprenticeship | gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship |
| Skills Development Scotland | skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk |
| Careers Wales | careerswales.gov.wales |
| Department for the Economy (NI) | economy-ni.gov.uk |