Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates are new Level 2 qualifications that form part of the government's reformed post-16 landscape, creating clear and purposeful vocational pathways.
These new qualifications support different progression goals and will help learners to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for their next steps – whether that’s progressing to further study, an apprenticeship, or employment.
Eduqas is developing two Foundation Certificates and three Occupational Certificates for delivery from September 2027:
Why offer Foundation and Occupational Certificates?
Foundation and Occupational Certificates will give centres more choice when designing vocational pathways for learners, supporting different ambitions and routes after Level 2.
Whether learners are progressing to Level 3 study, an apprenticeship or employment, these qualifications are designed to help them develop the knowledge and skills they need for their next step.
They provide centres with an opportunity to offer clear, purposeful progression routes, with qualifications focused on relevant vocational areas and the knowledge and skills needed for further study or employment.
Help shape Foundation and Occupational Certificates with Eduqas
Collaboration is at the heart of our development process for the new Foundation and Occupational Certificates. Eduqas will work closely with teachers, practitioners, employers and sector specialists to ensure the new qualifications are relevant, engaging and ready for the future.
There will be opportunities for involvement to suit your availability, from single events to ongoing roles.
Get ready for Foundation and Occupational Certificate
Foundation and Occupational Certificates are being introduced in phases between 2027 and 2030, giving centres time to understand the new qualifications and consider how they could fit into their curriculum plans.
You can read more about how the government is rolling out Foundation and Occupational Certificates in the Department for Education (DfE) post-16 implementation plan.
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What’s next?
The government is continuing to develop the new Level 2 qualification landscape, with further Foundation Certificates and Occupational Certificates planned from September 2028 through to 2030.
Post-2027 subject areas are indicative and yet to be confirmed, but the table below shows what the 2028 offer could look like based on the government’s current plans. For more detail, and an indication of what subsequent phases may include, view the Department for Education’s Post-16 pathways implementation plan.
| First teaching | Qualification type | Subject areas / qualifications |
| September 2028 | Foundation Certificates |
|
| Occupational Certificates |
|