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 qualifications support learners who want to develop occupationally focused knowledge and skills, helping them build the confidence needed for their next steps into employment or an apprenticeship.
Eduqas is developing three Occupational Certificates for delivery from September 2027:
| Level 2 Occupational Certificate in Hospitality The Level 2 Occupational Certificate in Hospitality develops the practical skills and professionalism needed for customer-facing roles in the hospitality sector. It prepares learners for progression into employment, apprenticeships and further training. |
| Occupational Certificate Culinary Skills The Level 2 Occupational Certificate in Culinary Skills develops the practical skills needed to work in professional kitchens and catering environments. It prepares learners for progression into employment, apprenticeships and further training in hospitality and catering. |
| Occupational Certificate Early Years Practitioner The Level 2 Occupational Certificate: Early Years Practitioner develops the practical skills, knowledge and professional behaviours needed to work with young children. It prepares learners for progression into employment, apprenticeships and further training in the early years sector.
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Who are Occupational Certificates for?
Occupational Certificates are Level 2 qualifications designed for learners who want to develop occupationally focused knowledge and skills. They will support progression into employment or apprenticeships, with content closely aligned to industry needs and occupational standards.
Why offer Occupational Certificates?
Occupational Certificates will give centres more choice when designing vocational pathways for learners, supporting different ambitions and routes after Level 2.
They are designed to help learners develop the knowledge and skills they need for their next step, with a clear progression route into an apprenticeship or employment.
Supporting you with Occupational Certificates
Eduqas will offer a comprehensive support package for Occupational Certificates, including professional learning opportunities and free digital and printed resources, including:
Front-of-class editable resources
Workbooks
Detailed teacher notes
Project packs
Schemes of work
Get ready for Occupational Certificates
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.
Learn more about the rollout of new post-16 qualifications with the Department for Education (DfE)’s Post-16 Pathways Support Pack.
The pack contains practical resources to support providers with communications, engagement activities and curriculum planning ahead of the introduction of new post-16 pathways.
You can also join our mailing list to receive the latest updates on Eduqas Occupational Certificates direct to your inbox.
What’s next?
The government is continuing to develop the new Level 2 qualification landscape, with further Occupational Certificates planned from September 2028 through to 2030.
Post-2027 subject areas are indicative and yet to be confirmed. The list below shows the potential September 2028 offer for Occupational Certificates. For more detail, and an indication of what subsequent phases may include, view the DfE Post-16 pathways implementation plan
Accounts and Finance Assistant
Assistant Administrator
Digital Administration
Adult Care Worker
Healthcare Support Worker
Bricklayer
Carpentry and Joinery
Stonemasonry
Domestic Plumber
Floor Layer
Painter and Decorator
Plasterer
Wall and Floor Tiler
Autocare Technician
Engineering Operative
Furniture Making
Welder
Healthcare Science Assistant
Pharmacy Services Assistant
Community Sport and Leisure Operations