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:
Early Years Practitioner
Catering and Hospitality: Culinary Skills
Catering and Hospitality: Hospitality
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.
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