Empowering Excellence in National Vocational Qualifications

The CVQ is an inclusive system that allows anyone to join at any point or level once the individual demonstrates the level of knowledge, skills and attitude required for the particular level of the framework.

The system allows for the assessment of prior learning to match an individual’s competence with the appropriate CVQ level. The individual is required to demonstrate his/her competence in his/her skill area through the Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) appraisal process. Further information on the process is available at the SLCTVET office and the TVET Unit in the Ministry of Education.

The NVQ/CVQ can be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed a course of training, job attachment and assessment in accordance with the CVQ system. This may be done in training institutions, schools or the work place.

Another route for the award of a NVQ/CVQ is the Assessment of Prior Learning (APL)/Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR). The APL/PLAR is a method of assessment used to identify, evaluate and document the level of learning outcomes which an individual has achieved from formal, informal and non-formal learning. The modality accounts for the learning an individual acquired from experience in the field, attending workshops, short course, seminars or conferences, hobbies etc.

A wide variety of occupational or skill areas are offered by training providers, schools and training facilities/centres. Candidates can only be certified if validated standards are used in training. Validation involves a review of the standard which may be acquired from entities such as the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA), National Training Agencies in the region and beyond to determine its suitability for use in St Lucia. The SLCTVET is the only authorized body to deem an occupational standard appropriate/valid for use in Saint Lucia upon the advice of the Local Industry Advisory Committee and approval of the Ministry of Education and the CANTA.

People or institutions interested in being trained towards CVQ certification or seeking this service on behalf of their constituents may procure information about the CVQ from the SLCTVET.

The SLCTVET and the TVET Unit of the Ministry of Education do not engage in training in skills development but can recommend Training Providers to prospective candidates.

Candidates may also directly contact the Training Institutions that are recognized by the SLCTVET and the Ministry of Education.

Employees in the work place.
People with vocational skills who are not certified but need to be certified.
Students of schools and various training institutions