BTEC National Extended Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services

If learners complete this qualification in a year, they may progress to further learning at Level 3, for example a larger size of the Pearson BTEC Nationals in Uniformed Protective Services. You will generally progress onto the National Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services.

In addition to the uniformed protective services sector-specific content outlined above, the qualification requires learners to develop the transferable and higher-order skills, such as research, presentation and communication skills, discipline and the ability to be resourceful and work collaboratively, that are highly regarded by higher education and employers.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services is intended to support progression to further study. Its primary purpose is to support post-16 learners in accessing higher education, and ultimately for learners to progress to employment in the uniformed protective services or related areas. It is ideal for learners who want to learn about the uniformed protective services sector alongside other fields of study with a view to progressing to higher education, either to a course related to uniformed protective services or to a course related to one of the other chosen fields of study. The purpose reflects the shift towards increased graduate employment in the sector, for example within the police service.

The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and provides a coherent introduction to the uniformed protective services sector. It is designed to be taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications as one-third of a typical two-year, full-time study programme.

No prior study of the sector is needed, but learners should normally have a range of achievement at Level 2, in GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.