What are T Levels?
T Levels are new two-year courses equivalent to three A levels. They launched in September 2020 to students in England. This means that after their GCSEs, students now have the option to study either T levels, A levels, a Level 3 apprenticeship or another equivalent qualification.
Following GCSEs, students have the option to study one of the following pathways:
- T Levels
- apprenticeship
- A levels
T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers, and will offer around 1,800 hours of study over two years. This will include a 45-day work placement, so T Levels will be more suited to students who know what occupation or industry they want to move into.
T Levels include compulsory elements:
- a technical qualification which includes core skills, theory, and concepts for the industry area
- specialist occupational skills and knowledge of the career
- an industry placement with an employer
- a minimum standard in maths and English, if students haven’t already achieved this
How are T Levels graded?
Students who complete a T Level will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction* and will be awarded with a nationally recognised certificate showing a breakdown of what they’ve achieved. It will also confirm that a student has met the minimum requirements for maths and English qualifications.
Are T Levels included in the UCAS Tariff?
Students who want to progress into higher education will be able to see how UCAS Tariff points are allocated to their T Level.
| UCAS Tariff points | T Level overall grade | A Level |
| 168 | Distinction* (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism) | AAA* |
| 144 | Distinction | AAA |
| 120 | Merit | BBB |
| 96 | Pass (C or above on the core) | CCC |
| 72 | Pass (D or E on the core) | DDD |
If you do not achieve the full T level qualification, but have achieved either the Core or Occupational Specialism, you may still be accepted by your university or college. Universities and colleges have been provided with a range of information to help understand the skills developed as part of a T level.
What T Level subjects are available?
The first three T Levels started in September 2020 in:
- digital production, design and development
- design, surveying and planning for construction
- education and childcare
From September 2021, T Levels started in:
- building services engineering for construction
- digital business services
- digital support and services
- health
- healthcare science
- onsite construction
- science
From September 2022, T Levels will start in:
- accounting
- design and development for engineering and manufacturing
- engineering, manufacturing, processing and control
- finance
- maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing
- management and administration
From September 2023, T Levels will start in:
- animal care and management
- agriculture, land management and production
- catering
- craft and design
- hair, beauty and aesthetics
- legal services
- media, broadcast and production
Find out more on the GOV.UK T Levels website.
Taking T Levels this year?
Ofqual's student guide gives you information about this year’s arrangements and explains what support is in place when you're taking exams and assessments.