Entry Level

For the general term, see entry-level at Wiktionary.

Entry level is broadly defined as the point at which job seekers enter the job market with the minimum required training and education, although not yet having work experience in the chosen field. Thus, in the broadest sense, entry level is the entry point into a profession between education and experience. However, this definition of the entry level has changed in recent years to often include some level of actual work experience, depending on the specific job or career.

For many white collar professions, the entry level may require a minimum amount of higher education, specifically at the college or university level. An associate, bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree may be required for an entry-level job into a profession. While many entry-level jobs require only the educational prerequisite, the increase of competitiveness in the job market often requires some level of work experience in the field, usually in the form of an internship or cooperative education (coop), often taking place either during the higher education period or during summer breaks.

Entry Level in the UK is the lowest level in the National Qualifications Framework in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Qualifications at this level recognise basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning in everyday situations under direct guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building basic knowledge and skills and is not usually geared towards specific occupations. Entry Level qualifications can be taken at three levels (Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3) and are available on a broad range of subjects. They are targeted at a range of learners, including adult learners, candidates on taster sessions, underachievers and ones with learning difficulties. The level after Entry Level in the National Qualifications Framework is Level 1, which includes GCSE grades D-G and Level 1 DiDA.

Examples of Entry Level qualifications

• Entry Level Certificate
• Entry Level Functional Skills

See also

• Entry-level job
• National Qualifications Framework