Pearson BTEC Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs)
The level 3 qualification landscape is changing and undergoing major reform with now two routes available:- Academic qualifications: Support progression to further/higher education (e.g. A Levels and BTECs)
- Technical qualifications: Support progression to skilled employment / further technical training (e.g. T Levels and occupational entry level qualifications)
A Levels will continue to form the core of the academic pathway, but BTECs (also known as Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs)) will continue to be available for many subject areas. These will either be small BTECs (equivalent to 1 A Level) or large BTECs (equivalent to 2–3 A Levels). The government has confirmed (Dec 2024) that they will not limit student choice to just one AAQ.
We expect to see the following small BTECs become available for first teaching in 2025:
| Qualification title: | Specifications: | Join the discussion: | Resources available: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Medical Science (AAQ) | View specification | ||
| Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science (AAQ) | View specification | Facebook Group | Preview and buy now |
| Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Early Childhood Development (AAQ) | View specification | Preview and buy now | |
| Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing (AAQ) | View specification | Facebook Group | Preview and buy now |
| Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (AAQ) | View specification | Facebook Group | Preview and buy now |
| Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology (AAQ) | View specification | Facebook Group | Preview and buy now |
NB this is not a complete list of Pearson AAQs; please refer to the exam board for further information. Also available are Cambridge Advanced Nationals (AAQs) from OCR.
To actively engage in discussions, collaborations, or reviews related to this qualification, join our new Facebook group or sign up on PublishMeNow. This way, you can actively participate in the development of resources for the new BTEC AAQs.
Sign-up now at PublishMeNow.co.uk
This page will be updated as and when new information is released (last updated 02.05.2025)