FAQs

How are the qualifications organised?

The qualifications are organised as a set of qualification credit framework (QCF) units. QCFs are nationally accredited qualifications designed to assess professional competency which are recognised by employers, comissioners, professional bodies and educational institutions.

To achieve the full qualification you will need to complete four core modules plus one specialism.

As you complete each individual unit you will receive individual Certificates of Unit Credit (CUC).

On completion of the five modules you will receive the full qualification 7566 Certificate in Independant Advocacy. Dependant upon your chosen specialism your qualification will be awarded in one of the following:

Certificate in Independent Advocacy: IMHA.
Certificate in Independent Advocacy: IMCA
Certificate in Independent Advocacy: Children and Young People.
Certificate in Independent Advocacy: Adult.
Certificate in Independent Advocacy: Advocacy Management

Do I need to be working as an advocate

Yes. You will need to be either working as an advocate (paid or unpaid) or have opportunity to use advocacy skills in real life settings. You will need this to demonstrate you have put into action what you have learnt and how you are using your advocacy knowledge and skills.

How long does it take?

There are taught sessions of 1-3 days to accompany each unit. You can also expect to commit from one to three days in self study to complete each core module and between one and four days to complete a specialist module. The actual time will depend upon your experience and prior knowledge in the field of advocacy.

What level are the qualifications?

The qualifications are offered at Level 3 and Level 4 so you will also need a good understanding of reading and writing in English if you are completing the qualifications in England, or Welsh if you are inWales.

Below is an explanation of recognised qualification levels. This is offered as a guide to help you understand the level at which the National Advocacy Qualifications are pitched. Core advocacy modules are offered at level 3, whilst specialist modules are offered at level 4.

Level 1

To achieve level 1 you should be able to demonstrate basic knowledge, skills and abilities to apply learning within everyday situations. Such situations must be supervised. This level of learning focuses on activities that relate mainly to everyday roles and may be linked to job competence.

Level 2

Level 2 is comparable in standard to a GCSE grade A* - C and requires you to demonstrate a “broad range of competencies, knowledge and understanding”. At this level the knowledge and skills learnt are applicable to supervised posts.

Level 3 **Core Module level**

Level 3 is comparable to A level and requires you to develop a complex range of “competences, knowledge and understanding which develop autonomous, analytical and critical abilities”. This is an appropriate level for people wishing to further their learning by working independently, or by supervising and training others.

Level 4 **Specialist Module level**

Level 4 is designed to support learners who are required to “apply knowledge in a broad range of complex, technical or professional work with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources is often present”.

Is this qualification for me?

To help you decide whether these qualifications are for you a self selection questionnaire has been designed which you should consider completing if you are thinking of embarking on a course. If you can answer yes to all the questions then the qualification is a good choice for you

Kate Mercer Training is pleased to announce a training agreement with South of England Advocacy Projects (SEAP) to allow delivery of the National Advocacy Qualifications across England and Wales.

You can book on to Joint KMT/SEAP courses on our sister site.