ROYAL AIR FORCE EDUCATIONAL EQUIVALENCIES wef 01 August 2021
All subjects at A Level and GCSE must be distinct. One subject may be offered from each of certain groupings which are detailed at the bottom of this page.
Where a qualification is being considered as a proxy for a GCSE in a specific subject eg English Language or maths, the subject matter must be directly relevant.
Some subjects are not acceptable for an A Level requirement. This includes General Studies, Critical thinking and Citizenship Studies
The list of qualifications is not exhaustive and, in the case of awards, certificates and diplomas, it may be hard to differentiate between specific qualifications. All queries should be emailed to SO3 Officer Processing for clarification.
You can download a copy of this information in Microsoft Excel here
| QUALIFICATION | Grade/Level | COMPARABILITY GUIDE | ||||
| Level 1 and 2 - GCSE | Level 3 - A Level | |||||
| Level 1 Key Skills (where subject is applicable) | One GCSE Grade D to G (1 to 3) | One GCSE Grade C (4/5) | 1 A Level Grade C Minimum | 2 A Levels Grade C Minimum | ||
| Certificate in Adult Literacy or numeracy | Essential/Key Skills Level 1 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Certificate in Adult Literacy or numeracy | Essential/Key Skills Level 2 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Certificate in Adult Literacy or numeracy | Essential/Key Skills Level 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Certificate in Adult Literacy or numeracy | Essential/Key Skills Entry Level 1 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Certificate in Adult Literacy or numeracy | Essential/Key Skills Entry Level 2 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Certificate in Adult Literacy or numeracy | Essential/Key Skills Entry Level 3 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Functional Skills in Literacy or Numeracy | Level 1 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Functional Skills in Literacy or Numeracy | Level 2 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Functional Skills in Literacy or Numeracy | Entry Level 1 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Functional Skills in Literacy or Numeracy | Entry Level 2 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Functional Skills in Literacy or Numeracy | Entry Level 3 | No | No | No | No | No |
| General Certificate of Education - GCSE (pre-2017) | Grades A* - B | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| General Certificate of Education - GCSE (pre-2017) | Grade C | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| General Certificate of Education - GCSE (pre-2017) | Grades D - G | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| General Certificate of Education - GCSE (post-2017) | Grades 6 - 9 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| General Certificate of Education - GCSE (post-2017) | Grades 4 - 5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| General Certificate of Education - GCSE (post-2017) | Grades 1 - 3 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Certificate of Secondary Education - CSE | Grade 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Certificate of Secondary Education - CSE | Grade 2-3 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| International General Certificate of Education - IGCSE | Grades A* - B | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| International General Certificate of Education - IGCSE | Grade C | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| International General Certificate of Education - IGCSE | Grades D - G | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary Level - GCSE AS | Grades D-E | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary Level - GCSE AS | Grades A-C | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| General Certificate of Education Advanced Level - GCSE A Level - per subject | Grades A-C | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| General Certificate of Education Advanced Level - GCSE A Level - per subject | Grade D-E | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Technical Levels (T - Levels ) | Confirmed Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction * | No, the qualification if attained will be held as a standalone qualification | Yes | Yes | ||
| Advanced GNVQ - 6 Units | Grades A-C | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Advanced GNVQ - 6 Units | Grade D-E | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Advanced GNVQ - 12 Units | Grades A-C | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced GNVQ - 12 Units | Grades D-E | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Advanced Subsidiary Vocational Certificate of Education (ASVCE) - 3 units | Grades A-E | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Advanced Subsidiary Vocational Certificate of Education (ASVCE) - 3 units | Grades A-C | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) Single Award – 6 units | Grades A-C | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) Single Award – 6 units | Grades D-E | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) Double Award – 12 units | Grades A-C | Yes | Yes | Acceptable for up to 5 GCSEs depending similarity of subject rules | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) Double Award – 12 units | Grades D-E | Yes | Yes | Acceptable for up to 5 GCSEs dependant on similarity of subject rules | No | No |
| Foundation Diploma (Level 1) | Grades A*-B | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Higher Diploma (Level 2) | Grades A*-C | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Advanced Diploma (Level 3) | Grades A*-C | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intermediate BTEC in Aviation Studies | Pass | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| BTEC First Certificate | Pass | Yes | Yes | Acceptable for up to 4 GCSEs dependant on similarity of subject rules | No | No |
| BTEC First Diploma | Pass | Yes | Yes | Acceptable for up to 4 GCSEs dependant on similarity of subject rules | No | No |
| BTEC Subsidiary Diploma | Pass (P) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| BTEC Subsidiary Diploma | Merit (M) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| BTEC Subsidiary Diploma | Distinction (D) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| BTEC Subsidiary Diploma | Distinction * (D*) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| BTEC National Certificate/Diploma - Pre 2002 | Merit or distinction in a single NC unit at Level 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| BTEC National Certificate/Diploma - Pre 2002 | Pass in a single NC unit at Level 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| BTEC National Certificate/Diploma - Pre 2002 | 3 full units at merit or distinction | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BTEC National Certificate - Post 2002 | A single Pass, Merit or Distinction | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| BTEC National Certificate - Post 2002 | PP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| BTEC National Certificate - Post 2002 | MM | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 90 Credit Diploma | PP | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| 90 Credit Diploma | MP/MM/DM | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| 90 Credit Diploma | DD/D*D/D*D* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BTEC National Diploma - Post 2002 | PP/MP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| BTEC National Diploma - Post 2002 | MM/DM/DD/D*D/D*D* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BTEC Extended Diploma | PPP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| BTEC Extended Diploma | MPP - D*D*D* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma | P | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| City and Guilds (C&G) Land Based Services LBS) Certificate | P | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| C&G LBS Certificate | M/D/D* | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| C&G LBS Subsidiary Diploma | P | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| C&G LBS Subsidiary Diploma | M/D | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| C&G LBS Subsidiary Diploma | D* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| C&G LBS 90 Credit Diploma | P | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| C&G LBS 90 Credit Diploma | M | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| C&G LBS 90 Credit Diploma | D/D* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| C&G LBS Diploma | P | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| C&G LBS Diploma | M /D/ D* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| C&G LBS Extended Diploma | P | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| C&G LBS Extended Diploma | M /D/D* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) | Level 1 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) | Level 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes (not acceptable for English Lang. and maths) | No | No |
| National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) | Level 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes (not acceptable for English Lang. and maths) | Yes | No |
| National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) | Level 4 | Yes | Yes | Yes (not acceptable for English Lang. and maths) | Yes | Yes |
| General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) Intermediate | Level 2 | Yes | Yes | Acceptable for up to 4 GCSEs dependant on similarity of subject rules | No | No |
| General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) Advanced | Level 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) 4 | Level 4 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) 5 | Level 5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Foundation Modern Apprenticeship | GCSE Level | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Open University (OU) 60 credits | Pass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Open University (OU) 120 credits | Pass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Foundation Degree – FD | Level 4 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Access to Higher Education - 2017 onwards | where grades total 64 UCAS points or higher | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Access to Higher Education - pre 2017 | 6 unit pass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Access to Higher Education - pre 2017 | 12 unit pass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Award in Digital Applications - AiDA | Level 2 - Pass | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Certificate in Digital Applications - CiDA | Level 2 - Pass | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Diploma in Digital Applications - DiDA | Level 2 - Pass | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Scottish Access | Access 3 | No | No | No | No | |
| Scottish Access | Access 2 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Scottish Access | Access 1 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Scottish National 1 | Entry 1 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Scottish National 2 | Entry 2 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Scottish National 3 | Entry 3 | No | No | No | No | |
| Scottish National 4 | Level 1 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Scottish National 5 | Level 2 Grade A-B | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Scottish National 5 | Level 2 Grade C | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Scottish National 5 | Level 2 Grade D | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Scottish Higher (New) | Level 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 * Grade A-B | 3 * grade A-B |
| Scottish Advanced Higher (New) | Level 3+/4- | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 * grade A-C |
| Scottish Certificate of Education Higher - SCE HG | Grades D-E | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Scottish Certificate of Education Higher - SCE HG | Grades A-B | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 * Grade A-B | 3 * grade A-B |
| Scottish Certificate of Education Higher - SCE HG | Grade C | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 * Grade C | 4 * grade C |
| Scottish Certificate of Sixth Year Studies - CSYS | Pass per subject. Each subject is equivalent to one A Level | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 * pass |
| Scottish Advanced Higher | Grade A-C | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 * grade A-C |
| Scottish Intermediate Certificate 1 | Grade A - E | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Scottish Intermediate Certificate 2 | Grade A - B | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Scottish Intermediate Certificate 2 | Grade C | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Scottish Intermediate Certificate 2 | Grade D - E | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced | Pass | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Welsh Baccalaureate - Intermediate | Pass | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Eire Junior Certificate (Ordinary Level) | Grade A-D | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Eire Junior Certificate (Higher Level) | Grade A - C | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) post 2016 | Grade O1-O2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) post 2016 | Grade O3-04 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) post 2016 | Grade O5-O6 | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) post 2016 | Grades H1 - H2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 * grade H1 - H2 |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) post 2016 | Grade H3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 * grade H3 | 3 * grade H3 |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) post 2016 | Grade H4- H5 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) pre 2017 | Grade A - B | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) pre 2017 | Grade C | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) pre 2017 | Grade D-E | Yes | Yes | G | No | No |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) pre 2017 | Grade A - B | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 * Grade A-B | 3 * grade A-B |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) pre 2017 | Grade C | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2 * Grade C | 4 * grade C |
| Eire Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) pre 2017 | Grade D | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | Pass with min 24 pts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| European Baccalaureate | 60% | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Introductory Certificate in Supervisory Management | No | Yes | No | No | No | |
| NEBS Certificate in Management | Pass | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Diploma In Insurance | Level 4 pass | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Financial Planning Certificate | Level 4 pass | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Advanced Certificate in Marketing | Pass | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Institute of Financial Services (IFS) CIB Level 3 certificate | Level 3 pass | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Associate Membership of IPD | Level 3 pass | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| International Institute of Sports Therapy - Diploma for Sports Therapy | Level 3 pass | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ACCA Certified Accounting Technician | Level 4 pass | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Certified Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Stage 4 | Stage 4 pass | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SUBJECT GROUPINGS | Number allowed under Subject Heading | Acceptability of Alternatives within the group | ||||
| English Language | One | English Literature is acceptable if held at A Level | ||||
| English Literature | One | |||||
| Mathematics | One | Arithmetic or numeracy is not acceptable | ||||
| Other Mathematical Subjects | One | Includes Additional and applied maths and statistics | ||||
| Science | Any variation of the 3 basic sciences are acceptable | Includes single award Science and Applied Science, Human Biology, Environmental Science and agricultural science. If a specific technical/physics GCSE is required Annex C should be referred to. | ||||
| History | One | |||||
| Languages | No limitation unless specified by individual branch/trade | |||||
| Law | One | a. Law b. Legal Studies c. Criminology | ||||
| Religious Studies | One | |||||
| Business Studies | One from each of 5 subject groups | a. Accounting, Finance b. Business Studies, Commerce, Economics, Marketing c. Human Resources/ Human Resource Management d. Project Management e. Tourism and Leisure | ||||
| Social Studies | One | a. Social science b. Social studies | ||||
| Political Studies | One | |||||
| Sports Studies | One | a. Sports Studies b. Sports Science c. Physical Education | ||||
| Communication, Design and Technology (CDT) | One | |||||
| Technology, Computing, Information Technology | One each from each of 2 subject groups:- | a. Electronics, ICT, CDT (Technology)b. Computer Studies/Science, Information Technology | ||||
| Technical Drawing , Graphic Design | One | CDT Design and communication and Graphic Communication overlap | ||||
| Music | One | |||||
| Education Studies | One | |||||
| Art, Practical and Domestic Subjects | One | Examples Include: Art and Design, Building studies, Catering, CDT : Design and Realisation, Craft and Design, Dance, Drama, Woodwork, Motor Vehicle Studies, Photography | ||||
|
SUBJECT GROUPINGS |
Number allowed under Subject Heading |
Acceptability of Alternatives within the group |
|
English Language |
One |
English Literature is acceptable if held at A Level |
|
English Literature |
One |
|
|
Mathematics |
One |
Arithmetic or numeracy is not acceptable |
|
Other Mathematical Subjects |
One |
Includes Additional and applied maths and statistics |
|
Science |
Any variation of the 3 basic sciences are acceptable |
Includes single award Science and Applied Science, Human Biology, Environmental Science and agricultural science. If a specific technical/physics GCSE is required Annex C should be referred to. |
|
History |
One |
|
|
Languages |
No limitation unless specified by individual branch/trade |
|
|
Law |
One |
a. Law b. Legal Studies c. Criminology |
|
Religious Studies |
One |
|
|
Business Studies |
One from each of 5 subject groups |
a. Accounting, Finance b. Business Studies, Commerce, Economics, Marketing c. Human Resources/ Human Resource Management d. Project Management e. Tourism and Leisure |
|
Social Studies |
One |
a. Social science b. Social studies |
|
Political Studies |
One |
|
|
Sports Studies |
One |
a. Sports Studies b. Sports Science c. Physical Education |
|
Communication, Design and Technology (CDT) |
One |
|
|
Technology, Computing, Information Technology |
One each from each of 2 subject groups:- |
a. Electronics, ICT, CDT (Technology) b. Computer Studies/Science, Information Technology |
|
Technical Drawing , Graphic Design |
One |
CDT Design and communication and Graphic Communication overlap |
|
Music |
One |
|
|
Education Studies |
One |
|
|
Art, Practical and Domestic Subjects |
One |
Examples Include: Art and Design, Building studies, Catering, CDT : Design and Realisation, Craft and Design, Dance, Drama, Woodwork, Motor Vehicle Studies, Photography |