Diploma in Career Guidance and Development L6

Course overview

The OCR Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF) provides candidates with a high quality, nationally recognised qualification. The Career Development Institute recommends that schools and colleges use only Careers Advisers who are professionally qualified in careers guidance, to a minimum of Level 6, and who are on the UK Register of Career Development Professionals.

This qualification is also suitable for those working in the new Next Step Service, external agency and voluntary service guidance roles, and roles where staff who work in other organisations provide career advice and guidance, information, employability support and signposting as part of their own broader work role. The qualification will provide accredited professional development opportunities for those working in these areas and encourage progression in the sector.

Course requirements

There are no formal requirements for entry to this qualification. It is available to anyone who is capable of reaching the required standards and meeting the assessment criteria for the units through the particular setting in which they practice.

What will I do?

To achieve this qualification, candidates must achieve a total of 45 credits from the seven mandatory units in Group A and a minimum of 12 credits from the optional units in Group B.

Mandatory and optional units include:

Group A mandatory units

Unit 01: Preparing to work in the career development sector

Unit 02: Reflecting on practice and continuous professional development

Unit 03: Career guidance theory career guidance and development theories and models

Unit 04: Agree the purpose of client-centred career interactions and maintain communication with clients

Unit 05: Explore and agree the career guidance and development needs of clients

Unit 06: Use career-related information with clients

Unit 07: Work with other organisations for the benefit of clients and own organisation

Group B optional units

Unit 08: Use diagnostic and assessment tools with clients

Unit 09: Source, evaluate and use Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) with clients

Unit 10: Understand how to support specific client groups to overcome barriers to learning, training and work

Unit 11: Engage with other relevant people to help clients to meet their career development needs

Unit 12: Assist clients to apply for learning, training and work

Unit 13: Provide ongoing support to clients

Unit 14: Promote career related learning to clients

Unit 15: Negotiate on behalf of clients

Unit 16: Undertake research on behalf of the service

Unit 17: Lead and manage career development work in an organisation

Unit 18: Continuously improve career development work in an organisation

Unit 19: Plan and design career-related learning programmes

Unit 20: Manage a personal caseload/work responsibilities in the career development sector

Unit 21: Enable clients to develop and evidence their employment-related skills

Unit 22: Use digital technology in the career development sector

Unit 23: Plan, deliver and evaluate presentations

Unit 24: Publicise and negotiate career development provision with external agencies or other departments within

the same organisation

Unit 25: Use the expertise of employers and other organisations in the delivery of career learning/development activities

Unit 26: Plan, deliver and evaluate career-related learning in groups

You will be taught through a combination of group work, lectures, workshops, work-based projects, research and tutorials.

You will be assessed by a combination of direct observation in the workplace, individual work, witness testimony and a portfolio of evidence.

What will it give me?

This qualification is suitable for people working in a range of settings although it is particularly is recommended for school and college staff involved with planning and delivery of Careers Education and Guidance.

This course is customised with flexible delivery. Start dates are throughout the year and candidates can work at their own pace.

Materials needed

Basic stationery.

What can I do when I finish?

Higher Level qualifications are available as continuous professional development opportunities for those working in this discipline.

What next?

If you would like to apply, please click the "Apply Now" section below and follow the steps. Thank you!