What is a BTEC? BTECs and A Levels compared

A BTEC is a Pearson qualification built around work related learning in a career sector, rather than one academic subject. BTEC Nationals sit at Level 3, the same level as A Levels, and Pearson offers BTEC Level 3 in five sizes, from a Certificate up to an Extended Diploma. External units are marked and graded by Pearson, and assignments are marked by the school or college.

BTEC Nationals are graded Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction* (D*). An Extended Certificate gets one grade, from P to D*, and an Extended Diploma gets three, from PPP to D*D*D*. Pearson's updated BTEC Nationals from 2025 keep the same UCAS points as the earlier versions.

UCAS gives an A Level 56 points at A*, 48 at A, 40 at B, 32 at C, 24 at D and 16 at E. BTECs carry points by size and grade, and the larger ones carry more because they are bigger qualifications.

• Use our UCAS points calculator to add up your own grades.

Pearson says over 99% of UK universities accept students with a relevant BTEC. UCAS adds that most courses ask for grades in named qualifications rather than Tariff points, and not every university accepts every qualification.

Check the entry requirements for each course you want on UCAS before you choose. Our guide to university progression with A Levels covers how offers are made.

• A Levels suit you if you want to keep your options open across subjects, if your chosen degree asks for named A Level subjects, or if you work well towards exams.
• A BTEC suits you if you already know the sector you want to work in and you learn best through practical, assignment based work.
• You can combine them: Pearson presents the newer BTEC Nationals as qualifications that sit alongside A Levels.

Pearson launched updated BTEC Nationals from 2025. Pearson also says V Levels and other new qualifications are in development for first teaching in September 2027. If you are planning a BTEC, check which version your school or college offers.

Lift College teaches A Levels, not BTECs. We offer 11 A Level courses online, on AQA and WJEC Eduqas specifications, with a named UK tutor. They are open to anyone aged 14 or over with no entry requirements. You sit the same May and June exams as school candidates, and on the +Exams plan we enter you and book your seat at a Tutors & Exams centre.

Most learners take 12 to 18 months. Study A Levels online to see every subject, or use choose your pathway to pick subjects.