<P> A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a higher education / further education qualification in the United Kingdom . </P> <P> In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the HNC is a BTEC qualification awarded by Edexcel, and in Scotland, an HNC is a Higher National awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority . The attainment level of the qualification is roughly equivalent to one year of university and a Certificate of Higher Education but being less than that of a Higher National Diploma (HND). Studied full - time, the qualification normally takes one year or two years part - time . Many HNCs cover the same areas as an HND and it is often possible to complete an HND with one year full - time study after successfully completing the HNC . </P> <P> In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, an HNC (previously a level 5 qualification) is now Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework . </P>

Btec level 4 / sqa higher national certificate (hnc) standard