National Diplomas are :- 

• widely recognised level 3 qualifications (ie equivalent to A-levels) that enable students to specialise in a specific vocational area,
• usually studied over 2 years,
• an excellent preparation for both Higher Education and employment,
• assessed through coursework assignments,
• available as

• BTEC Diplomas (or OCR Extended Diploma), equivalent to three A-levels
• a BTEC Certificate (or OCR National Diploma) equivalent to two A-levels
• a BTEC Award (or OCR National Certificate) equivalent to one A-level which may be combined with AS-levels and A-levels.