Book excerpt: Over the last decade as the importance of vocational qualifications has been firmly established, the system has become increasingly complex and hard to grasp. Now in its sixth edition, this popular and accessible reference book provides up-to-date information on over 3500 vocational qualifications in the UK. Divided into five parts, the first clarifies the role of the accrediting and major awarding bodies and explains the main types of vocational qualifications available. A directory then lists over 3500 vocational qualifications, classified by professional and career area, giving details of type of qualification, title, level, awarding body and, where possible, the course code and content. The third section comprises a glossary of acronyms used, together with a comprehensive list of awarding bodies, industry lead bodies, professional institutes and associations, with their contact details. Section four is a directory of colleges offering vocational qualifications in the UK, arranged alphabetically by area. Finally, section five is an index of all qualifications, listed alphabetically by title.