The Extended Certificate is for learners who are interested in learning about the business sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in business-related subjects. It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC national qualifications or A Levels. Students benefit from experiencing real life businesses through visits, guest speakers and ‘live’ assignment briefs set by local business people. Learners should have a keen interest in the world of business. They will benefit from having relevant work experience or part-time employment to complement their studies. The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate is a Level 3 vocational course, equivalent to one A Level. It consists of four units, of which three are mandatory: • Exploring Business – internally assessed • Developing a Marketing Campaign – assessed through an externally set and marked case study • Personal and Business Finance – assessed through a two-hour examination and externally marked The fourth unit will be chosen from: Recruitment and Selection Process; Investigating Customer Service; Market Research; the English Legal System; or work experience in business. The fourth unit will be internally assessed.