What Is Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Business?
Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Business is a unit-based qualification for learners studying business in Pearson’s international programme. It is available in five sizes, from a 180 guided learning hour (GLH) Certificate to a 1080 GLH Extended Diploma. The size affects which units learners take and how much of the programme is mandatory.
This guide follows Pearson’s Issue 4 specification (August 2024). It is not a guide to UK BTEC Nationals in Business, which have their own titles, units and assessment rules.
Choose the qualification size
| Qualification | GLH | Unit structure |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 180 | 2 mandatory units |
| Subsidiary Diploma | 360 | At least 4 units; 2 mandatory |
| Foundation Diploma | 510 | At least 6 units; 4 mandatory |
| Diploma | 720 | At least 9 units; 5 mandatory |
| Extended Diploma | 1080 | 15 units; 6 mandatory |
For planning guidance, read the GLH guide and the unit-count guide. Units 1, Exploring Business, and 2, Research and Plan a Marketing Campaign, are mandatory across all sizes. Larger courses add mandatory units and allow or require optional choices. Confirm the permitted combinations in the specification.
All units are internally assessed. Pearson sets assignments for Units 2, 6 and 7; teachers assess the learner’s work. Other unit assignments are set and assessed by the centre, in line with Pearson’s requirements. Read the assessment overview and the PSA guide. Explore criteria in the Level 3 Business unit pages. For formal rules, use Pearson’s Issue 4 specification and its current Business page.