SNA Level 5 vs Level 6: What Is the Difference?

Although both courses prepare learners to support children and adults with additional needs, they are not identical. Level 5 introduces the principles and practical skills involved in special needs assisting, while Level 6 develops more advanced knowledge, professional practice and responsibility.

So, when comparing SNA Level 5 vs Level 6, which course should you choose?

The right option depends on your previous training, practical experience and career goals. This guide explains the key differences and helps you decide whether Level 5, Level 6 or a combined course may suit you best.

SNA Level 5 vs Level 6 at a Glance

The official QQI specifications describes Level 5 as preparing learners to work effectively under direction in a special needs assisting role and providing the learner with the knowledge and understanding of the context of special needs, associated issues and approaches used. Level 6 develops the learner’s ability to evaluate educational provision, support inclusion, organise learning opportunities and contribute to multidisciplinary planning.

What Is an SNA Level 5 Course?

A QQI Level 5 SNA course provides a foundation in the practices and principles involved in special needs assisting.

It is generally the more suitable starting point for learners who are new to the role or who have limited previous experience supporting children or adults with additional needs.

The QQI Level 5 SNA modules are:

• Special Needs Assisting component has the award code 5N1786 and carries 15 credits. Its purpose is to equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to work effectively under direction in a special needs assisting capacity.
• Children with Additional Needs has the award code 5N2396 and carries 15 credits. Its purpose is to provide the learner with the knowledge and understanding of the context of special needs, associated issues and approaches used

What do you learn at Level 5?

The Level 5 syllabus includes areas such as:

• the role and responsibilities of an SNA;
• the personal qualities required for the role;
• legislation relating to disability;
• the rights, autonomy and participation of children with disabilities;
• effective communication;
• supporting children with additional needs;
• care routines, including feeding, toileting and hygiene;
• maintaining professional relationships;
• working with teachers, families and multidisciplinary teams;
• outline a range of special needs and impairments relating to children;
• Use a range of approaches in interactions with children with special needs;
• Apply good practice with children with additional needs;
• and plan developmentally appropriate activities mindful of the safety, welfare and well-being of all children

The course is intended to provide a practical understanding of how an SNA supports a child’s care, participation and access to education.

Who is Level 5 suitable for?

An SNA Level 5 course may suit you if:

• you are new to special needs assisting;
• you have not previously completed an SNA qualification;
• you are considering a career change;
• you have some informal experience but want structured training;
• you want to understand the day-to-day role of an SNA;
• or you would prefer to build a foundation before progressing further.

Level 5 does not mean that the course is basic or unimportant. It covers core knowledge and practical responsibilities that are central to working safely and effectively in an SNA role.

What Is an SNA Level 6 Course?

A QQI Level 6 SNA course builds on previous knowledge or practical experience.

The QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assisting component has the award code 6N1957 and carries 15 credits. It focuses on the theory and practice underpinning the education and care of people with special educational needs.

It is generally aimed at people who have already completed Level 5 training, currently work in an SNA or support role, or have other relevant experience.

What do you learn at Level 6?

Level 6 explores areas such as:

• legislation and assessment procedures;
• integration and inclusion;
• educational provision for people with additional needs;
• observation and record keeping;
• report writing and data protection;
• assistive technology;
• learning styles and task analysis;
• literacy support;
• multidisciplinary teamwork;
• Individual Education Plans;
• professional communication;
• and personal and professional development.

At Level 6, learners are expected to do more than describe the role of an SNA. They examine and evaluate educational approaches, consider appropriate interventions and understand how SNAs contribute to wider support planning.

Who is Level 6 suitable for?

An SNA Level 6 course may suit you if:

• you have already completed a Level 5 SNA course;
• you currently work as an SNA or support worker;
• you have relevant education or care experience;
• you want to develop more advanced knowledge;
• you want to improve your understanding of inclusion and educational planning;
• or you are looking for further professional development.

City College Dublin describes its Level 6 course as advanced training for learners progressing from Level 5 or those already working in SNA and support roles.

What Is the Main Difference Between SNA Level 5 and Level 6?

The main difference is the depth of learning and level of responsibility reflected in each qualification.

Level 5 focuses on core SNA practice

At Level 5, learners develop an understanding of:

• what the SNA role involves;
• a range of special needs conditions;
• the approaches in interactions with children with special needs;
• good practice with children with additional needs;
• how to plan developmentally appropriate activities mindful of the safety, welfare and well-being of all children;
• how to support care needs;
• how to communicate appropriately;
• how to work under the direction of the teacher;
• and how to support a child safely and respectfully.

It provides the practical foundation needed to understand the role.

Level 6 focuses on advanced practice

At Level 6, learners explore:

• inclusive education;
• observation and reporting;
• multidisciplinary collaboration;
• educational planning;
• promoting independence;
• assessment and interventions;
• and more advanced professional responsibilities.

Rather than simply learning what an SNA does, Level 6 encourages learners to analyse why particular approaches are used and how they support a child’s education, participation and independence.

Is Level 6 Better Than Level 5?

Level 6 is positioned higher on the National Framework of Qualifications, but that does not mean it is automatically the right starting point for everyone.

The two levels serve different purposes.

Level 5 may be more valuable to someone who needs a clear introduction to the role. Level 6 may be more appropriate for someone who already understands the foundations and wants to deepen their skills.

Starting at the higher level without sufficient background knowledge may make the material more difficult to apply. Equally, someone with substantial previous training or experience may find that Level 6 is better aligned with their current knowledge.

The better course is the one that matches your experience and learning needs.

Do You Need Level 5 Before Completing Level 6?

You should always check the entry requirements of the particular college or course provider.

At City College Dublin, the Level 6 course is designed for learners progressing from a Level 5 qualification or those with relevant experience in an SNA or support role. The course is positioned as advanced training that builds on prior learning or experience.

You may therefore be ready for Level 6 where you already have suitable experience, even if your previous training followed a different route.

However, someone entirely new to special needs assisting may find Level 5, or a combined Level 5 and 6 course, a more structured starting point.

Should You Complete Both SNA Level 5 and Level 6?

Completing both levels can give you a broader progression from foundational knowledge to more advanced professional practice.

At Level 5, you can build your understanding of the role, care responsibilities and practical support skills. At Level 6, you can develop that knowledge further by examining inclusion, learning support, educational planning and multidisciplinary practice.

Completing both may be useful if you:

• are beginning without previous SNA training;
• want a more comprehensive preparation pathway;
• would like to demonstrate continued professional development;
• want to build confidence before moving to advanced material;
• or prefer to complete both levels within one organised programme.

However, not every learner will need to follow exactly the same route. Someone who already has significant relevant experience may decide to complete Level 6 directly, subject to the provider’s entry requirements.

What Is a Combined SNA Level 5 and 6 Course?

A combined course allows students to complete Level 5 and Level 6 training as part of one structured programme.

City College Dublin’s current three-module combined course includes:

QQI Level 5 Special Needs Assisting – 5N1786;
QQI Level 5 Children with Additional Needs – 5N2396;
and QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assisting – 6N1957.

Together, these components carry 45 credits and take learners from entry-level SNA principles through to more advanced practice.

Who might choose the combined option?

The combined SNA course may suit you if:

• you are starting without a previous SNA qualification;
• you already know that you want to complete both levels;
• you want to study within one continuous programme;
• you want broader coverage of additional needs;
• or you would prefer not to enrol separately for each stage.

A combined course requires a greater time and financial commitment than taking one component. Consider whether you can manage the full course schedule, assignments and required work experience before enrolling.

Are Level 5 and Level 6 Assessed Differently?

Both CCD’s Level 5 and Level 6 SNA courses are currently completed through continuous assessment rather than one final written examination.
The assessment process may involve written assignments, projects, learner records or practical skills demonstrations, depending on the component and course structure. The official QQI specifications allow these forms of assessment for the Level 5 and Level 6 awards.

Work experience is also required as part of CCD’s courses. Students must complete the relevant Garda vetting process before beginning a placement involving children or vulnerable people.

Always confirm the current assessment and placement requirements before enrolling, as providers may update course delivery between intakes.

Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

Before choosing between SNA Level 5 and Level 6, ask the provider:

• Is Level 5 required before joining Level 6?
• Which QQI component certificate will I receive?
• Does the programme include one component or several?
• How much work experience is required?
• What assessments will I need to complete?
• Is Garda vetting organised through the college?
• Can I study online or on campus?
• Are classes live, recorded or self-paced?
• How long will I have access to the materials?
• Can I progress to the next level later?

These questions can help you compare the complete course rather than making a decision based only on the qualification level.

SNA Level 5 vs Level 6: Which Is Right for You?

When comparing SNA Level 5 vs Level 6, Level 5 provides the foundation, while Level 6 develops more advanced knowledge and practice.

Before deciding, consider your previous experience, available study time and longer-term goals. You should also review the individual modules, placement requirements and learning format offered by the provider.

Study SNA Level 5 and Level 6 with City College Dublin

City College Dublin offers QQI-accredited SNA courses at Level 5 and Level 6, as well as a combined programme covering both levels.

Students can currently choose from on-campus, blended-online and on-demand learning options, depending on the course selected.

Explore City College Dublin’s SNA courses:

• QQI Level 5 SNA Course
• QQI Level 6 Special Needs Assisting Course
• Combined QQI Level 5 Course (2 modules)
• Combined QQI Level 5 and Level 6 SNA Course (2 modules)
• Combined QQI Level 5 and Level 6 SNA Course (3 modules)

to compare the available modules, study formats and upcoming course dates.