It is generally accepted by lecturers and trainers that those who gain Star Units tend to have a natural talent for their skill or vocation but combine this with a high level of commitment and dedication to the achievement of exceptional performance. It is often said that Star Unit achievement ‘stands out a mile’ because those learners have ‘gone the extra mile’.

So to achieve a Star Unit demands a close attention to the Star Unit Standards and the self-discipline and determination to work consistently towards them. This should be reflected in the evidence collected within the S/NVQ portfolio.