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SQA - Ready Reckoner

SQV 1SQV 2SQV 3SQV 4 SQV 5 DOCTORAL DEGREECERTIFICATE OF HIGHER EDUCATIONDIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATIONBACHELORS / ORDINARY DEGREE - GRADUATE DIPLOMA - GRADUATE CERTIFICATEHONOURS DEGREE - GRADUATE DIPLOMA - GRADUATE CERTIFICATEINTEGRATED MASTERS DEGREE / MASTERS DEGREE - POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA _ POST GRADUATE CERTIFICATENATIONAL PROGRESSION AWARD LEVEL 2NATIONAL PROGRESSION AWARD LEVEL 3NATIONAL PROGRESSION AWARD LEVEL 4NATIONAL PROGRESSION AWARD LEVEL 5NATIONAL PROGRESSION AWARD LEVEL 5 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD LEVEL 6PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD LEVEL 7PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD LEVEL 8PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD LEVEL 9PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD LEVEL 10PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD LEVEL 11PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD LEVEL 12HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMANATIONAL CERTIFICATE LEVEL 2NATIONAL CERTIFICATE LEVEL 3NATIONAL CERTIFICATE LEVEL 4NATIONAL CERTIFICATE LEVEL 5NATIONAL CERTIFICATE LEVEL 6HIGHER NATIONAL CERTIFICATEACCESS 1ACCESS 2ACCESS 3 FOUNDATION STANDARD GRADEINTERMEDIATE 1 GENERAL STANDARD GRADEINTERMEDIATE 2 CREDIT STANDARD GRADEHIGHERADVANCED HIGHER - SCOTTISH BACCALAUREATESCQF Levels
SVQs are work-based qualifications which are usually delivered in the workplace or in partnership with a college or other training provider. SVQs are a means of recognising the skills and knowledge people need in employment, i.e. job competence. At SVQ Level 1 (SCQF Level 4) competence involves the application of knowledge and skills in the performance of a range of varied work activities, most of which may be routine or predictable. SVQs may be at differing SCQF levels and have differing amount of credit points, depending on the structure and context of the SVQ. For further information on level and credit values of specific SVQs, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
SVQs are work-based qualifications which are usually delivered in the workplace or in partnership with a college or other training provider. SVQs are a means of recognising the skills and knowledge people need in employment, i.e. job competence. At SVQ Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) competence involves the application of knowledge and skills in a significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. At this level, there will be activities, which are complex or non-routine and there is some individual responsibility and autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a work group or team, may often be a requirement. SVQs may be at differing SCQF levels and have differing amount of credit points, depending on the structure and context of the SVQ. For further information on level and credit values of specific SVQs, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
A Modern Apprenticeship is a package of learning, training and practical work experience gained while employed. Each MA framework is specific to a particular industry or sector and contains three main elements:
  • A relevant SVQ (or competency based qualification)
  • Core Skills
  • Industry specific training
A Technical Apprenticeship is a package of learning, training and practical work experience gained while employed. Each apprenticeship framework is specific to a particular industry or sector and contains three main elements:
  • A relevant SVQ (or NOS based qualification)
  • Career Skills
  • Industry specific training
A Professional Apprenticeship is a package of learning, training and practical work experience gained while employed. Each apprenticeship framework is specific to a particular industry or sector and contains three main elements:
  • A relevant SVQ (or NOS based qualification)
  • Career Skills
  • Industry specific training
Doctoral degrees are designed at SCQF Level 12 and are allocated at least 540 SCQF Credit Points of which a minimum of 420 are at SCQF Level 12.
The Certificate of Higher Education is designed to SCQF Level 7 and is allocated 120. SCQF Credit Points of which a minimum of 90 are at SCQF Level 7 or above.
The Diploma of Higher Education is designed to SCQF Level 8 and is allocated 240. SCQF Credit Points of which, a minimum of 90 are at SCQF Level 8 or above.
The Scottish Bachelors degree is designed to SCQF Level 9 and is allocated at least 360 SCQF Credit Points of which a minimum of 60 are at SCQF Level 9.

The Graduate Diploma is designed to SCQF Level 9 or 10 and is allocated a minimum of 120 SCQF Credit Points at SCQF Level 9 or above.

The Graduate Certificate is designed to SCQF Level 9 or 10 and is allocated a minimum of 60 SCQF Credit Points at SCQF Level 9 or above.
The Scottish Bachelors degree with Honours is designed to SCQF Level 10 and is allocated at least 480 SCQF Credit Points of which a minimum of 90 are at SCQF Level 9 and a minimum of 90 are at SCQF Level 10.

The Graduate Diploma is designed to SCQF Level 9 or 10 and is allocated a minimum of 120 SCQF Credit Points at SCQF Level 9 or above.

The Graduate Certificate is designed to SCQF Level 9 or 10 and is allocated a minimum of 60 SCQF Credit Points at SCQF Level 9 or above.
Integrated Masters degrees are designed at SCQF Level 11 and are allocated at least 600 SCQF Credit Points of which a minimum of 120 are at SCQF Level 11.

Masters degrees are designed at SCQF Level 11 and are allocated at least 180 SCQF Credit Points of which a minimum of 150 are at SCQF Level 11.

The Post Graduate Diploma is designed to SCQF Level 11 and is allocated at least 120 SCQF Credit Points of which a minimum of 90 should be at SCQF Level 11 or above.

The Post Graduate Certificate is designed to SCQF Level 11 and is allocated at least 60 SCQF Credit Points of which a minimum of 40 should be at SCQF Level 11 or above.
National Progression Awards (NPAs) at SCQF Levels 2-6 are small flexible group awards that are linked to National Occupational Standards or other professional or trade standards and are designed to assess and certificate a defined set of skills in a specialist vocational area. NPAs are made up of a minimum of 2 Units with a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each NPA will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
National Progression Awards (NPAs) at SCQF Levels 2-6 are small flexible group awards that are linked to National Occupational Standards or other professional or trade standards and are designed to assess and certificate a defined set of skills in a specialist vocational area. NPAs are made up of a minimum of 2 Units with a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each NPA will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
National Progression Awards (NPAs) at SCQF Levels 2-6 are small flexible group awards that are linked to National Occupational Standards or other professional or trade standards and are designed to assess and certificate a defined set of skills in a specialist vocational area. NPAs are made up of a minimum of 2 Units with a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each NPA will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
National Progression Awards (NPAs) at SCQF Levels 2-6 are small flexible group awards that are linked to National Occupational Standards or other professional or trade standards and are designed to assess and certificate a defined set of skills in a specialist vocational area. NPAs are made up of a minimum of 2 Units with a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each NPA will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
National Progression Awards (NPAs) at SCQF Levels 2-6 are small flexible group awards that are linked to National Occupational Standards or other professional or trade standards and are designed to assess and certificate a defined set of skills in a specialist vocational area. NPAs are made up of a minimum of 2 Units with a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each NPA will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are designed for those normally already in a career who wish to extend or broaden their skills base, usually after completing a degree or vocational qualification relevant to their area of interest. At SCQF Level 6, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this SCQF Level will vary. At least half the Credit Points will be at the level of the Group Award. At SCQF Levels 7 - 12, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 16 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. At least half the Credit Points will be at the SCQF Level of the Group Award. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this level will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are designed for those normally already in a career who wish to extend or broaden their skills base, usually after completing a degree or vocational qualification relevant to their area of interest. At SCQF Level 6, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this SCQF Level will vary. At least half the Credit Points will be at the level of the Group Award. At SCQF Levels 7 - 12, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 16 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. At least half the Credit Points will be at the SCQF Level of the Group Award. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this level will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are designed for those normally already in a career who wish to extend or broaden their skills base, usually after completing a degree or vocational qualification relevant to their area of interest. At SCQF Level 6, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this SCQF Level will vary. At least half the Credit Points will be at the level of the Group Award. At SCQF Levels 7 - 12, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 16 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. At least half the Credit Points will be at the SCQF Level of the Group Award. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this level will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are designed for those normally already in a career who wish to extend or broaden their skills base, usually after completing a degree or vocational qualification relevant to their area of interest. At SCQF Level 6, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this SCQF Level will vary. At least half the Credit Points will be at the level of the Group Award. At SCQF Levels 7 - 12, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 16 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. At least half the Credit Points will be at the SCQF Level of the Group Award. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this level will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are designed for those normally already in a career who wish to extend or broaden their skills base, usually after completing a degree or vocational qualification relevant to their area of interest. At SCQF Level 6, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this SCQF Level will vary. At least half the Credit Points will be at the level of the Group Award. At SCQF Levels 7 - 12, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 16 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. At least half the Credit Points will be at the SCQF Level of the Group Award. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this level will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are designed for those normally already in a career who wish to extend or broaden their skills base, usually after completing a degree or vocational qualification relevant to their area of interest. At SCQF Level 6, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this SCQF Level will vary. At least half the Credit Points will be at the level of the Group Award. At SCQF Levels 7 - 12, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 16 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. At least half the Credit Points will be at the SCQF Level of the Group Award. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this level will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
Professional Development Awards (PDAs) are designed for those normally already in a career who wish to extend or broaden their skills base, usually after completing a degree or vocational qualification relevant to their area of interest. At SCQF Level 6, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 12 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this SCQF Level will vary. At least half the Credit Points will be at the level of the Group Award. At SCQF Levels 7 - 12, PDAs will have a minimum credit value of 16 SCQF Credit Points and will comprise at least two Units. At least half the Credit Points will be at the SCQF Level of the Group Award. There is no maximum credit value and therefore each PDA at this level will vary. For further information on level and credit values of specific Awards, contact SQA on 0845 279 1000.
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are designed to provide people with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that employers expect and may also provide articulation to degree programmes. HNDs are designed to SCQF Level 8 and are allocated 240 SCQF Credit Points. At least 64 SCQF Credit Points must be at the SCQF Level of the award but typically most of the credits in the 2nd year of an HND are at the level of the award.
National Certificates at SCQF Levels 2 � 3 are designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that employers expect and also to provide articulation to higher level study e.g. NCs at higher SCQF Levels. National Certificates at SCQF Levels 2 - 3 are made up of Units with a total credit value of 54 SCQF Credit Points. At least half of the SCQF Credit Points must be at the SCQF Level of the award. They have mandatory and optional sections. The mandatory section must have a minimum of 27 SCQF Credit Points.

National Certificates (NCs) at SCQF Levels 4-6 are designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that employers expect and also to provide articulation to Higher National (HN) programmes. NCs at SCQF Levels 4 -6 are made up of Units with a total credit value of 72 Credit Points. Half of the Credit Points must be at the level of the award. They have mandatory and optional Units. The mandatory section must have a minimum of 36 SCQF Credit Points.
National Certificates at SCQF Levels 2 � 3 are designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that employers expect and also to provide articulation to higher level study e.g. NCs at higher SCQF Levels. National Certificates at SCQF Levels 2 - 3 are made up of Units with a total credit value of 54 SCQF Credit Points. At least half of the SCQF Credit Points must be at the SCQF Level of the award. They have mandatory and optional sections. The mandatory section must have a minimum of 27 SCQF Credit Points.

National Certificates (NCs) at SCQF Levels 4-6 are designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that employers expect and also to provide articulation to Higher National (HN) programmes. NCs at SCQF Levels 4 -6 are made up of Units with a total credit value of 72 Credit Points. Half of the Credit Points must be at the level of the award. They have mandatory and optional Units. The mandatory section must have a minimum of 36 SCQF Credit Points.
National Certificates at SCQF Levels 2 � 3 are designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that employers expect and also to provide articulation to higher level study e.g. NCs at higher SCQF Levels. National Certificates at SCQF Levels 2 - 3 are made up of Units with a total credit value of 54 SCQF Credit Points. At least half of the SCQF Credit Points must be at the SCQF Level of the award. They have mandatory and optional sections. The mandatory section must have a minimum of 27 SCQF Credit Points.

National Certificates (NCs) at SCQF Levels 4-6 are designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that employers expect and also to provide articulation to Higher National (HN) programmes. NCs at SCQF Levels 4 -6 are made up of Units with a total credit value of 72 Credit Points. Half of the Credit Points must be at the level of the award. They have mandatory and optional Units. The mandatory section must have a minimum of 36 SCQF Credit Points.
National Certificates at SCQF Levels 2 � 3 are designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that employers expect and also to provide articulation to higher level study e.g. NCs at higher SCQF Levels. National Certificates at SCQF Levels 2 - 3 are made up of Units with a total credit value of 54 SCQF Credit Points. At least half of the SCQF Credit Points must be at the SCQF Level of the award. They have mandatory and optional sections. The mandatory section must have a minimum of 27 SCQF Credit Points.

National Certificates (NCs) at SCQF Levels 4-6 are designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that employers expect and also to provide articulation to Higher National (HN) programmes. NCs at SCQF Levels 4 -6 are made up of Units with a total credit value of 72 Credit Points. Half of the Credit Points must be at the level of the award. They have mandatory and optional Units. The mandatory section must have a minimum of 36 SCQF Credit Points.
National Certificates at SCQF Levels 2 � 3 are designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that employers expect and also to provide articulation to higher level study e.g. NCs at higher SCQF Levels. National Certificates at SCQF Levels 2 - 3 are made up of Units with a total credit value of 54 SCQF Credit Points. At least half of the SCQF Credit Points must be at the SCQF Level of the award. They have mandatory and optional sections. The mandatory section must have a minimum of 27 SCQF Credit Points.

National Certificates (NCs) at SCQF Levels 4-6 are designed to provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that employers expect and also to provide articulation to Higher National (HN) programmes. NCs at SCQF Levels 4 -6 are made up of Units with a total credit value of 72 Credit Points. Half of the Credit Points must be at the level of the award. They have mandatory and optional Units. The mandatory section must have a minimum of 36 SCQF Credit Points.
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are designed to provide people with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that employers expect and may also provide articulation to HNDs and degree programmes. HNCs are designed to SCQF Level 7 and are allocated 96 SCQF Credit Points. At least 48 SCQF Credit Points must be at the SCQF Level of the award but typically most of the Units in HNCs are at the level of the award.
Courses at Access 1 are used in programmes of learning that deal with the personal needs of learners and contribute to enhancing their life skills and independence. An Access 1 Unit is allocated 6 SCQF Credit Points at SCQF Level 1.
The new National 1 qualifications replace Access 1 qualifications and are based on the aims, purposes and values of Curriculum for Excellence. National 1 qualifications are designed for learners who require additional support for learning. They encourage and challenge learners and enable them to work towards qualifications appropriate to their needs and achievement.National 1 Units are normally 6 SCQF credit points, although learners may need more time and more support to achieve them.
New qualifications at National 2 replace Access 2 qualifications and are based on the aims, purposes and values of Curriculum for Excellence.National 2 qualifications are designed for learners who require additional support for learning. They will build on the broad, general education and will encourage and challenge learners to work towards qualifications appropriate to their needs and achievement. A National 2 Course is allocated 18 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 2. Normally, each Unit is allocated 6 SCQF credit points.
National 3 Courses replace National Courses at Standard Grade Foundation level and Access 3 and are based on the aims, purposes and values of Curriculum for Excellence.National 3 Courses are designed to develop skills and knowledge in a specific subject area as well as skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work. Achieving a National 3 Course shows that a learner has demonstrated the specified knowledge and skills in a particular subject, at the defined national standard.A National 3 Course is allocated 18 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 3. Normally, each Unit is allocated 6 SCQF credit points.
National 4 Courses replace National Courses at Standard Grade General and at Intermediate 1 level, and are based on the aims, purposes and values of Curriculum for Excellence.National 4 Courses are designed to develop skills and knowledge in a specific subject area as well as skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work. Achieving a National 4 Course showsthat a learner has demonstrated the specified knowledge and skills in a particular subject, at the defined national standard.A National 4 Course is allocated 24 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 4. Normally, each Unit is allocated 6 SCQF credit points.
National 5 Courses replace National Courses at Standard Grade Credit and at Intermediate 2 level and are based on the aims, purposes and values of Curriculum for Excellence.National 5 Courses are designed to develop skills and knowledge in a specific subject area as well as skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work. Achieving a National 5 Course shows that a learner has demonstrated the specified knowledge and skills in a particular subject at the defined national standard.A National 5 Course is allocated 24 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 5. Normally, each Unit is allocated 6 SCQF credit points.
National Courses are designed to develop skills and knowledge in a specific subject area. A National Course at Advanced Higher is allocated 32 SCQF Credit Points at SCQF Level 7 and is usually made up of three Units and a Course Assessment, all at the level of the Course.

Scottish Language and Science Baccalaureates are designed to provide progression to further or higher education or to employment in related disciplines. Scottish Baccalaureates consist of a coherent group of current Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, in addition to an Interdisciplinary Project. A Scottish Baccalaureate is allocated 104 SCQF Credit Points at SCQF Level 7.
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The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework