SCQF explained

What is the SCQF?

SCQF stands for the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. The SCQF is a Framework which brings together the main Scottish qualifications offered by schools, colleges, universities and training providers. It also includes learning programmes delivered in the community and in the workplace.

Qualifications and learning programmes are awarded an SCQF Level and SCQF Credit Points. The SCQF Level gives an indication of the difficulty of the learning programme and the SCQF Credit Points represent how long it will take an average learner to successfully complete it.

The Framework has 12 Levels ranging from Access 1 at SCQF Level 1 up to Doctorate at Level 12.

Who is the SCQF for?

The Framework is intended to help all learners including adults and young people, employers and providers of learning understand how different qualifications and learning programmes relate to each other. So everyone can determine the next best step in terms of developing a skill or gaining knowledge.

What is the SCQF for?

The SCQF makes qualifications easier to describe and understand. It can help everyone understand the different routes available to acquire new skills and qualifications. The SCQF makes it easier for schools, colleges, universities, training providers and employers to recognise what learners have already achieved.

There are many different kinds of Scottish qualifications – NCs, Highers, SVQs, HNDs, Degrees and many more. Each qualification has an SCQF Level and Credit Points so it is easier for you to compare one with another. SCQF Levels and Credit Points now appear on all SQA Scottish Qualifications Certificates, so learners are able to track their progress as they move forwards throughout their learning career.

Play the SCQF Game

Play the SCQF Game
For help with the game see the table below or download the SCQF A6 postcard (PDF format 165KB)

SCQF levels	SQA Qualifications			Qualifications of Higher Education institutions	Scottish Vocational Qualifications
12				Doctorates
11				Masters Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate	SVQ5
10				Honours Degrees Graduate Diploma
9			Professional Development Awards	Ordinary Degree Graduate Certificate	SVQ4
8		Higher National Diploma		Diploma of Higher Education	SVQ4
7	Advanced Higher	Higher National Certificate		Certificate of Higher Education	SVQ3
6	Higher				SVQ3
5	Intermediate 2 Credit Standard Grade				SVQ2
4	Intermediate 1 General Standard Grade	National Certificates	National Progression Awards		SVQ1
3	Access 3 Foundation Standard Grade
2	Access 2
1	Access 1

Please note

The new Skills for Work courses are National Courses available as Access, Intermediate and Higher Qualifications (SCQF levels 3-6)
Ongoing work to credit rate SVQs shows that SVQ units range from SCQF level 4 to level 12. SVQs at 3 and 4 can be placed at different SCQF levels.

Looking at the different levels in the Framework is like looking at a road map. A learner can see where they are now and the different routes they could follow - like the different routes to learning - to reach the next destination. The Framework is also like a climbing frame, with the possibility of lots of horizontal as well as vertical routes.

The SCQF also assists in making clear the relationships between Scottish qualifications and those in the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond, which will clarify opportunities for international progression routes and credit transfer.

Further information on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework is available from the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework website.

If you are at school, or a parent, you may find the Achievement Counts leaflet (PDF format 155KB) useful. This leaflet tells you about the SCQF and how you will benefit from its use in your lifelong learning journey.

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