National Qualifications 14-18
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (also known as SCQF) is a new way of understanding and comparing qualifications in Scotland. It’s simply a way of bringing Scottish qualifications together, making them easier to understand and allowing everyone to see how they compare with each other.
However, it's not a new set of qualifications, a new awarding body or a new way of teaching qualifications.
What qualifications are in the framework?
This table shows the framework and the qualifications it includes.
These include school, college, university and some work-based qualifications. Other qualifications available in Scotland will also be added as the framework develops.
| SCQF level | Schools | Schools and colleges | Universities and colleges | Workplace (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Doctorate | |||
| 11 | Masters degree | SVQ 5 | ||
| 10 | Honours degree | |||
| 9 | Ordinary degree | |||
| 8 | HND/Diploma of Higher Education | SVQ 4 | ||
| 7 | Advanced Higher | HNC / Certificate of Higher Education | ||
| 6 | Higher | SVQ 3 | ||
| 5 | Standard Grade - Credit | Intermediate 2 | SVQ 2 | |
| 4 | Standard Grade - General | Intermediate 1 | SVQ 1 | |
| 3 | Standard Grade - Foundation | Access 3 | ||
| 2 | Access 2 | |||
| 1 | Access 1 |
Understanding the framework
Each qualification is placed at a level between 1 and 12. These levels tell you how demanding the qualification is. The least demanding qualifications are at Level 1 (Access 1) and so on with the most demanding qualifications at Level 12 (Doctorates).
Qualifications at the same level require a similar level of demand. Each qualification also gives the student a number of credit points. Credit points describe how much learning has taken place. The higher the number of credit points, the more learning has taken place.
Read more
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework website
Information on levels and credit points and what the framework means for your child.
Scottish Qualifications Authority
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is Scotland’s national body for the development, accreditation, assessment, and certification of qualifications other than degrees. These qualifications include:
- National Qualifications
- Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/D)
- Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)
- Customised Awards
- Professional Development Awards.
Visit the Scottish Qualifications Authority website - or call the Scottish Qualifications Agency on 0845 279 1000, or send them an email