NPA PC Passport SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6

The NPA PC Passport at SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6 provides learners with up-to-date knowledge and skills in a range of popular IT software, such as Office 365. Learners will improve skills in key areas such as word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software, preparing them for employment and further study.

The award is also a component of the Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Digital Applications at SCQF level 6.

The NPA PC Passport is available through schools, colleges and training providers.

Alternative assessment guidance

This subject will not have alternative assessment guidance for session 2023-24. You should refer to the Group Award/Unit specifications for detailed delivery and assessment information. For general support on delivery and assessment see the HNVQ assessment guidance 2023-24.

Qualification structure

Group award specification (455 KB)

NPA in PC Passport at SCQF level 4 (18 SCQF credit points)
Group award code: GL31 44

NPA in PC Passport at SCQF level 5 (18 SCQF credit points)
Group award code: GL32 45

NPA in PC Passport at SCQF level 6 (18 SCQF credit points)
Group award code: GL33 46

The NPAs in PC Passport at SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6 consist of three mandatory Units (18 SCQF credit points). There are no optional units.

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How to assess

E-assessment may be appropriate for some assessments in this Unit. By e-assessment we mean assessment which is supported by information and communication technology (ICT), such as e-testing or the use of e-portfolios or social software. Centres which wish to use e-assessment must ensure that the national standard is applied to all learner evidence and that conditions of assessment, as specified in the evidence requirements, are met, regardless of the mode of gathering evidence. The most up-to-date guidance on the use of e-assessment to support SQA's qualifications is available at: www.sqa.org.uk/e-assessment.

The knowledge and understanding of all the units can be assessed through SOLAR at www.sqasolar.org.uk. If your centre is not already on SOLAR you can complete the form on the SOLAR website and get immediate access. The SOLAR website contains training materials and answers to common questions. If you would like to know more, contact the SOLAR team.

If evidence is produced by means of an e-portfolio, learners are required to collate a portfolio of evidence which may take a variety of digital forms, eg text, graphics, web pages, video clips, audio clips. This may be stored in an appropriate online platform.

Assessment support packs will be produced and published on the SQA secure site, one for each of the nine units in the award. The support packs will provide detailed assessment guidelines and advice, as well as exemplars of valid evidence.

The sequencing of units and the delivery of the award is at the discretion of individual centres.

Qualification Verification Summary Report

Deliver this qualification

Resources

Workbooks

These workbooks contain material for SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6, taking an integrated approach to learning and teaching.

Solutions, sample answers and student files

Why study this qualification

The qualification is suitable for a wide range of learners:

  • S3 to S6 school pupils who may undertake the qualification as a broadening of the Computing Science curriculum
  • students at colleges who will be using the NPAs within full or part-time college programmes such as part of a NC in Computing with Digital Media
  •  adults returning to education with an interest in developing fundamental skills relevant to accessing internet-based resources effectively and efficiently
  • learners lacking in technology skills wishing to enter the workplace
  • employees wishing to improve their software skills in using application packages

Access

Entry to the qualifications is at the discretion of the centre.  The following information on prior knowledge, skills, experience or qualifications that provide suitable preparation, has been provided by the Qualification Development Team as guidance only.

Learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding required by one or more of the following or equivalent qualifications and/or experience:

  • the PC Passport award at the lower level (this applies to SCQF levels 5 and 6)
  • specific unit passes in relevant areas
  • digital literacy qualifications at the same level as the award

Employment and progression

Given that this is a suite of awards, the simplest progression is from level to level. Learners who complete an award at one level may progress to the next. So, for example, learners who complete PC Passport at SCQF level 4 may progress to PC Passport at level 5. It is anticipated that many learners will do this.

Learners may also undertake this suite of awards in a multi-level manner. Learners may mix units across levels and gain the group award at the level of the lowest unit. For example, a learner who passes Presentations at SCQF level 6, Spreadsheets at level 5 and Word Processing at level 4, would gain the group award at SCQF level 4.

In addition to progression within the hierarchy, learners may progress to external qualifications, for example computing-related National Certificates.

The progression through SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6 is accomplished by embedding increasing:

  • complexity of content, eg from introductory to complex features and functions of applications
  • levels of opportunity to develop cognitive skills by, eg, developing problem-solving and evaluative skills
  • levels of opportunities to develop practical skills, eg from the production of simple documents to the completion of complex projects in a collaborative context

The qualifications will enable learners to develop a range of fundamental IT-based knowledge and skills. That knowledge and those skills are directly relevant to the world of business and employment and, as such, are important elements in the portfolio of skills and knowledge which a learner takes to the job market.

Qualification structure

Group award specification (455 KB)

NPA in PC Passport at SCQF level 4 (18 SCQF credit points)
Group award code: GL31 44

NPA in PC Passport at SCQF level 5 (18 SCQF credit points)
Group award code: GL32 45

NPA in PC Passport at SCQF level 6 (18 SCQF credit points)
Group award code: GL33 46

The NPAs in PC Passport at SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6 consist of three mandatory Units (18 SCQF credit points). There are no optional units.

Unit search