Accreditation News

First Aid at Work

Stakeholder Survey 2012 - 2013

SQA Accreditation conducted a stakeholder survey between October and December 2012 with the purpose of gathering stakeholders' feedback and experiences of working with SQA Accreditation and to identify key strengths and weaknesses which could inform further improvements.

A report which outlines the findings from the survey has now been published and can be accessed here.

Many thanks to those who responded to the survey. If you have any questions regarding the report, please contact Laura McCansh, Research Officer on laura.mccansh@sqa.org.uk

Automated Responses for Accreditation Mailboxes - February 2013

SVQs and the SCQF

Following discussions with the Scottish Government regarding the use of the SCQF level in SVQ titles, we set up a small group of SSCs and Awarding Bodies in early summer to identify any issues which would potentially arise from using the SCQF level in the title of SVQs.

SQA Accreditation Annual Report 2011-12

We have published our annual report and a summary report.

The Process for Accreditation of Qualifications

How we Credit Rate for the SCQF

SCQF Information for the Website

AC2 Submission Form (Amendments) (June 2012)

Please note that the Accreditation Co-ordination Group (ACG) has approved a revised process for AC2 submissions.

"Changing our processes for Accreditation of Qualifications”

Accredited Qualification Search Now Available (March 2012)

MAG Communication

The Modern Apprenticeship Group (MAG), which approves the Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks in Scotland, issued two letters in January 2011 which outline their position with regards to NVQs in MA Frameworks and SCQF credit rating of MA Frameworks. 

SCQF Credit Rated SVQs (Awarding Bodies) October 2010

As you will be aware, our Accreditation Committee requires Awarding Bodies to be working towards issuing certificates which conforms to our new titling conventions for SVQs which have been SCQF credit rated.

Employer Direct Model

As a reminder of our previous Accreditation News article on the Employer Direct Model, Awarding Bodies and SSCs are reminded that for SVQs - where assessment strategies stipulate that employer/alternative training can be used as an in place of Assessors and Verifiers achievement of the A and V Units.

Employer Direct Model

As an alternative to A & V Units, some SSC/Bs have elected to use an employer direct model as an alternative to assessors and verifiers achieving the A and V Units within SVQ assessment strategies.

Titling of qualifications

As we can now accredit any qualifications other than degrees, our Accreditation Co-ordination Group (ACG) has noted an increase in the number of submissions for qualifications entitled Award, Certificate and Diploma.

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

Skills for Scotland: A Lifelong Skills Strategy (2007) challenges Awarding Bodies to work towards placing their qualifications in the SCQF and making links with other qualifications to open up opportunities for individuals. There are no specific design requirements for qualifications placed on the SCQF, nor is there any requirement that qualifications on the SCQF must be based on NOS.

The Role of SSCs/SSBs and Awarding Bodies in Scottish Qualification Development

Skills for Scotland: A Lifelong Skills Strategy (2007) requires that employers have a say in the design of all qualifications and this has been embraced through the VQ Reform Programme with SQA ensuring that:

• SSCs/SSBs and employers are involved in the design of the qualifications which are awarded
• SSCs/SSBs and employers are involved in the design of the qualifications which are accredited by SQA Accreditation.

Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks (MA Frameworks)

Provides information on Scottish Government policy on SVQs and the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Group's (MAG) policy for Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks, including:

• Scottish Government Policy on SVQs
• Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Group's Definition of a Competence Based Qualification within a Modern Apprenticeship Framework
• SVQs and Core Skills within a Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Framework
• SQA Accreditation of the Mandatory Components of a Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Framework
• SCQF Credit and Levelling of Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks

Find out more

How we Credit Rate for the SCQF

SCQF Information for the Website

Assessor and Verifier Competence (May 2011)

Guidance on NOS Consultation in Scotland (February 2011)

As you will be aware, the new NOS quality assurance procedure requires SSCs to demonstrate nation specific consultation with employers and key stakeholders in relation to the review and development of NOS. In Scotland, NOS are used as the basis for development of Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and other competence based qualifications. 

Core Skills Signposting of Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) structures- October 2010

Currently our Accreditation Coordination Group is attaching a condition to Core Skills Signpostings where the Units in the Core Skill Signposting does not match the SVQ structure Unit for Unit.

Core Skills Signposting Guidance

SQA Accreditation has produced a guidance document for Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), other Standards setting organisations and Awarding Bodies.

Complaints and Appeals (June 2010)

Complaints and Appeals (June 2010)

On reviewing the trend of non-compliances over the last two quarters, it has been noted that there is a significant increase in the number of Awarding Bodies that have a non-compliance against the following criterion (SQA Accreditation's Awarding Body Crieria (2007)):

• 9.1.4 The circumstances under which a centre or candidate is entitled to make an appeal or complaint to SQA Accrediting Body.

SVQ Assessment Strategies

All SVQ structures must have either:

•  a corresponding SVQ assessment strategy or
• an overarching assessment strategy which covers a range of SVQs within a particular sector area.

SQA Accreditation Approval of Qualification Products

Since 1 April 2009, SQA Accreditation has had the remit to approve SVQ Structures, SVQ Assessment Strategies, Core Skills Signposting and SCQF Credit Rating of SVQs.  This remit now includes the approval of Scottish Qualification Products which have been funded through the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).

SCQF Credit and Levelling of SVQs and Other Competence Based Qualifications

Explains the requirements for SCQF credit and levelling of SVQs and other Competence Based Qualifications (not SVQs).

Knowledge Units within SVQ Structure

As National Occupational Standards are required to demonstrate full occupational competence, the UK NOS Panel (UKNP) is unable to approve Knowledge Only Units as NOS.

Core Skills Signposting

SQA Accreditation has contracted 3D Consultancy to undertake a review of the document, 'Developing National Occupational Standards: Signposting Key and Core Skills '(NOS 2000), to produce an updated publication, 'Guidance on Core Skills Signposting'

Policy - Credit Rating Accredited Qualifications for the SCQF - December 2011

SQA Accreditation will consider SCQF credit rating submissions for approval if: