The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)

This Scottish Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is a new way of understanding and comparing qualifications in Scotland. Its main purposes are to:

• make the relationships between qualifications clearer
• make progression and transfer between qualifications easier by clarifying entry and exit points and routes for progression

Most of the mainstream Scottish qualifications are already in the SCQF. These are the foundations for Scotland's unified education and training framework. There are two measures used to place a qualification in the framework: SCQF level and SCQF credit points.

The level a qualification is assigned to in the framework is an indication of how hard it is to acheive. There are 12 levels, from level 1 for Access 1 to level 12 for doctorates. The table below does not show every type of qualification, however, the mainstream Scottish qualifications are represented. These provide the benchmark to which other types of qualifications can be compared as they come on the SCQF.

The amount of credit attached to a qualification indicates how big it is, in terms of the amount of learning required. Credit is expressed in terms of SCQF credit points - one point represents a notional 10 hours of learning, this includes, eg contact time, work experience and directed self-study. Credit points are gained upon successful achievement of the learning outcomes contained in a qualification.

The positioning of SVQs in the SCQF gives a broad indication of their place in the framework. A project to begin positioning individual SVQs in the SCQF will commence in 2005.

The number of SCQF credit points attained by a candidate at a particular SCQF level are already included in the 'Additional Information' page in the candidates' certificate. From March 2006 a detailed breakdown of SCQF credit points and level will be provided on the certificate against each subject attracting points.

Further information is available on the SCQF website: www.scqf.org.uk