SVQ Paralegal Practice SCQF level 7

The SVQ in Paralegal Practice at SCQF level 7 is a qualification for those working in legal offices who wish to develop skills in Paralegal Practice at an introductory level.

Most learners are likely to be school leavers who will complete the SVQ as part of a Modern Apprenticeship in Paralegal Practice. Learners could be working in the private sector, in company legal sections, in local authorities, or in a legal outsourcing company.

The SVQ and Modern Apprenticeship in paralegal practice was developed by Skills for Justice.

The SVQ is jointly awarded with the Scottish Paralegal Association.

This qualification is available through employers, college/employer partnerships and training providers.

Important information: As of 1 September 2016, all SVQs with an established SCQF level no longer include the SVQ level in their titles. Please note that our web pages and documents will gradually be updated over time as the SVQs are reviewed, so may still contain the existing titles. More information on SCQF levels can be found on our SCQF web page.

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Why deliver this qualification

The SVQ in Paralegal Practice at SCQF level 7 can be embedded in a company's normal training and development process or can be taken as part of an apprenticeship training programme.

It has been designed to be assessed in the workplace and can be offered at any time without the need to follow the academic session.

This SVQ could appeal to a wide variety of potential candidates, and opens up the possibility of continued study.

Who does this qualification suit

The SVQ in Paralegal Practice at SCQF level 7 is for those working in legal offices in the private sector, in company legal sections, in local authorities, or in legal outsourcing companies, who wish to become a trainee paralegal.

It is suitable for:

  • learners who may have just left school
  • mature candidates who may have been out of education for some time
  • individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification

Learners should be in a post that will enable them to provide the required evidence.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

No prior qualifications or knowledge are required to undertake this qualification.

Progression

The SVQ could provide progression to:

  • an HNC/HND in Legal Services
  • a PDA at SCQF level 8 in a legal specialism
  • employment in the legal sector, perhaps as a trainee paralegal

Approval

Centres will have to come forward for approval and should contact the Business Development Team for guidance in completing the combined CA1/SA1 form.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements as outlined in the guide to approval.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

How to assess

For general information on how to assess this qualification, please refer to the document Guidance on how to assess SVQs.   For detailed guidance on how to assess this particular SVQ, please refer to the Assessment Strategy.

Where can you take this course?

Qualification content and delivery tools

Information about the qualification(s)

Qualification Structure

Group Award code: GH2W 23

The SVQ Paralegal Practice at SCQF level 7 consists of eight mandatory Units and three optional Units.

For details of the Units making up the SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure (68 KB).

National Occupational Standards

The SVQ incorporates the NOS in paralegal practice developed by Skills for Justice.

Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.

Core Skills signposting

Core Skill mappings are carried out by the SSC responsible for the development of an SVQ. It is a requirement of SQA Accreditation that every SVQ submission includes information on where possible opportunities for candidates to develop Core Skills exist across the mandatory units.

Centres should note that mappings are not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so are not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.

Awarding partnership arrangements

This SVQ is jointly awarded with the Scottish Paralegal Association

Modern Apprenticeship

This SVQ is a mandatory component in the Level 3 Paralegal Practice Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 7.

SQA also offers the following components of this Apprenticeship:

SVQ Level 3 Paralegal Practice at SCQF Level 7 GH2W 23

Unit Title SCQF 5
Core Skills: Communication F427 04
Core Skills: Numeracy F42B 04
Core Skills: Information and Communication Technology F42F 04
Core Skills: Problem Solving F42K 04
Core Skills: Working with Others F42P 04

Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material

Assessment strategy

Candidate Guidance and Portfolio