NPA Digital Passport SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6

National Progression Awards (NPAs) assess a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas, linked to National Occupational Standards.

The NPAs in Digital Passport at SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6 introduce learners to digital literacy techniques that are important in contemporary society such as communication skills, critical analysis, productivity skills and technical skills.

These awards will give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in handling information, in understanding and using computer networks, and in using social media safely, legally and ethically. Learners will also develop confidence and skills in using digital devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops and they will gain an understanding of digital citizenship that includes educational, community, political and business aspects.

The qualification 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

These qualifications are now in their lapsing period and the have been replaced with NPA Digital Literacies SCQF level 4, 5 and 6.

They entered lapsing period on: 1 August 2022.

They finish on: 31 July 2025.

Group Award codes:

  • NPA in Digital Passport at SCQF level 4 (18 SCQF credit points) GJ7W 44
  • NPA in Digital Passport at SCQF level 5 (18 SCQF credit points) GJ7X 45
  • NPA in Digital Passport at SCQF level 6 (18 SCQF credit points) GJ7Y 46

The NPAs in Digital Passport at SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6 consists of three mandatory Units (18 SCQF credit points).

Qualification FAQ Digital Passport (325 KB)

Unit search

How to assess

Assessment of this award will be a combination of knowledge and practical assessments under closed- and open-book assessment conditions. It is recommended that centres refer to the assessment and evidence requirements for each Unit.

Assessment Support Packs are available on SQA's secure site. E-assessment support packs are also produced and available on SOLAR. More information about assessment can be found in the FAQ document.

The main instrument of assessment (applicable to all Outcomes in each of the three Units at each level of the award) is the production of an e-portfolio containing a robust sample of evidence generated as the learner progresses through the Units.

The evidence of both cognitive and practical competences may take a variety of digital forms including text, graphic, videos, audio or other suitable media over an extended period of time at varying locations. The evidence may also be embedded and/or linked to a blog.

The delivery of the award is at the individual centre's discretion.

Qualification Verification Summary Report

Deliver this qualification

Why study this qualification

The NPAs are suitable for:

  • learners who wish to develop technology skills with a view to entering the workplace
  • learners wishing to develop and enhance digital skills to support their learning across a wide range of curricular areas
  • S3 to S6 school pupils who will 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 an 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

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. 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:

Basic IT Skills before beginning the SCQF level 4 Units. This may be evidenced by possession of:

  • H3LJ 09 Computer Basics (SCQF level 3) or equivalent qualifications or experience

For SCQF levels 5 and 6, it would be an advantage for learners to have completed the Units at levels 4 and 5 respectively.

Employment and progression

The NPAs will enable learners to develop a range of knowledge and skills which are fundamental to the development of digital literacy and directly relevant to the world of business and employment.

The NPAs provide underpinning knowledge of technologies relevant to a wide range of sectors and to progressing either to higher-level educational programmes or to entry-level jobs.

This qualification is available at three levels and learners may progress to the next level to continue their studies. They may also progress to one of a number of further qualifications in this, or a related, area, for example, NC Computing with Digital Media.

With the appropriate set of qualifications, there are also opportunities to progress to Higher National or degree courses. The progression diagram can be found in the Group Award Specification.

Qualification structure

These qualifications are now in their lapsing period and the have been replaced with NPA Digital Literacies SCQF level 4, 5 and 6.

They entered lapsing period on: 1 August 2022.

They finish on: 31 July 2025.

Group Award codes:

  • NPA in Digital Passport at SCQF level 4 (18 SCQF credit points) GJ7W 44
  • NPA in Digital Passport at SCQF level 5 (18 SCQF credit points) GJ7X 45
  • NPA in Digital Passport at SCQF level 6 (18 SCQF credit points) GJ7Y 46

The NPAs in Digital Passport at SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6 consists of three mandatory Units (18 SCQF credit points).

Qualification FAQ Digital Passport (325 KB)

Unit search