Diploma Accounting SCQF levels 6 and 8

The Diplomas in Accounting at SCQF levels 6 and 8 provide learners with a qualification that demonstrate their aptitude in this area. Both qualifications will develop the learner’s confidence and awareness of the knowledge and skills that they have acquired, and which can be applied to the workplace and/or provide a basis for further study.
The SCQF level 6 qualification covers areas such as applying principles of accounting operations, management accounting principles, handling financial transactions, and development of personal practice and meta-skills.
The SCQF level 8 qualification covers areas such as providing management accounting services, performing financial accounting, and developing personal professionalism and meta-skills.
These qualifications are based on the current version of Work Situations defined by Skills Development Scotland and are available through employers and training providers.
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Why deliver this qualification
These Diploma qualifications form the core of Apprenticeships in Accounting at SCQF levels 6 and 8. They enable learners to demonstrate knowledge and skills in an Accounting vocational area.
Candidates may gain exemptions towards AAT and ACCA professional qualifications and/or may progress to other Accounting qualifications at a similar or higher level.
These qualifications are based on delivery and evidence gained within a workplace environment, although knowledge aspects can be delivered in training centres, colleges or online.
Who does this qualification suit
These Diplomas are suitable for:
- recent school leavers
- those seeking to enter Accounting-related professions as an apprentice
- those in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification
- those in employment seeking professional qualification pathways
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre.
Candidates should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities which allow them to gather the required evidence.
No prior qualifications are required to undertake these qualifications, although experience in, or a knowledge of, the subject would be an advantage.
Progression
The SCQF level 6 Diploma could provide progression to:
- an HNC or HND in an Accounting or Business-related subject
- a PDA in an Accounting or Business-related subject
- an Accounting or Business-related degree qualification
- professional Accounting qualifications
- further employment in an Accounting and Finance-related role.
The SCQF level 8 Diploma could provide progression to:
- advanced entry to an Accounting or Business-related degree qualification
- higher level professional Accounting qualifications
- employment in a senior Accounting and Finance-related role.
Approval
Centres without devolved authority must come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical and/or occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.
How to assess
Assessment will be through authentic workplace activities, although alternative contingencies may be used in situations where there are barriers to primary sources of evidence. Candidates will be required to maintain a portfolio of workplace evidence, produced through routine work activities. Knowledge will be assessed by various appropriate means where not already explicit in the work activities.
For detailed criteria on how to assess these qualifications, please refer to the assessment strategy. Assessment guidance is also available.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
Group award code: GV9L 46 and GV9M 48
The Diploma Accounting SCQF level 6 consists of 4 mandatory units and 3 optional units.
The Diploma Accounting SCQF level 8 consists of 3 mandatory units and 2 optional units.
For details of the units making up the Diplomas, please refer to the qualification structure.
- GV9L 46 qualification structure (53 KB)
- GV9M 48 qualification structure (53 KB)
National Occupational Standards
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Modern Apprenticeships
The Diploma at SCQF level 6 is a mandatory component in the Level 6 Modern Apprenticeship in Accounting.
The Diploma at SCQF level 8 is a mandatory component in the Level 8 Modern Apprenticeship in Accounting.