Retail
The Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Retail are workplace qualifications designed to give candidates the appropriate industry-specific skills and knowledge. The SVQs reflect the changing face of retailing in the UK and offer flexibility in choice of Unit content to allow all roles in the industry to be recognised by a relevant qualification.
They are based on the National Occupational Standards (NOS) which have been developed by Skillsmart Retail, the sector skills council for the sector.
The SVQs are available through colleges and private 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.
Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.
Why deliver this qualification
These nationally-recognised retail qualifications provide the flexibility which is valued by candidates and centres. They can be offered at any time without the need to follow the academic session and have been designed to be assessed in the workplace, or in conditions of the workplace.
These SVQs could appeal to a wide variety of potential candidates, and open up the possibility of continued study.
Who does this qualification suit
These SVQs in Retail are designed for people working in the retail industry, including retail sales people, retail assistants, counter assistants, stockroom/warehouse assistants, visual merchandisers, cash point operators and managers in all these roles.
The content relates to the candidates’ work and provides a wide recognition of their skills and achievements. The SVQs offer enhanced job satisfaction and well structured opportunities to improve skills and career prospects.
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre. However, as these qualifications are work-based, candidates should be working in a suitable retail environment.
The SVQs are normally offered over the course of 12–24 months. Centres can tailor the optional Units to suit the individual candidate’s work role.
Progression
Candidates could progress to higher level SVQs in Retail, a Modern Apprenticeship in Retail, or to HNC/HNDs in Retail Management.
The SVQs in Retail could open up more employment opportunities and enhance career prospects.
Approval
Centres with devolved authority are eligible to seek approval through their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority 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.
How to assess
Assessment is through performance in the workplace. The SVQs are likely to be delivered in large and small retail outlets, including department stores, specialist retailers (electrical, fashion, DIY, etc), food retailers, cash and carry outlets, and supermarkets.
Evidence may be gathered by observed performance, products of work, questioning, witness testimony and personal statement, and presented as a portfolio of candidate work.
Evidence may also be gathered online with assessors providing feedback via this medium.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Information about the qualification(s)
National Occupational Standards
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Accredited Qualification Unit Search.
Leaflets
- SVQ Retail leaflet (413 KB)
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessor's guidelines
Blank Recording Forms
Assessor's Guidelines
| Level: | 1 to 3 |
| Publication: | DB5915/2 |
| Edition: | March 2016 |
| Downloads: | SVQ 1 Retail Skills SCQF level 4, SVQ 2 Retail Skills SCQF level 5, SVQ 3 Retail (Sales Professional) SCQF level 6, SVQ 3 Retail (Visual Merchandising) SCQF level 6, SVQ 3 (Management) SCQF level 6 (2.46 MB) |
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
- Guidance for candidates starting an SVQ (626 KB)
- Candidate Portfolio A4 Cover (118 KB)
- Candidate blank recording forms (616 KB)
Candidate Disclaimer for SVQ Portfolio
There is no SVQ Portfolio currently available.
Qualification Verification Summary Reports
Qualification Verification Summary Reports were formerly known as Internal Assessment Reports.
Qualification Verification Summary Reports were formerly known as Internal Assessment Reports.
Monitoring Standards Reports
2006 reports
- Retail Operations report 2006 (432 KB)
Unit(s) and delivery tools
Retail Skills SVQ level 1
Group Award code:G8AP 21
Retail Skills SVQ level 2
Group Award code: G8AK 22
Retail (Sales Professional) SVQ level 3
Group Award code: G8AM 23
Retail (Management) SVQ level 3
Group Award code: G8AL 23
Retail (Visual Merchandising) SVQ level 3
Group Award code: G8AN 23
Structure
SVQ in Retail Skills level 1
Candidates must achieve one mandatory Unit and four optional Units.
Mandatory Unit
Work Effectively in your Retail Team 1 — F0AM 04
SVQ in Retail Skills level 2
Candidates must achieve one mandatory Unit and five optional Units.
Mandatory Unit
Work Effectively in your Retail Team 2 — F0AN 04
SVQ in Retail (Sales Professional) level 3
Candidates must achieve one mandatory Unit and five optional Units.
Mandatory Unit
Work Effectively in your Retail Organisation — F0AL 04
SVQ in Retail (Management) level 3
Candidates must achieve one mandatory Unit and five optional Units.
Mandatory Unit
Work Effectively in your Retail Organisation — F0AL 04
SVQ in Retail (Visual Merchandising) level 3
Candidates must achieve one mandatory Unit and five optional Units.
Mandatory Unit
Work Effectively in your Retail Organisation — F0AL 04
Any other information
The following publications can be downloaded from SQA’s website:
Assessor’s Guidelines
Assessment Strategy
Candidate Portfolios
Retail Assessment Guidance — Blank Recording Forms
Retail Online Assessment Guidance for Centres and Assessors
Online learning tools to support some of the knowledge can be found at the Retail Academy’s website: www.retailacademy.org.
Update Letters
- November 2011 (2)
- November 2011 (190 KB)
- September 2011 (37 KB)
Modern Apprenticeships
These Awards are also part of the Modern Apprenticeship in Retail L2 and L3
Useful Links
Skillsmart Retail is the Sector Skills Council for the retail sector.