PDA Installing and Maintaining Electronic Fire and Security Systems SCQF level 6

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards. The PDA in Installing and Maintaining Electronic Fire and Security Systems at SCQF level 6 covers the following specialist and high-level transferable skills:

  • the underpinning knowledge and skills required to complete the SVQ in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems at SCQF level 6
  • the use of new technologies in the security systems sector, such as IT, IP networking and cyber security skills

This qualification covers areas such as health and safety, electrical engineering principles, and the commissioning, installation and maintenance of alarm and security systems. Cyber security and IP networking are also covered.

This qualification is available through colleges and training providers in conjunction with employers. It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of class lectures, group activities, practical work and independent research.

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.

The PDA in Installing and Maintaining Electronic Fire and Security Systems at SCQF level 6 has been developed in partnership with employers and the industry representative body so it is suitable for the current sector.

It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

The unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units are typically 40 hours of learning.

This PDA provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The PDA is aimed at:

  • those in employment within the security industry who are attending a centre on a part-time basis to undertake the PDA and SVQ in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems at SCQF level 6 and Modern Apprenticeship level 3
  • those within the security industry who may wish to upskill and acquire a formal qualification in installing electronic fire and security systems

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. It is recommended, however, that prospective learners have:

  1. qualifications which demonstrate competence in Numeracy at SCQF level 5, for example:
    • Numeracy (Core Skill unit)
    • C847 75 National 5 Mathematics
    • C884 75 National 5 Applications of Mathematics
  2. qualifications which demonstrate competence in Communication at SCQF level 5, for example:
    • F3GB 11 Communication (Core Skill unit)
    • C824 75 National 5 English
  3. a science or technical qualification at SCQF level 5, for example:
    • C857 75 National 5 Physics
    • C816 75 National 5 Computing Science
    • C835 75 National 5 Graphic Communication

In addition to evidence of attained qualifications, centres may wish to consider using a pre-entry test and interview to ensure that each prospective learner has sufficient academic ability and the appropriate personal qualities to achieve the award.

The units in the PDA have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Electronic Security Systems.

Learners would have the opportunity of progressing to the SVQ in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems at level 3.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority must come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.

To gain approval to deliver this PDA, centres must provide evidence that they can deliver the award and its component units successfully.

Lecturers/tutors/trainers, assessors and internal verifiers must demonstrate occupational competence in line with the requirements of the qualification and hold suitable teaching, assessing or internal verification qualifications.

Further detail can be found in the Group Award Specification.

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.

Each unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.

Each unit is assessed separately.

Qualification content and delivery tools

Current

Group award code: GV4L 46 (112 SCQF credit points).

The PDA in Installing and Maintaining Electronic Fire and Security Systems at SCQF level 6 consists of 13 mandatory units. There are no optional units.

This PDA is a mandatory component in the SCQF level 6 Modern Apprenticeship in Electronic Security Systems.

SQA also offers the following components of this apprenticeship:

GP7G 23 SVQ in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems at SCQF level 6

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

Further information on the Modern Apprenticeship can be found at Skills Development Scotland.

Lapsing

GJ7L 46  Electronic Fire and Security Systems

This group award has been replaced.

It enters its lapsing period on: 31/07/2025

It finishes on: 31/07/2028

Group Award code: GJ7L 46

The PDA in Electronic Fire and Security Systems at SCQF level 6 consists of 11 mandatory Units. There are no optional Units.

Related links

Skills for security