NC Hairdressing SCQF levels 5 and 6

This National Certificate (NC) is mainly aimed at candidates who are interested in pursuing a career in the hairdressing and barbering sectors. Set at SCQF levels 5 and 6, the NC is designed to meet industry needs and gives candidates the knowledge, understanding and skills to gain employment at a junior level.

It also opens up the possibility of further study for candidates who may choose to continue studying for Hairdressing and Barbering qualifications. For example, it provides underpinning knowledge and understanding for the competence-based SVQs.

The emphasis is on developing basic skills which will be attractive to future employers both within and outwith the hairdressing industries. Candidates will gain a broad knowledge of the industry and the accepted practices.

This NC should be delivered within the context of hairdressing so that candidates can develop a greater understanding of terminology, safety, working practices, research methods, personal skills, commercial targets and strategic industry objectives.

This product is widely available in colleges.

Alternative assessment guidance

NC Hairdressing at SCQF Level 5

The following optional guidance can be used to support delivery and assessment as an alternative to the approaches outlined in the Group Award / Unit specification.

Optional assessment guidance 2023-24

 

NC Hairdressing at SCQF Level 6

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

SCQF level 5

Group Award code: G95H 45 (72 SCQF credit points)

NC Hairdressing at SCQF Level 5 (234 KB)

NC Hairdressing at SCQF Level 5 Course Overview and Skills Development Summary (732 KB)

Candidates must achieve seven mandatory Units (54 SCQF credit points), and three optional Units (18 SCQF credit points).

Mandatory Units:

  • Applying Practical Skills (F4BY11)
  • Selling Skills (D0SF10)
  • Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Massage (F4C9 11)
  • Blow Drying Techniques (F4BX 11)
  • Setting and Winding Techniques for Hair (F4C8 11)
  • Ladies Hairdressing: Basic Cutting Categories (F4C2 11)
  • Mix, Apply and Remove Hair Colour (F4C4 11)

Optional Units:

  • Clipper Cutting Techniques: Gents (F50F 11)
  • Current Techniques in Long Hair: Basic (F4CB 11)
  • Hair, Beauty and Make up Portfolio Presentation (F4C7 11)
  • Hair, Beauty and Make-up: Competition Technical Skills (F4BV 11)
  • Hair, Beauty and Make-up: Personal Care and Appearance (F4C5 11)
  • Hand Care for Gents (F50G 11)
  • Postiche Application and Styling: An Introduction (F4C6 11)
  • Reception Duties and Skills (F4P1 11)
  • Skills for Customer Care (F38X 11)
  • Work Experience (D36H 11)
  • Working with Others (F3GE 11)

SCQF level 6

Group Award code: G9K3 46 (72 SCQF credit points)

Candidates must achieve six mandatory Units (48 SCQF credit points), and four optional Units (24 SCQF credit points).

NC Hairdressing at SCQF Level 6 (279 KB)

NC Hairdressing at SCQF Level 6 Course Overview and Skills Development Summary (698 KB)

Mandatory Units:

  • Hair Colouring and Lightening (F78P 12)
  • Colour Correction (F78R 12)
  • Combination Cutting (F78S 12)
  • Style Dress and Finish Hair (F78T 12)
  • Styling for a Total Look (F78W 12)
  • Commercial Experience (F78V 12)

Optional Units:

  • Beauty: Creative Current Make-up Trends (F5B3 12)
  • Creative Haircutting (F78X 12)
  • Digital Imaging (D7YF 12)
  • Hairdressing: Long Hair Design (DN5Y 33)
  • Photography: Digital Imaging (F8KM 12)
  • Research Skills (D669 12)
  • Scalp, Neck and Shoulder Massage (F6XE 12)
  • Working with Commercial Synthetic Postiche (F78Y 12)

Other information

Assessment Support Packs (ASPs) are available for the mandatory Units in both levels. These are available to download from SQA's secure website.

Units from the NCs may be delivered as individual Units or clustered for delivery as an evening class programme.

Unit search

How to assess

Assessments should be observational where appropriate, based on recorded evidence. The skills developed will have a practical focus which will be carried out in a realistic working environment.

Qualification Verification Summary Report

Deliver this qualification

Why study this qualification

The NC at SCQF level 5 is aimed at school leavers, progression candidates, and adults returning to education. The NC at SCQF level 6 will suit school leavers, adult returners or those already working in the hairdressing industry.

The NC is mapped with the National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is a nationally recognised qualification.

The real or realistic work environment for practical experience means the NC will put the candidate in a good position for a career in hairdressing and related industries.

Access

Access is at the discretion of the centre. Candidates would benefit from previous experience of Hairdressing Units. Relevant work experience would also be acceptable.

Employment and progression

Candidates at SCQF level 5 may progress to:

  • SCQF Level 6 Hairdressing NC
  • employment in a junior role in hairdressing or barbering
  • further academic and/or professional qualifications

SCQF level 6 candidates may progress to:

  • HNC Hairdressing
  • HNC Fashion Make-up
  • HND Make-up Artistry
  • SVQ Hairdressing at Level 2 or 3
  • employment as a junior or junior stylist in a hairdressing salon

Qualification structure

SCQF level 5

Group Award code: G95H 45 (72 SCQF credit points)

NC Hairdressing at SCQF Level 5 (234 KB)

NC Hairdressing at SCQF Level 5 Course Overview and Skills Development Summary (732 KB)

Candidates must achieve seven mandatory Units (54 SCQF credit points), and three optional Units (18 SCQF credit points).

Mandatory Units:

  • Applying Practical Skills (F4BY11)
  • Selling Skills (D0SF10)
  • Shampooing, Conditioning and Scalp Massage (F4C9 11)
  • Blow Drying Techniques (F4BX 11)
  • Setting and Winding Techniques for Hair (F4C8 11)
  • Ladies Hairdressing: Basic Cutting Categories (F4C2 11)
  • Mix, Apply and Remove Hair Colour (F4C4 11)

Optional Units:

  • Clipper Cutting Techniques: Gents (F50F 11)
  • Current Techniques in Long Hair: Basic (F4CB 11)
  • Hair, Beauty and Make up Portfolio Presentation (F4C7 11)
  • Hair, Beauty and Make-up: Competition Technical Skills (F4BV 11)
  • Hair, Beauty and Make-up: Personal Care and Appearance (F4C5 11)
  • Hand Care for Gents (F50G 11)
  • Postiche Application and Styling: An Introduction (F4C6 11)
  • Reception Duties and Skills (F4P1 11)
  • Skills for Customer Care (F38X 11)
  • Work Experience (D36H 11)
  • Working with Others (F3GE 11)

SCQF level 6

Group Award code: G9K3 46 (72 SCQF credit points)

Candidates must achieve six mandatory Units (48 SCQF credit points), and four optional Units (24 SCQF credit points).

NC Hairdressing at SCQF Level 6 (279 KB)

NC Hairdressing at SCQF Level 6 Course Overview and Skills Development Summary (698 KB)

Mandatory Units:

  • Hair Colouring and Lightening (F78P 12)
  • Colour Correction (F78R 12)
  • Combination Cutting (F78S 12)
  • Style Dress and Finish Hair (F78T 12)
  • Styling for a Total Look (F78W 12)
  • Commercial Experience (F78V 12)

Optional Units:

  • Beauty: Creative Current Make-up Trends (F5B3 12)
  • Creative Haircutting (F78X 12)
  • Digital Imaging (D7YF 12)
  • Hairdressing: Long Hair Design (DN5Y 33)
  • Photography: Digital Imaging (F8KM 12)
  • Research Skills (D669 12)
  • Scalp, Neck and Shoulder Massage (F6XE 12)
  • Working with Commercial Synthetic Postiche (F78Y 12)

Other information

Assessment Support Packs (ASPs) are available for the mandatory Units in both levels. These are available to download from SQA's secure website.

Units from the NCs may be delivered as individual Units or clustered for delivery as an evening class programme.

Unit search