NPA Building Services Engineering SCQF level 5
This National Progression Award (NPA) assesses a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas, linked to National Occupational Standards. This NPA in Building Services Engineering at SCQF level 5 introduces learners to techniques that are important in the sector.
The qualification offers learners the opportunity to sample the three sectors: plumbing, electrical, and HVRAC. This will enable learners to decide which one of the three sectors they wish to pursue in their career.
It develops knowledge and understanding of building services engineering (BSE) and covers: installation operations, basic plumbing operations, energy and the environment, systems, roles, responsibilities and procedures, and health and safety. It also covers transferable skills such as problem solving, planning, organisational and communication skills.
This qualification is available through schools, colleges and training providers.
Examples of secondary features
- knowledge and understanding of building services engineering
- practical, technical and transferable skills
- oral, written and evaluation abilities
- resource management and organisational skills
Examples of benefits to centres
- offering a wide range of optional units to enable centres to meet local needs
- providing bite-sized chunks of learning that are straightforward for centres to adopt and for learners to study
- enabling employees to gain new skills quickly and cost effectively
- providing centres with opportunities to work in partnership with employers and other centres
Qualification structure
Group award code: GEH5 45 (45 SCQF credit points)
SCQF level: 5
This NPA consists of four mandatory units (21 SCQF credit points), a minimum of two units from the mandatory optional section (12 SCQF credit points), and two optional units from either Route 1, Route 2 or Route 3 (12 SCQF credit points).
Mandatory units include:
- FT82 11 – Building Services Engineering: Energy and the Environment
- FT83 11 – Building Services Engineering: Systems, Roles, Responsibilities and Procedures
- FT84 11 – Building Services Engineering: Science
- HF2E 45 – Building Services Engineering: Health and Safety
See the group award specification (465 KB) for the full list of mandatory and optional units.
Building Services Engineering (GL6T 45)
This group award has been replaced.
It finishes on: 31/07/2026.
The NPA Building Services Engineering at SCQF level 5 consists of 7.5 mandatory units (45 SCQF credit points).
How to assess
Assessment is based primarily on the assessment of practical activities and supported by knowledge testing where appropriate. Integrated assessment is encouraged.
Assessment should be carried out in a holistic way as evidence will be generated for the mandatory and optional units collectively.
The delivery of the award is at the individual centre's discretion.
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Why study this qualification
The NPA in Building Services Engineering is designed for a range of learners, including:
- S5 and S6 learners
- school leavers
- progression learners (such as Skills for Work)
- adults returning to education
- employed learners who wish to enhance their career prospects
- unemployed learners who wish to enhance their job prospects
You will develop skills that are valid and relevant in the BSE sector. The NPA in Building Services Engineering is flexible and is designed to offer you experience of a wide range of skills and practices across the group award mandatory and optional units. This will help you to make an informed choice about the most appropriate career option for you in the BSE sector in the following trade disciplines:
- electrotechnical
- plumbing
- heating and ventilation
- refrigeration and air conditioning
- service and maintenance
The NPA provides you with an opportunity to sample the three sectors: plumbing, electrical, and HVRAC by completing mandatory units for each sector. This will enable you to then choose which pathway you wish to pursue in your career.
You will also develop important employability prospects within the BSE sector, including:
- practical knowledge and skills
- ability to solve problems
- transferable skills
- ability to be flexible and work cooperatively with others
- ability to take responsibility for your own learning
- awareness of sustainability and environmental measures in BSE
- employment and behavioural skills
- understanding of health and safety in the BSE sector
- planning and organisational skills
- oral, written and communication skills
- numerical and graphical skills
- ICT skills
- flexibility, knowledge, skills and motivation as a basis for progression
Examples of possible learner types
- learners who are at school or who have just left school
- mature learners who have been out of education for a long period of time
- individuals who are currently in employment and wish to obtain a formal qualification
- those who are looking to access Higher National programmes
- learners who want to study at their own pace and style
- employees who want to develop their careers
- individuals who are seeking national recognition of their achievements
- employers who wish their employees to take part in short continuing professional development courses
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre.
Learners would benefit from having attained one or more qualifications at SCQF level 4.
Employment and progression
You could use this SCQF level 5 award to progress to:
- Modern Apprenticeships within BSE sector trades
- higher level education
- employment
- employment in the BSE sector, perhaps as an electrician
Qualification structure
Group award code: GEH5 45 (45 SCQF credit points)
SCQF level: 5
This NPA consists of four mandatory units (21 SCQF credit points), a minimum of two units from the mandatory optional section (12 SCQF credit points), and two optional units from either Route 1, Route 2 or Route 3 (12 SCQF credit points).
Mandatory units include:
- FT82 11 – Building Services Engineering: Energy and the Environment
- FT83 11 – Building Services Engineering: Systems, Roles, Responsibilities and Procedures
- FT84 11 – Building Services Engineering: Science
- HF2E 45 – Building Services Engineering: Health and Safety
See the group award specification (465 KB) for the full list of mandatory and optional units.
Building Services Engineering (GL6T 45)
This group award has been replaced.
It finishes on: 31/07/2026.
The NPA Building Services Engineering at SCQF level 5 consists of 7.5 mandatory units (45 SCQF credit points).