Food Service
The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Food Service (at SCQF level 5) is based on the standards developed by the sector skills council, People 1st.
This SVQ is suitable for candidates who work as part of a team providing a counter, take-away or table service of food or beverages. Candidates are likely to work in cafes, restaurants hotels or pubs, where they may also deal with customers and handle payments.
This qualification is available through colleges and external training providers.
Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.
Why deliver this qualification
The SVQ 2 in Food Service at SCQF level 5 is a work-based qualification so it can be offered at any time and does not need to follow the academic session. It also opens up the possibility for continued study.
The SVQ gives recognition of the skills and competences of those working in food service and offers enhanced job satisfaction as well as structured opportunities to improve skills and career prospects.
Assessor’s guidelines and candidate recording forms are available to download from the SVQ Hospitality and Tourism webpage. A bank of underpinning knowledge questions are available to download from SQA’s secure website.
The qualification is nationally recognised, and based on National Occupational Standards.
Who does this qualification suit
The SVQ 2 in Food Service at SCQF level 5 is suitable for candidates working in cafes, restaurants, hotels, or pubs providing food and/or beverages for their customers.
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre. Candidates undertaking this SVQ should be in a role that relates to the qualification and allows them to generate work-related evidence.
Progression
Candidates who successfully complete this qualification can progress onto further SVQs within the Hospitality and Professional Cookery framework.
This SVQ could also open up further employment opportunities and enhance career prospects within the hospitality industry.
Approval
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority require to 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/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.
Centres should pay particular attention to the requirements set out in the assessment strategy if operating qualification via an RWE.
How to assess
Assessment is through performance in the workplace. Evidence can be gathered by observation, product evaluation, questioning, witness testimony or personal statement.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
- SVQ 2 in Food Service (62 KB)
National Occupational Standards
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Leaflets
- Introducing SQA Hospitality leaflet (373 KB)
Fact sheets
- SVQ 2 in Food Service (112 KB)
Modern Apprenticeship
This SVQ is also part of the SCQF level 5 Modern Apprenticeship in Hospitality
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
Assessor's guidelines
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
Useful Links
