SVQ Hairdressing SCQF level 5
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) recognise competence in job-related skills and are based on National Occupational Standards.
This SVQ covers areas such as shampooing, conditioning and treating the hair and scalp; setting, styling and dressing the hair; colouring and lightening hair; and perming and neutralising hair.
This qualification has been designed in partnership with the Skillsactive/HABIA — the sector skills council — to ensure relevance to the sector.
This qualification is available through colleges, employers and training providers.
SOLAR
SOLAR is the mandatory e-assessment method for this award/units. It's SQA's free online e-assessment system.
Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.
Why deliver this qualification
Learners will gain an internationally-recognised qualification that guarantees that they have the skills, knowledge and abilities required to carry out their role successfully. Employers will also benefit from their employees being proficient.
Assessment is carried out in the workplace. This minimises any time learners need to be away from their work.
Learners can progress to a range of qualifications including
- an HNC in Hairdressing
- an SVQ in Hairdressing at SCQF level 6
- an SVQ in Barbering at SCQF level 6
The SVQ can be offered in any of the following modes:
- full-time
- part-time (for example, day-release)
Who does this qualification suit
This SVQ is suitable for:
- individuals who are currently in employment as a junior stylist and who wish to obtain a formal qualification
- employees who wish to obtain short, continuing professional development courses
Access
Entry is at the discretion of the centre.
Candidates should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities which allow them to gather the required evidence.
Learners should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities which allow them to gather the required evidence.
No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although experience in, or a knowledge of, the subject would be an advantage.
Progression
The SCQF level 5 award could provide progression to:
- an HNC in Hairdressing
- an SVQ in Hairdressing at SCQF level 6
- an SVQ in Barbering at SCQF level 6
Approval
This qualification is non-devolvable.
Centres interested in offering this qualification must 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. The specific delivery requirements are set out in the assessment strategy.
How to assess
For general information, please refer to the document Information for Assessment of Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). For detailed guidance on how to assess this particular SVQ, please refer to the assessment strategy.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
CURRENT
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
The SVQ in Hairdressing at SCQF level 5 consists of six mandatory units and seven optional units.
For details of the units making up the SVQ, please refer to the qualification structure.
- SVQ Hairdressing SCQF level 5 (47 KB)
Unit information for this qualification is available through our Unit search.
National Occupational Standards
SQA works in partnership with other organisations to ensure that National Occupational Standards are relevant to the current and future needs of Scottish industries.
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Core Skills signposting
Core Skills mapping is carried out by the SSC responsible for the development of an SVQ. It is a requirement of SQA Accreditation that every SVQ submission includes information on where possible opportunities for candidates to develop Core Skills exist across the mandatory units.
Centres should note that mapping is not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so is not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.
Update on Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks for Hairdressing and Barbering at SCQF level 5 and 6 (99 KB)
Modern Apprenticeship
This SVQ is a mandatory component in the level 5 Modern Apprenticeship.
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
Assessment strategy (426 KB)
Assessor's guidelines
- GV3T 22: SVQ in Hairdressing at SCQF level 5 and GV3W 22: SVQ in Barbering at SCQF level 5 (569 KB)
- Solar Assessment for Hairdressing and Barbering mapping across all four SVQ qualifications. (129 KB)
- Solar Glossary SVQ levels 5 and 6 Hairdressing and Barbering (94 KB)
- SVQ SCQF level 5 Hairdressing and Barbering Qualification Resources (84 KB)
- SVQ SCQF level 6 Hairdressing and Barbering Qualification Resources (84 KB)
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
LAPSING
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
SVQ Hairdressing at SCQF Level 5 GK74 22
This group award has been replaced.
It entered its lapsing period on: 30/04/2024
It finishes on: 30/04/2026
The SVQ Hairdressing at SCQF level 5 consists of seven mandatory Units and one optional Unit.
For details of the Units making up the SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure.
National Occupational Standards
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Core Skills signposting
Core Skills mapping is carried out by the SSC responsible for the development of an SVQ. It is a requirement of SQA Accreditation that every SVQ submission includes information on where possible opportunities for candidates to develop Core Skills exist across the mandatory units.
Centres should note that mapping is not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so is not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.