SVQ Hairdressing and Barbering SCQF level 4
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) recognise competence in job-related skills and are based on National Occupational Standards.
This SVQ covers areas such as preparing for hair services and maintaining work areas, blow-drying hair, shampooing and conditioning hair, and contributing to the development of effective working relationships.
This qualification has been designed in partnership, and is jointly awarded, with the Skillsactive/HABIA sector skills council (SSC) to ensure relevance to the sector.
This qualification is available through colleges, employers and training providers.
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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 SVQ in Hairdressing at SCQF level 5 or SVQ in Barbering at SCQF level 5.
The SVQ can be offered in any of the following modes:
- full-time
- part-time (for example, day-release)
- open and distance learning
Who does this qualification suit
This SVQ is suitable for:
- learners who may have just left school
- individuals who are currently in employment 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.
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 or knowledge are required to undertake this qualification.
Progression
The SCQF level 4 award could provide progression to:
- an SVQ in Hairdressing at SCQF level 5
- an SVQ in Barbering at SCQF level 5
- employment in the hairdressing sector, perhaps as a hairdressing assistant or junior stylist
Approval
Centres interested in offering this qualification must come forward for approval and should contact Qualifications Scotland’s Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet Qualifications Scotland’s general requirements for technical and/or 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
Group award code: GJHT 21
The SVQ in Hairdressing and Barbering at SCQF level 4 consists of 5 mandatory units and 2 optional units.
For details of the units making up the SVQ, please refer to the qualification structure (64 KB).
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 Qualifications Scotland 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 Qualifications Scotland awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.
- Core Skills signposting (79 KB)
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
- Assessment strategy (88 KB)
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
Qualification Verification Summary Reports
Lapsing
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
SVQ in Hairdressing and Barbering at SCQF level 4 (GK73 21)
This group award has been replaced.
It entered its lapsing period on: 30 June 2026
It finishes on: 30 June 2028
The SVQ Hairdressing at SCQF level 4 consists of four mandatory Units and two optional Units.
For details of the Units within this SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure.
- Hairdressing and Barbering (GK73 21) Qualification Structure (19 KB) (64 KB)
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 Qualifications Scotland 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 Qualifications Scotland awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
Assessor's guidelines
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
- Information for candidates starting an SVQ (382 KB)
- Candidate Portfolio A4 Cover (118 KB)
- Candidate printable blank recording forms (245 KB)
- Candidate blank recording forms (Template for Word) (134 KB)
Candidate Portfolios are for teachers/lecturers' use only, and are available on SQA's secure website.
- Z0248 - Hairdressing and Barbering Level 1