Emergency Fire Service: Operations in the Community at Level 3

The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ 3) in Emergency Fire Services: Operations in the Community at SCQF level 7 allows candidates to demonstrate competence in job-related skills in their particular area of work and expertise.
The qualification covers areas such as: taking responsibility for effective performance in fire and rescue; searching for, rescuing and supporting endangered life; resolving fire and rescue operational incidents; protecting life and the environment from the effects of hazardous materials; and maintaining readiness for fire and rescue operational response.
This qualification has been designed in partnership with the Skills for Justice Sector Skills Council to ensure relevance to the sector.
SVQs are based on National Occupational Standards. SQA works in partnership with other organisations to ensure that National Occupational Standards (NOS) are relevant to the current and future needs of Scottish industries.
This qualification is available through The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
This SVQ could be delivered by colleges and training providers which meet the approval criteria.
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Why deliver this qualification
Learners will gain a recognised qualification which 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.
The SVQ is offered in the workplace. As assessment is carried out in the workplace this minimises any time learners would need to be away from their work.
Who does this qualification suit
Who does this qualification suit?
This SVQ is suitable for:
- individuals who are currently in employment in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service where there is a mandatory requirement to obtain the qualification as part of the training programme in order to be deemed a competent fire fighter
- individuals who are employed as members of a fire crew based at UK airports who may require/wish to obtain a formal qualification
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 then to gather the required evidence.
Approval
Centres will have to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance
How to assess
For general information on how to assess this qualification, please refer to the document Guidance on how to assess 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 3 Emergency Fire Service: Operations in the Community at SCQF level 7 consists of five mandatory Units and two optional Units.
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 Accredited Qualification Unit Search.
Core Skills signposting
Core Skill mappings are 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 mappings are not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so are not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
- Assessment strategy (204 KB)
Assessor's guidelines
- Guidance on Assessment of SVQs (523 KB)
- SVQ Assessor blank recording forms (515 KB)
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
- Guidance for candidates starting an SVQ (626 KB)
- Candidate Portfolio A4 Cover (118 KB)
- Candidate blank recording forms (616 KB)
Lapsing
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
This qualification will enter its lapsing period on 31/10/15 and will finish on 31/10/2019
Centres should note:
- The qualification will be deleted from the relevant catalogue
- The qualification’s content and delivery tools will remain on SQA’s website until 31/10/19 at which point they will be removed and archived
- No new centres may be approved to offer the qualification
- No candidates can be entered for the qualification
- Centres should ensure candidates complete the qualification and results are submitted to SQA before 31/10/19
National Occupational Standards
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
- Assessment strategy (86 KB)
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
- Guidance for candidates starting an SVQ (626 KB)
- Candidate Portfolio A4 Cover (118 KB)
- Candidate blank recording forms (616 KB)
Useful links
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330
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