Learning and Development
Qualifications Assessed in the Workplace
Learning and Development qualifications that are assessed in the workplace include:
- Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) in Learning and Development
- Professional Development Awards (PDAs) for Assessors and Verifiers.
The qualifications mirror the latest National Occupational Standards (2.78 MB) developed by Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) and now overseen by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS).
SVQs in Learning and Development are suitable for people working within training or learning development roles, with individuals or groups of learners. They enable candidates to develop planning, design, delivery, assessment and evaluation skills in learning and development contexts.
Workplace PDAs for Assessors and Verifiers at SCQF levels 8 and 9 are suitable for anyone assessing or verifying in the workplace.
Important information: As of 1 September 2016, all SVQs with an established SCQF level no longer include the SVQ level in their titles. Please note that our web pages and documents will gradually be updated over time as the SVQs are reviewed, so may still contain the existing titles. More information on SCQF levels can be found on our SCQF web page.
SQA support materials are available from the SQA secure site via centre's SQA Co-ordinators. These include the Standards with assessment guidance and Evidence Requirements; CPD Toolkit and Templates; and a range of other support and guidance materials.
Assessment Strategy
- Assessment Strategy (196 KB)
Training Cycle
- Training Cycle (100 KB)
FAQs for Assessors and Verifiers
- A new version of FAQs for Assessors and Verifiers is available: FAQs for Assessors and Verifiers (253 KB)
Guidance on RPL for Qualified Assessors and Internal Verifiers
Guidance has been created to clarify the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) requirements for active workplace and non-workplace assessors and Internal Verifiers, who wish to gain the new workplace assessor and Internal Verifier Units, Units L&D 9D/9DI and L&D 11 respectively.
This guidance and associated documentation is available from the SQA secure site via centre's SQA Co-ordinators.
SQA guidance on Assessor/Verifier qualifications
Assessor and Verifier Competence (September 2013)
SQA recognises QCF qualifications for Assessors and Verifiers where they cover both knowledge and competence: Assessor and Verifier Competence [September 2013] (111 KB)
Suitability of workplace standards/qualifications for achieving assessor and verifier Units
A checklist has been developed to help centres determine the suitability of some workplace standards/qualifications for the purposes of achieving Units LD9D/ LD9DI / LD911:
Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Information about the qualification(s)
National Occupational Standards
Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.
Support Materials
Professional Discussion
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
- Guidance for candidates starting an SVQ (626 KB)
- Candidate Portfolio A4 Cover (118 KB)
- Candidate blank recording forms (616 KB)
Information for Centres
- SQA Approval Guidance for SCQF Workplace and non-workplace Assessor and Verifier qualifications and SVQs in Learning and Development (377 KB)
- Assessor and Verifier Units through assessing/verifying workplace standards/qualifications (151 KB) - not subject to awarding body quality assurance: a checklist for SQA approved centres
- Learning and Development NOS (123 KB) (including SQA Unit Codes)
Subject updates
External Verifiers CPD
Related Information
Train the Trainer
- Planning and Delivering Training Sessions to Groups (HE0T 33) provides more information
Contact Information
- Candidate and General Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330