SCQF Background

Since 2001, mainstream Scottish qualifications have been brought into a unifying framework known as the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).  In November 2006 the SCQF Partnership was established as a company limited by guarantee to manage the Framework. The company became a charity registered in Scotland in March 2007. Its members are:

• the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education;
• Colleges Scotland
• the Scottish Qualifications Authority
• Universities Scotland.

It can also co-opt up to two Directors. Currently there is one co-opted Director representing the interests of employers. In addition, Scottish Government has observer status on the Board.

Aims and objectives

SCQF promotes lifelong learning, supporting everyone in Scotland including learning providers and employers to:

• access appropriate education and training to meet their full potential
• understand the full range of Scottish qualifications, how they relate to each other and to other forms of learning
• identify how different types of qualifications can contribute to improving the skills and workforce

The SCQF Partnership's aims are to:

• maintain the quality and integrity of the Framework
• promote and develop the Framework as a way of supporting lifelong learning; and
• develop and maintain relationships with frameworks in the rest of the UK, Europe and the rest of the world

The Framework provides the language for describing learning opportunities and therefore makes relationships between qualifications clearer. It clarifies entry and exit points, routes for progression within and across education and training sectors, also increasing the opportunities for credit transfer. This helps learners plan their progress and minimise duplication of learning.

For more information visit: www.scqf.org.uk