SQA Advanced Certificate Hospitality Operations
SQA Advanced Certificates provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Hospitality Operations develops knowledge and skills in core areas of hospitality operations such as food and beverage service, food hygiene, supervision, and financial control systems. It also provides the opportunity to complete more specialist units in, for example, accommodation operations, front office management, specialist food and beverage services, and events and conferences.
This qualification is available through a growing number of colleges, training providers and universities around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Certificate takes one year to complete.
Alternative assessment guidance 2023-24
This subject will not have alternative assessment guidance for session 2023-24. You should refer to the Group Award/Unit specifications for detailed delivery and assessment information. For general support on delivery and assessment see the HNVQ assessment guidance 2023-24.
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Why deliver this qualification
SQA Advanced Certificates have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry — so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.
The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.
There is a wide choice of optional units which will enable centres to offer courses tailored to meet local needs.
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Hospitality Operations provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).
Who does this qualification suit
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Hospitality Operations is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:
- school leavers
- adult returners to education
- individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- people who wish to start their own business
Entry requirements
As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the college or learning provider. As a guide, the college or learning provider will look for:
- school-leaving qualifications equivalent to SCQF level 6/RQF level 3 meaning the student has the ability to study at the higher level
- a centre-devised test which shows the student's ability to study at SQA Advanced Certificate level
- relevant work experience
Progression
The SQA Advanced Certificate in Hospitality Operations at SCQF level 7 can progress to the SQA Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management at SCQF level 8.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management can provide advanced entry to degree-level study.
Offer this qualification
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority require to 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.
How to assess
Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.
Ongoing course assessment will apply.
Assessment support packs are available for this qualification.
Qualification structure
SQA Advanced Certificate in Hospitality Operations at SCQF level 7
Group award code: GR3J 47 (96 SCQF credit points)
SQA Advanced Certificate Hospitality Operations at SCQF level 7 consists of six mandatory units (64 SCQF credit points) and two to four optional units (32 SCQF credit points).
For further information on the structures and units of this qualifications please refer to the group award specification document
Group award specification
Group award specification (700 KB)