SVQ Retail (Sales Professional) at SCQF level 6

The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Retail (Sales Professional) at SCQF level 6 allows learners to demonstrate competence in job-related skills in their particular area of work and expertise.
This qualification covers areas such as customer service, stock management, management, and leadership. The wide range of optional units reflects the diversity of the sector and the multi-channel nature of the modern retail business.
It is suitable for a wide range of large and small retail organisations; for example:
- department stores
- specialist retailers; eg electrical, IT, mobile phones, fashion, beauty products
- DIY stores
- food retailers; eg greengrocers, fishmongers, bakers, butchers
- cash and carry outlets
- supermarkets
- retail outlets in the voluntary sector
- retail outlets in the tourism sector; eg visitor attractions, museums
SVQs are based on National Occupational Standards (NOS). SQA works in partnership with other organisations to ensure that NOS are relevant to the current and future needs of Scottish industries.
This qualification is available through employers and training providers.
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Why deliver this qualification
Upon successful completion, learners will gain an international recognised qualification which guarantees that they have the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to carry out their role successfully and proficiently.
Assessment is carried out in the workplace, thereby minimising any time learners would need to be away from their work.
The SVQ can be offered in any of the following modes:
- full-time
- part-time (eg day-release)
Who does this qualification suit
This SVQ is suitable for:
- learners who wish to pursue a career in retail
- individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification or to support continuing professional development
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.
No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although experience or relevant qualifications in retail, eg SVQ Retail Skills at SCQF level 5, would be an advantage.
Progression
The level 6 award could provide progression to:
- further professional and academic development; for example, a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Retail Management
- employment in the retail sector, in a team leader/supervisor, customer-facing role
Approval
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority are required 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. The specific delivery requirements are set out in the Assessment Strategy.
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 and Assessors Guidelines for SVQs in Retail at SCQF levels 4, 5 & 6.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification content and delivery tools
Current
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
The SVQ Retail (Sales Professional) at SCQF level 6 consists of three mandatory units and seven optional units.
For details of the units making up the SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure. (180 KB)
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.
Core skills signposting (86 KB)
Modern Apprenticeships
This SVQ is a mandatory component in the Level 6 Retail Modern Apprenticeship.
SQA also offers the following components of this Apprenticeship:
GP1A 23 SVQ in Retail (Management) at SCQF level 6
GP1F 23 SVQ in Retail (Visual Merchandising) at SCQF level 6
Unit Title | SCQF 5 |
---|---|
Core Skills: Communication | F427 04 |
Core Skills: Numeracy | F42B 04 |
Core Skills: Information and Communication Technology | F42F 04 |
Core Skills: Problem Solving | F42K 04 |
Core Skills: Working with Others | F42P 04 |
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
Assessment strategy (147 KB)
Assessor's guidelines
- Guidance on Assessment of SVQs (523 KB)
- SVQ Assessor blank recording forms (515 KB)
SVQ Retail Combined Units
- SVQ Retail Combined Units (14.64 MB)
Evidence requirements
Assessor's Guidelines
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
- Guidance for candidates starting an SVQ (626 KB)
- Candidate Portfolio A4 Cover (118 KB)
- Candidate blank recording forms (616 KB)
Qualification Verification Summary Reports
Qualification Verification Summary Reports were formerly known as Internal Assessment Reports.
Lapsing - 30/9/2018
Information about the qualification(s)
Qualification Structure
SVQ 3 Retail (Sales Professional) SCQF level 6 (GD8T 23)
This qualification will enter its lapsing period on 30/9/2018 and will finish on 30/09/2022.
Qualification Structures (93 KB)
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 30/09/2022 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 30/09/2022.
National Occupational Standards
- Changes Log (127 KB)
- Retail SVQ Units (0.96 MB)
Unit information for this qualification is available on our 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.
Core Skills Signposting (280 KB)
Leaflets
- SVQ Retail leaflet (413 KB)
Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material
Assessment strategy
Assessment Strategy (66 KB)
Assessor's guidelines
Candidate Guidance and Portfolio
- Guidance for candidates starting an SVQ (626 KB)
- Candidate Portfolio A4 Cover (118 KB)
- Candidate blank recording forms (616 KB)
Candidate Disclaimer for SVQ Portfolio
There is no SVQ Portfolio currently available.
Qualification Verification Summary Reports
Qualification Verification Summary Reports were formerly known as Internal Assessment Reports.
Qualification Verification Summary Reports were formerly known as Internal Assessment Reports.
Monitoring Standards Reports
2006 reports
- Retail Operations report 2006 (432 KB)
Update Letters
- November 2011 (2)
- November 2011 (190 KB)
- September 2011 (37 KB)
Modern Apprenticeships
These Awards are also part of the Modern Apprenticeship in Retail L2 and L3
Contact Information
- Candidate Enquiries
- 0345 279 1000
- Centre Enquiries
- 0303 333 0330
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