SVQ Retail (Visual Merchandising) SCQF level 6

The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Retail (Visual Merchandising) 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 Management, Leadership, Merchandising and Visual Merchandising. The qualification covers the specialist role of the visual merchandiser who is responsible for ensuring effective in store displays that make an impact and maximise sales revenue.

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 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.  Employers will also benefit from their employees being proficient.

As assessment is carried out in the workplace this minimises 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 retailing
  • individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification or 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 qualifications such as the 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 HND in Retail management
  • employment in the Retail sector in a specialist visual merchandising 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

Information about the qualification(s)

Qualification Structure

The SVQ Retail (Visual Merchandising) at SCQF level 6 consists of 3 mandatory units and 7 optional units.

For details of the units making up the SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure (120 KB)

National Occupational Standards

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 (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:

GP1C 23 SVQ in Retail (Sales Professional) at SCQF level 6

GP1A 23 SVQ in Retail (Management) 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

SVQ Retail Combined Units

Evidence requirements

Assessor's Guidelines

Candidate Guidance and Portfolio

Qualification Verification Summary Reports