NPA Hospitality SCQF level 5

This National Progression Award (NPA):

  • introduces learners to the hospitality industry and explores the scope of the industry, the career paths and job roles within it, and the employability skills that underpin them
  • involves a period of work experience
  • offers optional units to enable centres to meet local needs, for example in food and beverage service, reception and accommodation servicing
  • provides a foundation for those interested in progressing to college programmes such as the National Certificate (NC) in Hospitality Operations at SCQF level 5, or in seeking an entry-level position in the hospitality industry

This qualification is typically offered in colleges or via school/college partnerships.

NPAs can be taught as a full-time or part-time course.

Centre and Student Surveys

We are inviting centre staff and students to take part in short surveys to share feedback on the NC/NPA Hospitality qualifications:

Centre Survey: Hospitality Qualifications

Student Survey: NC / NPA Hospitality

The surveys will be available until 28 March 2024.  The information you provide will help us review and evaluate these qualifications, allowing us to ensure they remain relevant to future needs.

Alternative assessment guidance

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.

Qualification structure

Group award code: GP6Y 45 (24 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 5

This National Progression Award consists of one mandatory unit (12 SCQF credit points) and one or two optional units (12 SCQF credit points).

The mandatory unit is entitled: Working in the Hospitality Industry.

See the group award specification (760 KB)for the full list of optional units.

Unit search

How to assess

Assessment will be a combination of practical and knowledge assessments. See the assessment and evidence requirements for each unit.

Assessment and/or e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.

Qualification Verification Summary Report

Deliver this qualification

Resources

Industry relevant facilities appropriate to the content of the optional units delivered. This may include:

  • commercial grade restaurant facilities with appropriate equipment
  • access to 'real' customers for service and development of customer care and communication skills
  • appropriate classroom and ICT facilities to enable appropriate approaches to development of skills and knowledge (including research, and digital skills). This may include specialist software to support  accommodation and front of house specialisms if these units are delivered

Please see our information sheet (164 KB) for detailed resource requirements for the Barista Skills unit.

Why study this qualification

The NPA in Hospitality is designed for a wide range of learners, including:

  • learners who are at school or who have just left school
  • adults returning to education
  • individuals who are currently in employment and wish to obtain a formal qualification
  • employees who want to develop their careers

The NPA is a small stepping stone qualification that will help you decide if a career in the hospitality industry is for you. It can be used to help you progress to a course in hospitality at college or seek employment in entry-level positions in the sector.

You will develop the knowledge and understanding of the size and scope of the hospitality industry as well as the practical skills required for front and/or back of house activities.

You will also develop important Core Skills in Communication, Numeracy, Problem Solving, ICT and Working with Others, as well as employability skills for working in the hospitality industry in a customer facing role.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the school, college or training provider. However, if you are thinking of entering the level 5 award it is recommended that you should first have completed training at level 4.

Employment and progression

You could use this level 5 award to progress to:  

  • further study at SCQF level 5/6
  • employment in the hospitality sector, perhaps in a food and beverage operations role

Qualification structure

Group award code: GP6Y 45 (24 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 5

This National Progression Award consists of one mandatory unit (12 SCQF credit points) and one or two optional units (12 SCQF credit points).

The mandatory unit is entitled: Working in the Hospitality Industry.

See the group award specification (760 KB)for the full list of optional units.

Unit search

Resources

Your school or college will advise you of any resource requirements.