The SCQF Interactive Framework

This Framework diagram has been produced to show the mainstream Scottish qualifications already credit rated by SQA and HEIs. However, there are a diverse number of learning programmes on the Framework, which, due to the limitations of this format, cannot be represented here. See our database of learning programmes on the SCQF.

How to use the Interactive Framework

On a mobile device swipe left to access all qualifications on the framework and tap to select.

To access information on the skills and experience expected at a certain level, go to the first column and tap the SCQF level required (Levels 2-12).

Or, to see a description of the qualification then tap the name of the qualification.

Access more information on understanding your SCQF level for individuals

Access more on understanding SCQF levels for employers

SCQF Levels	SQA Qualifications			Qualifications of Higher Education Institutions	Apprenticeships & SVQs
12			Professional Development Award	Doctoral Degree	Professional Apprenticeship
11			Professional Development Award	Masters Degree, Integrated Masters Degree, Post Graduate Diploma, Post Graduate Certificate	Graduate Apprenticeship, Professional Apprenticeship, SVQ
10			Professional Development Award	Honours Degree, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate	Graduate Apprenticeship, Professional Apprenticeship, SVQ
9			Professional Development Awards	Bachelors / Ordinary Degree, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate	Graduate Apprenticeship, Technical Apprenticeship, SVQ
8		Higher National Diploma, Advanced Diploma	Professional Development Award	Diploma of Higher Education	Higher Apprenticeship, Technical Apprenticeship, SVQ
7	Advanced Higher, Awards, Scottish Baccalaureate	Higher National Certificate, Advanced Certificate	Professional Development Award	Certificate of Higher Education	Modern Apprenticeship, SVQ
6	Higher, Awards, Skills for Work Higher	National Certificate	Professional Development Award National Progression Award		Modern Apprenticeship, Foundation Apprenticeship, SVQ
5	National 5, Awards, Skills for Work National 5	National Certificate	National Progression Award		Modern Apprenticeship, SVQ
4	National 4, Awards, Skills for Work National 4	National Certificate	National Progression Award		SVQ
3	National 3, Awards, Skills for Work National 3	National Certificate	National Progression Award
2	National 2, Awards	National Certificate	National Progression Award
1	National 1, Awards

SCQF Framework

Download a PDF, print-ready version of the framework.

Download - File size: 95KB

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is Scotland’s national qualifications framework. The SCQF supports lifelong learning and can help:

people of all ages and circumstances to access appropriate education and training over their lifetime, so as to fulfil their personal, social and economic potential
employers, learners and the general public to understand the full range of Scottish qualifications, how qualifications relate to each other and to other forms of learning, and how different types of qualification can contribute to improving the skills of the workforce.

The SCQF helps describe both programmes of learning and qualifications, support the development of progression routes and maximise the opportunities to transfer credit points between qualifications.

The SCQF also helps to illustrate the relationships between Scottish qualifications and those in the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond, which can clarify opportunities for international progression routes and credit transfer.

For more information on the SCQF, send us a message or call the team on 0141 225 2922.

Sign up for our newsletter

Receive our latest news, workshop alerts and updates to our helpful resources via email.

Subscribe today