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Qualifications guide

There are so many qualifications today, it can be hard for employers to keep up.

If you are sometimes confused about the range of qualifications, the new Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) can help. It's a new way of looking at, comparing and understanding qualifications in Scotland.

All Scottish qualifications are being brought into a single framework. Each qualification has been allocated a level so you can see at glance how different qualifications compare.

Qualification Comparison Table 

Standard Grade	National Qualifications	Further and Higher Education	SVQs
		Doctorate
		Masters/Postgraduate diploma and certificate	SVQ5
		Honours degree
		Ordinary degree
		HND	SVQ4
	Advanced Higher	HNC
	Higher		SVQ3
Credit	Intermediate 2		SVQ2
General	Intermediate 1		SVQ1
Foundation	Access 3		SVQ1
	Access 2
	Access 1

As you can see from the table above, different qualifications can appear at the same level in the framework, e.g. Highers and SVQ3s are both on Level 6. This means that the level of learning gained through these qualifications is comparable although not exactly the same in content, purpose or method of assessment.

For more information, visit the website of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)

Further information is also available from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) - the national body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment and certification of qualifications other than degrees.