SVQ Titling Convention

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) Tilting Change - Reminder from SQA Accreditation

From 1 September 2016 SVQ titles will begin to change. The SVQ level is to be dropped from qualification titles and only the SCQF level will be specified.

For example, where the current titling convention is: 

SVQ 2 Floristry at SCQF Level 5

The new titling convention will be:

SVQ Floristry at SCQF Level 5

It is also acceptable to title as:

SVQ in Floristry at SCQF Level 5

Awarding bodies will begin to transition their accredited SVQs to the new titles from 1 September 2016. Please note not all qualification titles will change on this date. 

With many SVQ titles changing at the point of re-accreditation we expect it to take a number of years before all SVQs reflect the new titling convention.   

This change is intended to remove potential confusion with multiple levels being used in qualification titles and to promote knowledge and understanding of the SCQF. Did you know 2016 was the 15 year anniversary of the SCQF? 

Initially we believe there could be some confusion for candidates and employers. We therefore ask that all stakeholders make every effort to clarify the simplicity of this titling change and offer reassurance that the removal of the SVQ level makes no difference to the structure, value and vocational competence of each certificated SVQ. 

SVQ Titles Are Changing

During 2015 SQA Accreditation developed a plan to only use the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level in Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) titles.

This is in line with the long-term strategy as there are a small (and reducing) number of SVQs still to be credit rated.

The following stakeholders were consulted:

• Standard Setting Organisations / Sector Skills Councils (SSOs/SSCs)
• Awarding Bodies
• Colleges
• training providers
• employers
• Scottish Government
• Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
• Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Partnership

Only the SCQF level will be used

Following consultation the SQA Accreditation Committee approved the following titling change:

From 1 September 2016 the SVQ level is to be dropped from qualification titles and only the SCQF level will be specified.

For example:

All awarding bodies and standard setting organisations are working to meet the implementation date for this change.

SSOs and SSCs are required to implement this change from 1 September 2016 for any qualification product development work which takes place in 2016/2017 and beyond.  

This change is to remove potential confusion with multiple levels being used in qualification titles, and to promote knowledge and understanding of the SCQF framework.