How it works

The Framework shows you at a glance:

• how different types of learning compare with each other [see diagram]
  
  The framework has 12 levels. At any level some qualifications cover a wide range of skills and knowledge. Others can focus on a specialised area. But they can be just as hard to achieve and demand the same level of skill or understanding. So various kinds of qualification covering all types of learning and assessment styles can be positioned at any one level in the Framework.
  
  Some qualifications take longer than others to do and you may need to acquire more knowledge or skill/competence. So the amount of work you need to do to gain each qualification is awarded SCQF credit points. The number of points gives you an idea of how much learning has to take place.
  
  
• how credit points gained from one qualification can be used towards gaining another
  
  When you've gained one qualification, it's possible that you won't need to spend time repeating that learning when you're studying for another related qualification. As you progress you may be able to move from one area of learning to another, such as progressing from an SVQ in Food Preparation and Cooking to a Scottish Group Award in Hospitality: Professional Cookery or, from an HND in Engineering to the third year of a Degree in Engineering. Our case studies show you more examples. It will however be up to the SQA or individual universities and colleges to decide on how many credit points will be given.

Gaining new skills and knowledge all through your life improves your chances of:

• getting a job
• getting promotion in your job
• moving from one job to another

Read or download our online publications, including the latest Updates, as well as the Credit Rating Guidelines used by credit rating bodies when they credit rate programmes of learning. You can also view the latest version of our working document setting out the guidelines used by credit rating bodies when they credit rate programmes of learning.

Learning is for life. And the Framework gives you credit for lifelong learning.