PDA Book-keeping SCQF level 7

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards. The PDA in Book-keeping at SCQF 7 provides excellent continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for those currently employed in a book-keeping or financial administration role.

For those looking to enter employment, the qualification offers the opportunity to develop technical and administrative knowledge relevant to book-keeping and financial accounting practice.

This qualification covers areas such as recording financial information, recording financial transactions, using financial accounting software and payroll.

This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some employers. It has been designed to be delivered as a taught course and will normally be available as a combination of workshops and self-directed study.

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The PDA in Book-keeping at SCQF level 7 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry so it is suitable for the current sector.

It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

It can also be offered to people who are in training and who wish to gain employment in the sector.

The unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units are typically 40 hours of learning and they can be delivered on a full-time or part-time basis, and through open or distance learning.

The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set.

The PDA in Book-keeping at SCQF level 7 is suited to candidates who wish to study on a part-time basis while employed in the sector. It is also appropriate for adult returners to education, who do not wish to commit to a full-time SQA Advanced Qualification programme of study but want to gain skills in book-keeping. It is an ideal qualification for those who wish to acquire or develop skills and knowledge in book-keeping, financial accounting software and payroll procedures.

Entry requirements

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. In general, entry should be open to any candidate who can demonstrate, by formal qualifications or experience, a reasonable expectation of successfully completing the qualification.

It would be beneficial for candidates to be competent in communication, numeracy and IT skills to SCQF level 5.

Candidates who successfully complete the PDA in Book-keeping at SCQF level 7 may undertake further related PDAs or SQA Advanced units to build up their qualifications towards a full SQA Advanced Certificate in Accounting.

The PDA will also prepare candidates for employment within the accounting and business services sector. The types of positions which may be taken up by candidates include:

  • accounting assistants
  • financial administrators
  • payroll clerks

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will need to come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical / occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

Each unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.

Ongoing course assessment will apply.

Each unit is assessed separately.

Assessment will allow candidates to enhance their own practice. The use of reports and projects is crucial to this.

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

External verification will be carried out by SQA to ensure that internal assessment is within the national guidelines for this qualification.

Group Award code: GT20 47 (24 SCQF credit points)

PDA in Book-keeping at SCQF level 7 consists of three mandatory units.

It is recommended that Recording Financial Information / Recording Financial Transactions be delivered before, or in tandem with, Using Financial Accounting Software.

For further information on the structure and units of this qualification, please refer to the group award specification.