PDA Installing and Maintaining Electronic Fire and Security Systems SCQF level 6

The PDA in Installing and Maintaining Electronic Fire and Security Systems at SCQF level 6 has been developed in partnership with employers and the industry representative body 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.

The unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units are typically 40 hours of learning.

This PDA provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The PDA is aimed at:

• those in employment within the security industry who are attending a centre on a part-time basis to undertake the PDA and SVQ in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems at SCQF level 6 and Modern Apprenticeship level 3
• those within the security industry who may wish to upskill and acquire a formal qualification in installing electronic fire and security systems

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. It is recommended, however, that prospective learners have:

1. qualifications which demonstrate competence in Numeracy at SCQF level 5, for example:
   • Numeracy (Core Skill unit)
   • C847 75 National 5 Mathematics
   • C884 75 National 5 Applications of Mathematics
2. qualifications which demonstrate competence in Communication at SCQF level 5, for example:
   • F3GB 11 Communication (Core Skill unit)
   • C824 75 National 5 English
3. a science or technical qualification at SCQF level 5, for example:
   • C857 75 National 5 Physics
   • C816 75 National 5 Computing Science
   • C835 75 National 5 Graphic Communication

In addition to evidence of attained qualifications, centres may wish to consider using a pre-entry test and interview to ensure that each prospective learner has sufficient academic ability and the appropriate personal qualities to achieve the award.

The units in the PDA have been mapped against the National Occupational Standards for Electronic Security Systems.

Learners would have the opportunity of progressing to the SVQ in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems at level 3.

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

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

To gain approval to deliver this PDA, centres must provide evidence that they can deliver the award and its component units successfully.

Lecturers/tutors/trainers, assessors and internal verifiers must demonstrate occupational competence in line with the requirements of the qualification and hold suitable teaching, assessing or internal verification qualifications.

Further detail can be found in the Group Award Specification.

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.

Each unit is assessed separately.