NPA Beauty Massage SCQF level 5
NPA Beauty Massage has entered its lapsing period and will finish on 31/07/2026
This NPA is the only Beauty Massage National Progression Award at SCQF level 5 offered by an Awarding Organisation.
This NPA compromises of 2 mandatory units at SCQF level 5 and 2 optional units at SCQF level 6. This qualification provides candidates with an introduction to essential massage skills and techniques, focusing particularly on Thai foot massage and/or Wellness therapies: Facial massage for salon skills.
With no formal entry qualification requirements this NPA is suitable for a wide range of candidates from school leavers to adult learners. It also allows for straightforward progression to further study in SVQ Level 2 in Beauty at SCQF level 6 and 7.
Assessment is made up of both open book written assignments and practical performance supported by assessor.
Beauty, Make-up, Hairdressing and Barbering Qualifications
Approval of Qualifications: EU Regulations for learners under 16 years of age
Centres are responsible for ensuring they comply with the European Union (EU) Directive and are aware of the Pre-16 Restrictions (at time of registration) set out by the Sector Skills Body, HABIA, (European Directive Pre-16 Restrictions). These restrictions apply to this Group Award and its units, whether the units are delivered as part of a Group Award or on an individual standalone basis.
Qualification structure
Group Award code: GF7E 45 (Finish date 31/07/2026)
SCQF Level: 5
NPA Beauty Massage (GF7E45) Group Award Specification (516 KB)
| Title | Unit code | SQA credit value | SCQF level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory units | |||
| Massage Techniques | H1WV 11 | 1 | 5 |
| Salon Skills: The Essentials | H1WT 11 | 1 | 5 |
| Optional units (select one) | |||
| Thai Foot Massage | FR0J 12 | 1 | 5 |
| Wellness Therapies: Facial Massage | FR0L 12 | 2 | 5 |
It is expected that successful completion of the new NPA in Beauty Massage at SCQF Level 5 may lead to employment in a trainee position in the Beauty industry. This is obviously not an award which is expected to take the student directly into full time employment as a fully qualified beauty therapist.
How to assess
Open book written assignments and practical performance supported by assessor observation checklists. Assessment Support Packs are available. If a centre designs its own assessments, these should be of a comparable standard.
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Why study this qualification
This award is suitable for a wide range of candidates and is suitable for: Post 16 School leavers; Adult returners who wish to gain entry into the Beauty industry; individuals who wish to gain an introduction to Beauty Massage skills, and candidates who wish to progress onto further awards but do not meet the entry requirements.
Access
Access to this award is at the discretion of the centre.
Each unit of the award states that entry is at the discretion of the centre, however, it should be noted that some of these units can be delivered holistically e.g. Thai Foot Massage and Massage Techniques. This may assist centres in creating a logical timetable for delivering the Units which facilitate candidates to build the required knowledge and skills. The units are designed to encourage candidates to take responsibility for their own learning and work to specifications ¿ this could include practical tasks and design tasks.
Employment and progression
This qualification provides clear progression routes to other Beauty qualifications and provides relevant exit skills to enable a smooth transition to SVQ Level 2 Beauty and/or SCQF Level 5 or 6.
Qualification structure
Group Award code: GF7E 45 (Finish date 31/07/2026)
SCQF Level: 5
NPA Beauty Massage (GF7E45) Group Award Specification (516 KB)
| Title | Unit code | SQA credit value | SCQF level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory units | |||
| Massage Techniques | H1WV 11 | 1 | 5 |
| Salon Skills: The Essentials | H1WT 11 | 1 | 5 |
| Optional units (select one) | |||
| Thai Foot Massage | FR0J 12 | 1 | 5 |
| Wellness Therapies: Facial Massage | FR0L 12 | 2 | 5 |
It is expected that successful completion of the new NPA in Beauty Massage at SCQF Level 5 may lead to employment in a trainee position in the Beauty industry. This is obviously not an award which is expected to take the student directly into full time employment as a fully qualified beauty therapist.