NPA Financial Services SCQF level 6

The NPA in Financial Services at SCQF level 6 introduces learners to the knowledge and skills that are important in the Financial Services sector and in various types of roles such as Customer Service Officer; Complaints Handler; Compliance Officer; Relationship Officer; and ICT Systems Support Officer.

It develops knowledge and understanding of Financial Services; practical, technical, and transferable skills; oral, written and evaluation abilities; resource management; problem solving and planning; organisational and communication skills. This NPA covers areas including an introduction to financial services, the regulatory framework, communication, promoting positive customer relationships and personal finance awareness.

This qualification is available through schools, colleges and training providers.

NPAs can be taught on a full or part-time basis.

Qualification structure

Group award code: GR3Y 46 (30 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 6

This National Progression Award consists of 5 mandatory units (30 SCQF credit points).

The mandatory units are as follows:

Code Unit title SQA credit SCQF credit points SCQF level
H97V 46 Financial Services: An Introduction 1 6 6
H97W 46 Financial Services: The Regulatory Framework 1 6 6
H97X 46 Financial Services: Communication 1 6 6
H97Y 46 Financial Services: Promoting Positive Customer Relationships 1 6 6
HF23 75 Financial Services: Personal Finance Awareness 1 6 6

See the group award specification (279 KB) for the full list of mandatory and optional units.

Unit search

Apprenticeship

This National Progression Award is a mandatory component in the SCQF level 6 Foundation Apprenticeship in Financial Services.

SQA also offers the following components of this apprenticeship:

Code Title
J1D8 04 Review and Develop Yourself to Improve and Maintain Workplace Competence in a Financial Services Environment
H5F1 04 Develop Productive Working Relationships in a Financial Services Environment
J1D9 04 Comply with Regulations in Your Financial Services Environment

How to assess

Assessment will be a combination of practical and knowledge assessments under closed- and open-book assessment conditions.  Refer to unit specifications for Assessment Criteria.

Deliver this qualification

Resources

Why study this qualification

The NPA in Financial Services is designed for a wide range of learners, including:

  • learners who are at school or who may have just left school
  • learners undertaking a Foundation Apprenticeship
  • adults returning to education
  • individuals who are currently in employment and wish to obtain a formal qualification
  • those who are looking to access HN programmes
  • learners who want to study at a pace and style that they determine
  • employees who want to develop their careers
  • individuals who are seeking national recognition of their achievements
  • employers who wish their employees to take part in short continuing professional development courses

You will be introduced to the Financial Services sector and develop knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework, communication, promoting positive customer relationships and personal finance awareness. 

You will develop important practical, technical, and transferable skills; oral, written and evaluation abilities; resource management; problem solving and planning; organisational and communication skills important to the Financial Services sector and to the various types of roles such as Customer Service Officer; Complaints Handler; Compliance Officer; Relationship Officer; and ICT Systems Support Officer.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the school, college or training provider. However, if you are thinking of entering the level 6 award it is recommended that you should first have completed training at level 5.

Employment and progression

The level 6 award could provide progression to:

  • SCQF/QCF level 7 to level 8
  • an HNC/HND in Financial Services or related area
  • an SVQ in the Financial Services sector
  • employment in the Financial Services sector, perhaps as a Customer Advisor

Qualification structure

Group award code: GR3Y 46 (30 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 6

This National Progression Award consists of 5 mandatory units (30 SCQF credit points).

The mandatory units are as follows:

Code Unit title SQA credit SCQF credit points SCQF level
H97V 46 Financial Services: An Introduction 1 6 6
H97W 46 Financial Services: The Regulatory Framework 1 6 6
H97X 46 Financial Services: Communication 1 6 6
H97Y 46 Financial Services: Promoting Positive Customer Relationships 1 6 6
HF23 75 Financial Services: Personal Finance Awareness 1 6 6

See the group award specification (279 KB) for the full list of mandatory and optional units.

Unit search