SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Accounting

SQA Advanced Certificates and SQA Advanced Diplomas have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry - so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.

The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.

The SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma are based on standard accounting practice. They have up-to-date relevance and appeal for those seeking employment in the accounting sector.

The qualifications can be delivered flexibly to meet the needs of learners - eg through open or distance learning (as long as there is access to the appropriate software).

The SQA Advanced Certificate in Accounting and the SQA Advanced Diploma in Accounting are designed for people who wish to take up a career in accounting and/or financial administration, or who wish progress to further study. They are suitable for employees and for those who are not yet employed in the sector.

Access

Access will be at the discretion of the centre. Examples of appropriate formal entry qualifications are:

• any two relevant National Courses at Higher together with three supporting passes at National 5
• an SVQ 2 in Accounting or other relevant area
• different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, vocational qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may also be acceptable, as would suitable vendor qualifications at an appropriate level

Candidates should have some prior knowledge of numeracy and communication, although formal qualifications may not be necessary if suitable experience had been gained informally or through work experience.

Mature candidates with suitable work experience may be accepted for entry provided the enrolling centre believes that they are likely to benefit from undertaking the award.

The SQA Advanced Certificate in Accounting is aimed at those employed, or wishing to become employed, in roles such as accounts assistant, trainee accountant and financial administrator.

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Accounting can provide advanced entry to degree-level study. For further information please refer to the SQA university agreements.

With relevant options, the courses provide exemptions from examination papers for some professional accounting bodies, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

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

Centres without devolved authority require 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.