SVQ Retail (Sales Professional) SCQF level 6

The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Retail (Sales Professional) at SCQF level 6 allows learners to demonstrate competence in job-related skills in their particular area of work and expertise.

This qualification covers areas such as customer service, stock management, management, and leadership. The wide range of optional units reflects the diversity of the sector and the multi-channel nature of the modern retail business.

It is suitable for a wide range of large and small retail organisations; for example:

SVQs are based on National Occupational Standards (NOS). SQA works in partnership with other organisations to ensure that NOS are relevant to the current and future needs of Scottish industries.

This qualification is available through employers and training providers.

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Why deliver this qualification

Upon successful completion, learners will gain an international recognised qualification which guarantees that they have the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to carry out their role successfully and proficiently.

Assessment is carried out in the workplace, thereby minimising any time learners would need to be away from their work.

The SVQ can be offered in any of the following modes:

  • full-time
  • part-time (eg day-release)

Who does this qualification suit

This SVQ is suitable for:

  • learners who wish to pursue a career in retail
  • individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification or to support continuing professional development

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Candidates should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities, which allow then to gather the required evidence.

No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although experience or relevant qualifications in retail, eg SVQ Retail Skills at SCQF level 5, would be an advantage.

Progression

The level 6 award could provide progression to:

  • further professional and academic development; for example, a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Retail Management
  • employment in the retail sector, in a team leader/supervisor, customer-facing role

Approval

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

Centres without devolved authority are required 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. The specific delivery requirements are set out in the Assessment Strategy.

 

How to assess

For general information on how to assess this qualification, please refer to the document Information for Assessment of Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). For detailed guidance on how to assess this particular SVQ, please refer to the Assessment Strategy and Assessors Guidelines for SVQs in Retail at SCQF levels 4, 5 & 6.

Where can you take this course?

Qualification content and delivery tools

Information about the qualification(s)

Qualification Structure

The SVQ Retail (Sales Professional) at SCQF level 6 consists of three mandatory units and seven optional units.

For details of the units making up the SVQ, please refer to the Qualification Structure. (180 KB)

Core Skills signposting

Core Skill mappings are carried out by the SSC responsible for the development of an SVQ. It is a requirement of SQA Accreditation that every SVQ submission includes information on where possible opportunities for candidates to develop Core Skills exist across the mandatory units.

Centres should note that mappings are not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so are not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.

Core skills signposting (86 KB)

Modern Apprenticeships

This SVQ is a mandatory component in the Level 6 Retail Modern Apprenticeship.

SQA also offers the following components of this Apprenticeship:

GP1A 23 SVQ in Retail (Management) at SCQF level 6

GP1F 23 SVQ in Retail (Visual Merchandising) at SCQF level 6

Unit Title SCQF 5
Core Skills: Communication F427 04
Core Skills: Numeracy F42B 04
Core Skills: Information and Communication Technology F42F 04
Core Skills: Problem Solving F42K 04
Core Skills: Working with Others F42P 04

Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material

Assessment strategy

Assessment strategy (147 KB)

Assessor's guidelines

SVQ Retail Combined Units

Evidence requirements

Assessor's Guidelines

Candidate Guidance and Portfolio

Qualification Verification Summary Reports