SVQ Pharmacy Services SCQF level 8

The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 8 allows candidates to demonstrate competence in job related skills in their particular area of work and expertise. 

This qualification covers areas such as clinical, operational and scientific practices and procedures.

This qualification has been designed in partnership with the Skills for Health Sector Skills Council to ensure its relevance to the sector.
 
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.

The SVQ in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 8 is a component of the Diploma in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 7. If learners successfully complete the Diploma in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 7, and meet the minimum relevant work experience criteria, they can apply to the General Pharmaceutical Council for registration as a pharmacy technician.

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

Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.

Why deliver this qualification

Upon successful completion, learners will gain an internationally recognised qualification which guarantees that they have the skills, knowledge and abilities required to carry out their role successfully. Employers will also benefit from their employees being proficient.

As assessment is carried out in the workplace, this minimises 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) 

The achievement of the PDA in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 7 can contribute towards the successful completion of this award.

Who does this qualification suit

The target audience is those in work, or seeking employment, who require a specific skill set.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

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

Progression

The level 8 award could provide progression to:

¿ employment in the pharmacy sector as a pharmacy technician 

¿ degree level study at a higher education institution

Approval

Please note that centres will not be approved to offer the SVQ in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 8 if they are not delivering the qualification as part of a training programme for pharmacy technicians. This may be in partnership with another provider. The training programme must include the SVQ in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 8 and the PDA in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 7. 

Centres interested in offering this qualification 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.

Where can you take this course?

Qualification content and delivery tools

Information about the qualification(s)

Qualification Structure

The SVQ in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 8 consists of 12 mandatory units. 

For details of the units making up the SVQ, please refer to the qualification structure.

Pharmacy Services L8 GR2C24 Qualification Structure (84 KB)

National Occupational Standards

Unit information for this qualification is available on our Accredited Qualification Unit Search.

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.

Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material

Assessment strategy

Assessor's guidelines

Candidate Guidance and Portfolio

Qualifications Support Team (QST) - Action Grids