The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) helps people of all ages and circumstances to access the education and training that is appropriate to them over their lifetime. It can help you plan your learning and develop progression routes to follow, whatever your situation may be.

The SCQF uses two measures, the Level of a qualification or learning programme and the number of Credit Points awarded. 

• The Level of a qualification indicates the level of difficulty
• The number of Credit Points indicates the length of time it takes to complete. One SCQF credit point represents an average of 10 hours of learning time. 

By using these two measures, the Framework can help you understand and compare the various Scottish qualifications or learning programmes.  Understanding the SCQF Levels and Credit Points can also help if you move on to further or higher education, when applying for jobs or progressing in your career. 

Gaining new knowledge and skills can give you better opportunities for developing a new career or getting promotion at work. Also when you get new academic and/or vocational qualifications, you earn SCQF credit points that may go towards further learning you may need to do.

If you are not sure what course or training is right for you then you can use the SCQF to help you understand which ones are best for you. You can get more information from your local Careers Scotland office or college. Most colleges and universities have already added information on the SCQF to their prospectus and website.

For more information on types of qualification along with the number of Credit Points, have a look at the interactive Framework.

If you are a learner over the age of 16 you will find the Realising your Potential leaflet for lifelong learners to be of interest.