Scottish Qualifications Certificate


The Scottish Qualifications Certificate is the successor to the Scottish Certificate of Education and the Record of Education and Training, and is the main educational qualification awarded to students in secondary, further, and vocational education. The SQC is awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority. It forms part of the wider array of qualifications available in the Scottish education system, including Scottish Vocational Qualifications, Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas. Each level is fully integrated with the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework and the three upper levels are awarded UCAS Tariff Points.
The SQC recognises performance in National Qualifications, Higher National Qualifications, Scottish Vocational Qualifications and other awards. As it is not part of the National Qualifications Framework of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it is not available to state schools there, but students from other nations do study for the qualification.

National Qualifications Levels and grades

National Qualifications are available at several levels, with the possible grades and rough GCSE and A-level equivalent shown:
SCQF LevelSQC LevelGradesNew UCAS TariffOld UCAS TariffGCSE/A-level
7Advanced Higher----
7Advanced HigherA56130Equal to A-level at A*
7Advanced HigherB48110Equal to A-level at A
7Advanced HigherC4090Equal to A-level at B
7Advanced HigherD3272Equal to A-level at C
6Higher----
6HigherA3380Same as A-level at C
6HigherB2765Greater than A-level at D and AS at A
6HigherC2150Less than A-level at D and greater than A-level at E; same as AS-level at B
6HigherD1536Less than A-level at E and greater than AS at D
5Intermediate 2 / National 5----
5Intermediate 2 / National 5A042Greater than A-level at E and AS at C
5Intermediate 2 / National 5B035Greater than AS at D
5Intermediate 2 / National 5C028Greater than AS at E
5Intermediate 2 / National 5D---
4Intermediate 1 / National 4----
4Intermediate 1 / National 4A---
4Intermediate 1 / National 4B---
4Intermediate 1 / National 4C---
4Intermediate 1 / National 4D---
3Access 3 / National 3----
3Access 3 / National 3A---
3Access 3 / National 3B---
3Access 3 / National 3C---
3Access 3 / National 3D---