BASI and the SCQF
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is a national framework for qualifications which is internationally recognised and aligned to the European Qualification Framework (EQF). As a result of the work that BASI has undertaken with the University of Edinburgh, 24 BASI courses across all levels and disciplines are now registered on the SCQF database.
The SCQF and EQF
Qualifications are aligned to the Scottish Credit Qualification Framework (SCQF) which aligns to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
The EQF enables the learners, learning providers and employers to compare qualifications between different EU national systems. This is thought to help increase mobility in the EU labour market within and between the EU countries because it makes it easy to determine a person’s level of qualification which in turn will improve the balance between demand and supply of knowledge and skills.
Which BASI course qualifications are on the SCQF?
All of the courses in the table below deliver qualifications on the SCQF database. The table below provides an overview of the SCQF level, number of credit points and the equivalent EQF level. On the successful completion of a course qualification, BASI, as the awarding body will issue a certificate which indicates the learning outcomes achieved. The certificate carries the logo of The University of Edinburgh to indicate that the courses have been credit rated by them and the SCQF logo to indicate that it is on their database.
|
Course/Modules
|
SCQF Level
|
SCQF Credits Points allocated
|
EQF Level
|
|
Adaptive Level 1
|
6
|
8
|
4
|
|
Adaptive Level 2
|
7
|
12
|
5
|
|
Adaptive Level 3
|
9
|
8
|
6
|
|
Alpine Level 1
|
6
|
8
|
4
|
|
Alpine Level 2
|
7
|
12
|
5
|
|
Alpine Level 3 Teaching
|
9
|
24
|
6
|
|
Alpine Level 3 Technical
|
9
|
4
|
6
|
|
Level 3 Mountain Safety
|
9
|
5
|
6
|
|
Alpine Level 4 Teaching
|
10
|
24
|
6
|
|
Alpine Level 4 Technical
|
10
|
4
|
6
|
|
Level 4 EMS
|
10
|
10
|
6
|
|
Nordic Level 1
|
6
|
8
|
4
|
|
Nordic Level 2
|
7
|
12
|
5
|
|
Nordic Level 3 Teach
|
9
|
24
|
6
|
|
Nordic Level 3 Technical
|
9
|
4
|
6
|
|
Snowboard Level 1
|
6
|
8
|
4
|
|
Snowboard Level 2
|
7
|
12
|
5
|
|
Snowboard Level 3 Teach
|
9
|
24
|
6
|
|
Snowboard Level 3 Technical
|
9
|
4
|
6
|
|
Telemark Level 1
|
6
|
8
|
4
|
|
Telemark Level 2
|
7
|
12
|
5
|
|
Telemark Level 3 Teach
|
9
|
24
|
6
|
|
Telemark Level 3 Technical
|
9
|
4
|
6
|
|
BASI 5 Day Coaching
|
9
|
4
|
6
|
The aim of the alignment process has been to map the learning outcomes for each of the courses to a nationally recognised framework and to enhance the quality assurance processes already in place for BASI courses, training and assessment.
The inclusion of BASI courses on the SCQF database gives Members, potential employers and institutions an idea of the level of learning required to successfully achieve a course and the number of learning hours they are likely to have invested. It also allows members to compare the level of learning they have achieved against other aligned qualifications (such as university degrees, etc.).
The Benefits of the SCQF Framework
- Helps learners decide how to progress their learning;
- Helps individuals understand qualifications they are not familiar with;
- Helps employers understand different types of qualifications and also supports effective workforce development;
- Helps education and training providers of all kinds to identify the level that has been studied in a particular subject and make it easier to transfer credit points between different learning programmes; and
- Provides recognition of a very wide range of learning types
More Information regarding the aims and benefits of the SCQF can be found here.
How the SCQF works
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework has 12 levels. The different levels indicate the level of difficulty of a particular qualification.
In addition to a level, qualifications are also allocated credit points. Credit points are a way of showing how much time it takes, on average, to complete a qualification or learning programme. Credit points are specific to the SCQF levels; you can’t add points together from courses at different SCQF levels.
Credit Transfer
In some instances, it may be possible to transfer SCQF credit points to other learning programmes to ensure that a learner does not have to repeat any learning they have already undertaken.
Universities and colleges, SQA and other awarding bodies decide how many of the credit points already received from previous learning can be transferred into their programmes. In all cases of credit transfer it would be the decision of the accepting learning institution as to how many credit points could be transferred.
More information on Credit Transfers can be found here
More information about the EQF can be found here
Can my aligned BASI Qualification be used to access higher education?
This would be at the discretion of the institute where you intend to study. We recommend that you include your qualification and mention the SCQF level and credit points achieved in your application. BASI Qualifications cannot replace a degree, however if you plan to study a course with similar content to that of a BASI course you have passed, you may be able to transfer credits.
Can my aligned BASI Qualification be used to access job opportunities
Yes. Some employers now refer to qualifications at particular SCQF levels in their job adverts allowing them to recognise a variety of relevant qualifications and skills which would have otherwise been difficult to detail in a way that is meaningful and easy to understand.
During a recent discussion with a group on a course, we were asked what this meant they could write on their CV and or in a cover letter? Here is an example which will vary depending on the qualifications held (check your certificate for specifics).
CV Example: BASI Alpine Level 2 Instructor: SCQF Level 7, 12 Credits.
Cover Letter Example: I hold a BASI Alpine Level 2 ski instructor license which is credit rated by The University of Edinburgh on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework at level 7 for 12 Credits. This is the equivalent of 120 hours of work at the same level as Advanced Highers in Scotland, A Levels in England or a Higher National Certificate (HNC).
I completed my qualification a long time ago, is it still aligned?
Alpine level 1 and 2 qualifications are aligned if completed after 1 November 2008.
Level 1 and 2 qualifications from other disciplines are aligned if completed after 1 May 2009.
Alpine level 3 modules are aligned if completed after 8th July 2011
Alpine level 4 modules are aligned if completed after 3rd November 2011