philosVQ | Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers to common questions about SVQ assessment, evidence, enrolment and completing your qualification with philosVQ.
1. What is an SVQ?
An SVQ is a workplace-based qualification that recognises your ability to carry out your role competently. You demonstrate your practice, knowledge and professional judgement through evidence gathered from your real work rather than through a final written examination.
2. What is the difference between “SVQ Health and Social Care” and SVQ Social Services and Healthcare?
“Health and Social Care” is a phrase people commonly use when searching for care qualifications, but in Scotland the formal qualification title is SVQ Social Services and Healthcare.
SVQ Level 2 Social Services and Healthcare is at SCQF Level 6, while SVQ Level 3 Social Services and Healthcare is at SCQF Level 7.
You may therefore see people search for terms such as “SVQ Level 2 Health and Social Care” or “SVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care”, but these usually refer to the corresponding Scottish Social Services and Healthcare qualifications.
The appropriate level depends on your current role, responsibilities and the work you are already carrying out. philosVQ considers this as part of the suitability process before enrolment.
3. What is the difference between SVQ Level 2 and Level 3?
SVQ Level 2 is generally suited to practitioners whose role is primarily focused on providing direct care and support within agreed responsibilities.
SVQ Level 3 is for experienced practitioners whose role also involves greater autonomy, professional judgement and responsibility for wider aspects of support or practice.
4. Does my job title determine which level I should do?
No. Job titles vary considerably between organisations. Suitability is based on what you actually do in your role, the responsibilities you hold and the opportunities available to demonstrate the required competence.
5. How do I know if I am suitable?
You can complete the philosVQ Assess My Suitability check to provide an initial indication of whether Level 2 or Level 3 may better reflect your current role. Final suitability is confirmed through the philosVQ readiness process before enrolment.
6. Do I need my employer’s support?
Yes.The qualification is workplace-based, philosVQ will need appropriate access to assess your practice and you may need support to access suitable workplace evidence. Employer or workplace support is therefore considered as part of readiness.
7. Where does assessment take place?
Most assessment is based around your normal workplace practice. Some planning, professional discussion and review activity may also take place remotely where appropriate.
8. What does my assessor do?
Your assessor Sam will help you understand the qualification requirements, plan assessment with you, identify suitable evidence opportunities, review your evidence, make assessment decisions and provide constructive feedback. He may also ask questions where further clarification or knowledge needs to be demonstrated.
For more information see the philosVQ Approach to SVQ Assessment.
9. What is my role in the assessment process?
You are an active participant in your SVQ. You will be expected to take part in assessment planning, attend agreed assessment activities, make use of naturally occurring workplace opportunities, provide evidence that is your own work, protect confidentiality, participate in professional discussion and reflection, respond to feedback and agreed actions, and take responsibility for progressing your qualification.
10. Will I be observed at work?
Yes, workplace observation is an important assessment method because it allows your assessor to see you carrying out naturally occurring work activities. Observations are planned appropriately and must respect the rights, dignity and confidentiality of the people you support.
11. What evidence will I need?
Evidence may include workplace observation, professional discussion, reflective accounts and appropriate workplace records or documents. Your assessor will help identify the most suitable evidence for the qualification requirements rather than expecting you to produce unnecessary evidence. See Understanding SVQ Assessment in Scotland for more information.
12. Will I need to do lots of written work?
Not necessarily. SVQ assessment is about demonstrating competence, not producing written work for the sake of it. Reflective writing can be useful, but observation, professional discussion and existing workplace evidence may demonstrate some requirements more effectively.
13. How will I receive feedback?
Feedback is provided throughout your qualification. It should help you understand what you have demonstrated successfully, how your evidence relates to the qualification requirements, whether further evidence is needed and what your next assessment activity will involve.
14. Can I use experience from previous roles?
Previous experience can be useful when reflecting on practice, discussing professional learning or giving examples of situations you have encountered. However, your SVQ assesses your current occupational competence, so you will still need to demonstrate the required practice through your present role and responsibilities. Evidence from previous roles would not normally replace the need for current workplace evidence.
15. Can workplace documents be used as evidence?
Yes, where they are relevant, appropriate and can be used safely. Workplace evidence might help demonstrate areas such as planning, recording, communication, risk management or review, but confidentiality and data protection must always be protected.
16. How is confidentiality protected?
You must not include unnecessary confidential or identifiable information about people you support in your SVQ evidence. Your assessor will provide guidance on using workplace evidence appropriately, including anonymising or restricting information where required.
17. What happens if I need more evidence?
This is a normal part of assessment and does not mean that you have failed. Your assessor will explain what has not yet been demonstrated and agree an appropriate way for you to provide further evidence
18.. Is there a final exam?
No. Your SVQ is assessed over time through evidence of your workplace practice. This may include observation, professional discussion, reflective evidence and appropriate workplace evidence.
19. What happens if I disagree with an assessment decision?
You should first discuss the decision with your assessor so that the assessment judgement and evidence requirements can be explained. If you remain dissatisfied, philosVQ has an Assessment Appeals Procedure that provides a formal and fair process for having the matter considered.
20. How is assessment quality assured?
philosVQ uses Internal Verification to check that assessment decisions are consistent, reliable and supported by appropriate evidence. Selected assessment activity may be sampled as part of this process, although this does not mean that every piece of evidence will be reassessed.
21. How long does an SVQ take?
As a general guide, SVQ Level 2 typically takes around 6–9 months, while SVQ Level 3 typically takes around 9–12 months.
Individual timescales can vary depending on workplace opportunities, availability for assessment, the evidence required and how consistently you are able to participate in the assessment process.
Your expected assessment journey and progress will be discussed with you throughout the qualification.
22. What happens after I complete the suitability assessment?
Your responses in the SVQ Suitability Assessment provide an initial indication of whether SVQ Level 2, SVQ Level 3 or a further discussion may be appropriate. Suitability must still be confirmed through the philosVQ readiness process before enrolment.
23. How much does the qualification cost?
SVQ Level 2 Social Services & Healthcare costs £1,250.
SVQ Level 3 Social Services & Healthcare costs £1,750.
The qualification fee will be confirmed with you before enrolment, together with any agreed payment arrangements. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about costs before making a commitment.
24. How do I apply?
You can apply by clicking on and completing the philosVQ SVQ 2 & 3 Application Form