Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels descriptions for attainment data received
| Level* | Award | Age, years (stage) usually taken |
| 7 | Advanced higher at A–D‡ | 17–18 (S6) |
| 6 | Higher at A–D§ | 15–18 (S5, S6) |
| 5 | Intermediate 2 at A–D¶ ** | 15–18 (S5, S6) |
| Standard grade (credit)** †† | 14–16 (S3–S4) | |
| 4 | Intermediate 1 at A–D¶ ‡‡ | 15–17 (S5) |
| Standard grade (general)†† ‡‡ | 14–16 (S3–S4) | |
| 3† | Standard grade (foundation)†† §§ | 14–16 (S3–S4) |
| Access 3¶ §§ | 14–16 (S3, S4) | |
| 2 | Access 2¶ ¶¶ *** | 14+ (S3 onwards) |
| 1 | Access 1¶ ††† ‡‡‡ | 14+ (S3 onwards) |
*Level 7 corresponds to the most difficult qualification detail requested and level 1 the least difficult.
†Lowest level at which an external examination is taken.
‡New version introduced in 2015/2016.
§New version introduced in 2014/2015.
¶Reached final certification in 2014/2015.
**Replaced with National 5.
††Reached final certification in 2012/2013.
‡‡Replaced with National 4.
§§Replaced with National 3.
¶¶Designed for learners who may have additional learning support needs.
***Replaced with National 2.
†††Designed for learners with severe and profound learning difficulties.
‡‡‡Replaced with National 1.