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.
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 are available at several levels, with the possible grades and rough GCSE and A-level equivalent shown: