SCQF ESOL B1 Certificate
Intermediate-level English language qualification aligned to SCQF and mapped to CEFR B1.
Qualification Overview
The SCQF ESOL B1 Certificate is an intermediate-level English language qualification aligned to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR B1).
This qualification is structured as a single-unit award and assesses learners across the four core English language skills:
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
SCQF ESOL qualifications at this level are designed for learners who are non-native speakers of English and wish to develop greater independence, accuracy, and confidence in spoken and written communication across everyday, educational, and workplace contexts.
Who Is It For?
The SCQF ESOL B1 Certificate is intended for learners who wish to progress beyond basic communication and become independent users of English.
- Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar topics at work, school, and leisure
- Deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling or living in an English-speaking environment
- Produce simple connected text on familiar or personally relevant topics
- Describe experiences, events, opinions, and plans using clear and structured language
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, learners are advised to have English language competence equivalent to CEFR A2 or to have undertaken appropriate preparation prior to assessment.
Progression Opportunities
Successful completion supports progression to:
- SCQF ESOL B2 (CEFR B2) or equivalent upper-intermediate ESOL qualifications
- Key skills or functional skills qualifications
- Vocational education and training programmes
Assessment
The qualification assesses the following four language skills:
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
Assessment tasks reflect real-life language use at intermediate level and are aligned to CEFR B1 performance descriptors, incorporating both formative and summative components.
Learning Time Allocation
| Component | Hours |
|---|---|
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 200 hours |
| Self-Study (SS) | 50 hours |
| Formative Assessment | 3 hours 14 min |
| Summative Assessment | 2 hours 46 min |
| Total Assessment Time (TAT) | 6 hours |
| Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 256 hours (GLH + SS + TAT) |
TAT = Formative Assessment + Summative Assessment. TQT = GLH + SS + TAT.
Grading
- Fail
- Pass
- Merit
- Distinction
Key Features
- SCQF and CEFR aligned
- Intermediate single-unit qualification
- Balanced four-skill assessment
- Suitable for independent users of English
- Clear route to B2 progression