What SCPLH stands for
SCPLH stands for the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders. It is set at SCQF Level 6 and has been the licensing qualification for new personal licence applications in Scotland since 1 December 2020. It replaced the older Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders qualifications that were in place before that date.
Why the SCPLH exists
The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 says that anyone applying for a personal licence must hold a licensing qualification accredited by the Scottish Ministers. The SCPLH is that qualification. It makes sure that the people who authorise alcohol sales understand the law, the licensing objectives and their own responsibilities.
The Act sets out five licensing objectives:
- Preventing crime and disorder
- Securing public safety
- Preventing public nuisance
- Protecting and improving public health
- Protecting children and young persons from harm
Everything in the SCPLH links back to these five aims.
SCQF Level 6 explained
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) places qualifications on levels from 1 to 12. Level 6 is roughly the same level as a Higher. You do not need any previous qualifications to sit the SCPLH, but you do need to be comfortable reading legal terms and applying them to real situations in a bar or shop.
How the accredited SCPLH exam works
The accredited SCPLH is delivered by approved centres of awarding bodies. Qualifications Scotland describes the assessment as an externally set multiple choice exam with 40 questions. Training providers commonly state a pass mark of 28 out of 40 and a time limit of around 60 minutes.
You can usually sit the exam in person at a centre, and some centres offer an online exam with remote invigilation. For an online exam you normally need a webcam, a microphone, photo ID and a quiet room.
When you pass, the awarding body issues your SCPLH certificate. That is the certificate you send to a Licensing Board with your personal licence application.
SCPLH vs the English and Welsh personal licence qualification
England and Wales use a different qualification, usually the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH), under the Licensing Act 2003. The two systems have different laws, different Licensing Boards or authorities, and different refresher rules. If you plan to apply for a personal licence in Scotland, you need the Scottish qualification.
| Scotland | England and Wales | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | SCPLH, SCQF Level 6 | APLH, Level 2 |
| Main law | Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 | Licensing Act 2003 |
| Who grants the licence | Local Licensing Board | Local council licensing authority |
| Refresher | SCPLH refresher within 5 years of the licence being issued | No equivalent mandatory refresher |
Where our course fits
Our online course is a preparation course. It helps you learn the SCPLH topics and practise with a course quiz, with unlimited retries. You get our certificate of completion and, when you score 70% or more, our quiz certificate. These are not the accredited SCPLH certificate. You will still need to pass the accredited exam at an approved centre before you apply for a personal licence.
See the online SCPLH preparation course, £30 + VAT
FAQs
What does SCPLH stand for?
Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders.
Is an English personal licence valid in Scotland?
Scotland has its own licensing law and qualification. Check with the Licensing Board for the area where you live before relying on an English or Welsh qualification.
What level is the SCPLH?
SCQF Level 6.
Who issues the SCPLH certificate?
The awarding body of the approved centre where you pass the exam.
Sources
- gov.scot, Liquor personal licence holder training accreditation
- Qualifications Scotland, SCPLH qualification page
- Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005, section 74 (legislation.gov.uk)
General guidance only, not legal advice. Rules and fees can change, so check with your Licensing Board.