ROLE & FUNCTIONS
SQA is the national body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment, and certification of qualifications other than degrees.
SQA's functions are to:
- devise, develop and validate qualifications, and keep them under review
- accredit qualifications
- approve education and training establishments as being suitable for entering people for these qualifications
- arrange for, assist in, and carry out, the assessment of people taking SQA qualifications
- quality assure education and training establishments which offer SQA qualifications
- issue certificates to candidates.
Qualifications include:
- National Qualifications (including Standard Grade and National Units and Courses at Access, Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher levels)
- Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/HND)
- Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)
- Customised Awards and Professional Development Awards.
SQA is also responsible for developing and distributing 5-14 National Tests to schools as part of the Government's 5-14 Programme.