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In this section

General Information

This section lists publications which contain general information about the Scottish Qualifications Authority, its qualifications and services. Some are aimed at a wide audience and some at particular groups of people - like employers, schools, colleges or other training providers. Some of the publications are available to download in PDF format by clicking on their title.

Due to the size of this section, we have split it into four areas to keep it easy to navigate:

General Information

How awards are made

This section describes the quality assurance procedures SQA carries out every year to make sure that the awards made to candidates for National Qualifications are fair, and that standards are rigorously maintained from year to year.

The National Qualifications covered are at: Standard Grade, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher. This also includes Project-based National Courses (PBNCs).

A Framework for Lifelong Learning

This brochure is aimed at education and training professionals. It gives an overview of the role and functions of SQA, covering development and accreditation of qualifications, assessment and quality assurance (revised edition).
Free, AD0405/3, September 2002

IMAGE: Access 1 and 2 Update cover.Access 1 and 2 Update

Bulletin aimed at teachers and lecturers in special schools, secondary schools, further education colleges and any other SQA centres which offer provision at this level.
Free, BD1314, September 2003

IMAGE: Annual Statistical Report 2005 cover.Annual Statistical Report

Detailed statistics on SQA qualifications for the previous session, with commentary on uptake, attainment, and characteristics of candidates undertaking SQA qualifications.
Free, AE2521

Customer Charter

Free, June 2007

IMAGE: Core Skills Bulletin cover.Core Skills Bulletin

Regular newsletter from SQA with information about Core Skills in National Qualifications.
Free, BD1566

Delivering and Assessing Access 1 Units

Guide to support teachers, lecturers and trainers who are delivering (or considering delivering) any of these seven Access 1 Units:

Free, BA1943, November 2003

IMAGE: Early Years Newletter Cover.Early Years Newsletter

Newsletter from Care Scotland with information about qualifications available in Early Years care.
Free, FD1944, October 2003

Estimates, Absentees and Assessment Appeals: guidance on generating evidence

Guide providing both general and subject-specific guidance on the evidence to be considered when submitting Estimates of candidates' likely attainment in the external assessment of National Courses, and when preparing an Assessment Appeal. Replaces Estimates and Assessment Appeals: guidance on generating evidence (April 2004).
Free, BA0992, June 2006

Explaining National Qualifications

An easy-to-understand leaflet for everyone, explaining the new National Qualifications (revised version).
Free, BD0380/2, September 2002

Gaelic Orthographic Conventions Cover image smallGaelic Orthographic Conventions

An authoritative set of orthographic conventions for use when dealing with Gaelic examination papers and scripts.
Free, BB4616, November 2009

Maintaining Standards

Leaflet explaining how SQA makes sure that the high standards people expect of Scottish qualifications are maintained.
Free, AD1068/3, September 2002

Qualifications for Life

Brochure explaining the Scottish Qualifications Authority's goals and activities, outlining all the qualifications we offer (revised version).
Free, AD206/4, September 2002

Scottish Qualifications front coverScottish Qualifications

For further information about our qualifications, how they work and other services and support, please download a copy of our leaflet:

This leaflet is also available in other languages, via the following links:

SQA Qualifications and What They Mean

Revised edition of booklet explaining the qualifications you might find on job applicants' CVs.
Free, AD0409/3, September 2002

Which path will you take?

Leaflet for candidates about SQA qualifications and how they can help you progress at any stage of your life: from school, to job seeking and further or higher education.
Free, AD0827/2, September 2002

To order any of the publications listed, contact SQA's Customer Contact Centre quoting the publication code (unless otherwise indicated) or print, complete and return our Order Form (414 KB). You can order any of our publications by credit card, Delta or by Switch.

Business Development & Customer Support Team
Scottish Qualifications Authority
The Optima Building
58 Robertson Street
Glasgow
G2 8DQ

Tel: 0303 333 0330
Fax: 0845 213 5000
E-mail: mycentre@sqa.org.uk

We accept payment with the following cards:

LOGO: Visa Mastercard Delta and Switch cards.

Publications Feedback

We are very keen to receive your views on how useful SQA's publications are to you in offering our qualifications. If you have comments on a document, or more general points about our publications, please note them down on our Publication Feedback form.