- High Graphics
- Low Graphics
- Accessibility
- Resize text: AAA
In this section
What are Standards?
There are lots of ways to describe standards. For SQA:
- Qualification standards are where we define the levels of knowledge and skills required to achieve a qualification. We apply these standards to evidence of learner achievement for the purpose of gauging if learners have achieved the requisite level of knowledge and skills (otherwise known as 'level of competence').
- Assessment standards are the levels of demand on learners (how difficult the assessment is for learners taking it) and what the assessment covers.
You can find out more about how we apply qualification and assessment standards from the 'what is involved?' section.
Statements of standards
Probably the best way to start telling you about the Scottish Standard is to look at some examples of qualification standards.
You can see examples of 'statements of standards' by looking at the Unit specifications from the links provided.
Higher National Qualifications
- Higher National Unit: Creative Writing: Generating and Pitching Ideas (pages 3-6) (92KB)
- Higher National Unit: Computer Aided Design (CAD): Sheet Metal (pages 3-5) (75 KB)
National Qualifications
- National Unit: Computing: Website Design and Development (Intermediate 2) (pages 3-5) (56 KB)
- National Unit: Hairdressing: Working in the Salon (Intermediate 1) (pages 3-5) (2 MB)
Scottish Vocational Qualifications
Professional Development, National Qualification Group and Customised Awards
As well as Higher National, National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications, SQA offers other products such as:
- Professional Development Awards (PDAS)
- National Qualification Group Awards, (NQGAs): National Certificates and National Progression Awards
- Customised Awards
Core Skills
You will find copies of 'refreshed' workplace and National Qualification Core Skill Unit specifications from the Core Skills Section of the website.
Statements of standards
Where we write out in full the mandatory (requiring to be done by all candidates) Outcomes (also known as Elements), Knowledge and/or Skills, and Evidence Requirements (how candidates are expected to respond to assessments)
Unit Specifications
Outlines of what is required to achieve the Unit (the 'mandatory' parts within which there is room for some individual choice and flexibility) along with additional information such as suggested learning and teaching approaches and support notes, etc
Related Information
