Key Facts

Here are some useful key facts and links about SQA, our remit, products and services.

SQA and its functions

SQA is an executive non-departmental public body (NDPB) sponsored by the Scottish Government Schools’ Directorate. It is the national awarding and accreditation body in Scotland.

Having these two key, distinct functions, within one organisation is of significant benefit to learners and learning in general, touching the lives of everyone in Scotland.

It means that we can apply a focused, coherent and integrated approach to the widest range of qualifications – across both the awarding and accreditation roles. A single body ensures quality and consistency across Scotland.

SQA works in partnership with schools, colleges, universities and industry to provide high quality, flexible and relevant qualifications and assessments - embedding industry standards where appropriate.

We strive to ensure that SQA qualifications are inclusive and accessible to all, that they provide clear progression pathways, facilitate lifelong learning and recognise candidate achievement.

SQA is ambitious for Scotland, determined to play a full and committed part in ensuring that the Scottish people and economy benefit from a qualifications system that is all-embracing and which delivers and meets Scotland’s needs.

There are approximately 1,470 centres approved to offer our range of qualifications.

Our qualifications include:

• National Qualifications (including Standard Grade and National Units and Courses at Access, Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher levels)
• Skills for Work Courses
• Professional Development Awards available at SCQF levels 6-12
• National Progression Awards
• National Certificates
• Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/HND)
• Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)
• Customised Awards

Find out more

Our Vision

Our vision is to be recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in qualifications and assessment.

How We Operate

SQA's current Corporate Plan (250 KB) sets out our key objectives for the next three years. These objectives reflect our commitment to delivering our statutory obligations and our view of how SQA's qualifications and services should be developed to meet changing customer needs, to deliver quality and ensure best value.

Board of Management

Our Chairman and Board of Management are appointed by the Scottish Government to oversee and direct organisational affairs. Our strategic direction is developed by the Board and its committees. The Board is corporately responsible for its implementation.

Advisory Council

The Advisory Council's primary role is to consider and provide advice to SQA on the needs and views of stakeholders, in order to assist in making decisions on the development, maintenance and delivery of qualifications and awards. The Council consider and advise on matters relating to these qualifications and awards, and on issues of relevance to SQA's stakeholders.

Executive Management Team

Our Executive Management Team is made up of our Chief Executive and Directors. Our Executive Management Team is responsible to the Chairman and the Board of Management for our day-to-day operations.

Freedom of Information

Our Freedom of Information page explains how we ensure we meet our obligations under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and contribute to our aim of being an open and transparent organisation.

Feedback Form

We aim to be a responsive, customer focused organisation providing a friendly and efficient service.
Please use our feedback form to send us your comments. It is not possible for us to respond to all messages, but we do read all comments to help us improve our services to you.