Subjects & Qualifications
Qualifications
SQA offers a variety of different qualifications. For more information about specific awards, or type of qualifications, select a qualification category.
National Qualifications (NQ) are delivered in Scottish schools (and some colleges and training centres), and range from Access 1 to Advanced Higher.
Higher National (HN) qualifications are mostly delivered in Scottish colleges and include Certificates (HNC), Diplomas (HND) and Professional Development Awards (PDA).
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) are mostly delivered in training centres and provide practical vocational skills to help achieve gainful employment.
National Qualification Group Awards (NQGA) are a sub-set of National Qualifications with a vocational focus, and are mostly delivered in colleges.
Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) are work-related, competence-based qualifications.
Customised Awards are those developed by a training centre in partnership with SQA to be tailored to that centre’s requirements.
Professional Development Awards (PDA) are aimed at developing the skills of those already in professional employment.
Awards developed to assess competency and achievement in specific industry sectors, eg Care Scotland, Oil and Gas, and Licensing.
Single and stand-alone awards that don't form part of any other qualification family, eg Internet Safety and International Vocational Awards (IVAs).
SQA has a wide range of freestanding Units which can be used in their own right.
NQ
If you are preparing for exams, we provide a range of past papers in all NQ subjects, with accompanying marking instructions.
HN
Does it feel like you're in the wrong job? Or as an employer, do you struggle to find staff with the right skills? Find out how Higher National qualifications can help you.
SVQ
Employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship are essential features in qualification development and SQA is committed to ensuring its qualifications reflect the importance of these in order to meet the needs of learners, employers and the Scottish economy.
Sector-specific
Browse our range of sector-specific qualifications - vocational qualifications that are tailored for employment in particular industries - and access the latest information and support materials. These include Care Scotland, Oil and Gas, Licensing, etc.
Awards
For information and support materials for our stand-alone awards which aren't part of any particular qualification type, eg Employability, Leadership and the Safe Road User Award.
Skills for Work
Information and support materials for our suite of Skills for Work qualifications - courses designed to help candidates to develop skills and attitudes for employability - with an emphasis on practical experience in real life work situations.
February 12 Qualification Updates
Related Information
