Subjects & Qualifications

CfE Appointee Role Information

This page lists alphabetically all the Appointee roles available to teaching professionals and specialists who support SQA operations annually. To find out more about any of the roles use the links below to open the relevant contract specification. Contract specifications were formerly know as job descriptions.

The contract specification will describe the role and list the outline duties required of the role. From each contract specification you will also be able to see the relevant selection criteria for that role. The selection criteria will describe the characteristics required to undertake the role.

Key performance measures and fee information is also contained in the appointee role information.

Appointee Management Case Studies

The contract specifications and selection criteria below are applicable to all new appointments.

Principal Assessor

A Principal Assessor is responsible for ensuring all duties and tasks associated with externally set/assessed Course assessments are undertaken within the conditions, timeframes and arrangements set by SQA.

Item Writer

An Item Writer is responsible for creating questions, items or tasks and appropriate supporting marking instructions for Course assessments under the direction of the Principal Assessor and/or Item Bank Leader which must be undertaken within the conditions, timeframes and arrangements set by SQA.

Item Checker

An Item Checker is responsible for reviewing questions, items or tasks and appropriate supporting marking instructions for Course assessments under the direction of the Principal Assessor and/or Item Bank Leader which must be undertaken within the conditions, timeframes and arrangements set by SQA.

Principal Verifier

A Principal Verifier is responsible for communicating and maintaining national standards for the qualifications within their remit. Additionally, the Principal Verifier must ensure that all tasks associated with the quality assurance of internally assessed Units and components of Course assessments within their remit are carried out within the conditions, timescales and arrangements set by SQA.

Question Paper Reviewer

A Question Paper Reviewer (QPR) is responsible for reviewing the Question Paper and supporting marking instructions under the direction of the Principal Assessor and/or Item Bank Leader. This work must be undertaken within the conditions, timescales and arrangements set by SQA.

Question Paper Validator (QPV)

A Question Paper Validator (QPV) is responsible for carrying out a final check to ensure the course assessment is of the correct standard and fit for purpose. This work must be undertaken independently within the conditions, timescales and arrangements set by SQA.

Senior Team Leader - Internal Assessment

A Senior Team Leader is responsible for supporting the Principal Verifier in maintaining national standards for the qualifications within their remit by ensuring that all tasks associated with the quality assurance of internally assessed Units and components of Course assessments are carried out within the conditions, timescales and arrangements set by SQA.

Team Leader

A Team Leader is responsible for supporting the Principal Verifier in maintaining national standards for the qualifications within their remit by ensuring that all tasks associated with the quality assurance of internally assessed Units and components of Course assessments are carried out within the conditions, timescales and arrangements set by SQA.