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Browse SQA's Qualifications

Welcome

SQA offers a variety of different qualifications. For more information about specific awards, or type of qualifications, select a qualification category.

NQ

National Qualifications (NQ) are delivered in Scottish schools (and some colleges and training centres), and range from Access 1 to Advanced Higher.

Higher National

Higher National (HN) qualifications are mostly delivered in Scottish colleges and include Certificates (HNC), Diplomas (HND) and Professional Development Awards (PDA).

SVQ

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) are mostly delivered in training centres and provide practical vocational skills to help achieve gainful employment.

NCs and NPAs

National Qualification Group Awards (NQGA) are a sub-set of National Qualifications with a vocational focus, and are mostly delivered in colleges.

QCF

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) are work-related, competence-based qualifications.

Customised Awards

Customised Awards are those developed by a training centre in partnership with SQA to be tailored to that centre’s requirements.

PDAs

Professional Development Awards (PDA) are aimed at developing the skills of those already in professional employment.

Sector Specific

Awards developed to assess competency and achievement in specific industry sectors, eg Care Scotland, Oil and Gas, and Licensing.

Other Qualifications

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.

SQA's Qualifications

  • NQGAs
    • NCs (National Certificates)
    • NPAs (National Progression Awards)
  • QCF
    • Awards
    • Certificates
    • Diplomas