In this section

Exam papers - The Process

Process image. As you might expect, we are asked time and time again about how we prepare question papers (the production of exam papers is a lengthy process and we try to work at least one year ahead of the examination diet) and what happens to the script once the candidate completes the examination. This page outlines the key checks and stages involved in making sure that the whole process is as rigorous as possible.

Preparation of Question Papers

Principal Assesors are nominated by SQA Qualifications Managers.
Approaches are made to employers for release of staff.
Invitations are issued to Principal Assessors and Setters.
First meeting of setting teams - allocation of work/setting questions.
Further meeting(s) - setting teams to review and amend draft questions.
Final draft paper prepared.
Vetters meet to check draft question papers: check that question paper adequately samples the Course with appropriate weighting given to content and skill areas. Ensure that questions are pitched at an appropriate level, are accessible to candidates and are fair.
Papers may be returned to setters for amendments based on comments from the vetters.
Revised papers/questions checked by Principal Assessors.
Finalised draft to SQA for desktop publishing.
Proofchecking of papers - by SQA staff, Principal Assessor and setters.
Scrutineers work through the question paper as candidates would and advise of any final amendments.
Printing of examination papers.
Question papers issued to chief invigilators.

Examination

Post Examination procedures

Examination.
Preparation for Markers Meeting.
Review/finalisation of draft marking instructions.
Markers' meeting (markers do preliminary marking on a sample of scripts or mark photocopied scripts and agree on a final marking scheme for each question in the paper).
Markers return marked scripts to SQA.
Marker check and Standardisation: a sample of each marker's scripts is checked to determine if marker is severe, lenient or inconsistent - the nature and extent of the marker's deviation from the norm is recorded. If necessary the marker's complete allocation will be re-marked.
Cut-off scores/pass mark determination: candidates' scores are fed into the computer and statistical analysis is conducted. The pass mark and the cut-off score for each grade are determined after detailed consideration of quantitive and qualitive information. The difficulty of the exam paper compared to previous years' papers and the ability of the candidates relative to those of previous years are taken into account.
Finalisation: check on scripts marked by severe, lenient or inconsistent markers which fall within the marker's deviation from a cut-off score. These scripts are re-marked. Marks are amended as necessary, and the new marks are entered in the appropriate database. Absentee cases are considered and grades awarded.
Awarding procedure: marks are collated for each candidate and awards determined. Concordancy between centres' estimates and examination grades is checked and final awards are determined; Units are resulted and Core Skills achievement recorded.