Appendix 3: SQA'S Quality Elements

Criterion

SQA

The centre

N and HN

D1 The validation process for qualifications which are to be included in the SQA National or Higher National Qualifications catalogue is defined and in the public domain.

• publishes the system, procedures and timescales for the validation of new and revised National and Higher National Qualifications and makes them known to centres

• ensures that submissions to SQA of locally-devised proposals for validation comply with SQA’s system, procedures and timescales

D2 The qualification conforms to SQA design rules and other technical requirements which are current at the time of its validation for inclusion in the appropriate SQA qualifications catalogue.

• publishes design rules and other technical requirements and guidance on their use
• develops National and Higher National Qualifications and validates them to ensure that all of these qualifications comply with the design rules and the technical requirements prior to inclusion in the appropriate SQA qualifications catalogue*
• validates qualifications to ensure that they comply with the design rules and other technical requirements prior to inclusion in the appropriate SQA qualifications catalogue*

• uses SQA’s design rules and other technical requirements as the basis for development of proposed qualifications to be submitted to SQA for validation

D3 There is a demonstrable need for the National or Higher National Qualification which fills a gap in the qualifications framework and makes a valuable and unique contribution to SQA’s portfolio of qualifications.

• works with stakeholders to identify the qualifications required to meet the needs of Scottish society*
• consults with appropriate bodies to identify the need for the National or Higher National Qualification*
• has a feedback system through which it collects stakeholders views in order to regularly review the National and Higher National qualifications with a view to engaging in a programme of updating where appropriate*
   

• provides feedback to SQA on the extent to which the qualifications in the National and Higher National Qualifications catalogues meet this criterion

D4 The qualification is accessible to all candidates who could potentially achieve it.

• ensures that all National and Higher National Qualifications which it validates are free from unnecessary barriers to achievement

• strives to serve the best interests of prospective candidates and does not create artificial barriers to achievement
• provides feedback to SQA on the extent to which qualifications in the National and Higher National Qualifications catalogues meet this criterion

D5 The qualification requires a candidate to demonstrate significant, achievable outcomes in a recognised curricular or vocational area

• ensures that qualifications which it validates meet this criterion*
• ensures that qualifications which it validates have assessment arrangements appropriate to the outcomes which candidates must demonstrate*
• has a feedback system to collect stakeholders’ views on the extent to which National and Higher National qualifications meet this criterion*

• provides feedback to SQA on the extent to which qualifications in the National and Higher National qualifications catalogues meet this criterion

D6 The qualification is coherent and its title accurately reflects its content

• ensures that qualifications which it validates meet this criterion*
• has a feedback system to collect stakeholders’ views on the extent to which National and Higher National Qualifications meet this criterion*

• provides feedback to SQA on the extent to which qualifications in the National and Higher National qualifications catalogues meet this criterion