Use of software to compare candidate's submitted work

Date published: 20/05/2025

I am writing to make a request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

1.Does the SQA use any software, systems, or other methods to compare a candidate's submitted work against previous candidates' submission and which one is used?

2. If such a system exists, could you please provide details on how it operates, including any software used and the criteria for flagging words or similarities.

3. What steps are taken when similarities are identified between a candidate's work and previous submission.

I would appreciate any relevant documentation.

1.Does the SQA use any software, systems, or other methods to compare a candidate's submitted work against previous candidates' submission and which one is used?

No, SQA does not use software to compare candidates work with any previously submitted coursework.

SQA does rely on its centres – specifically schools, colleges and training providers – to know their learners and identify if there are any issues with a candidate's work and a previous submission.

Centres have discretion to handle any such instances through their own malpractice process before submission to SQA.

If coursework is submitted and concerns are raised by an SQA appointee, this can be escalated through our malpractice processes (see point 3).

2. If such a system exists, could you please provide details on how it operates, including any software used and the criteria for flagging words or similarities.

N/A

3. What steps are taken when similarities are identified between a candidate's work and previous submission.

I would appreciate any relevant documentation.

If during the annual marking process, a SQA appointee has reason to believe there are instances of similarities and/or plagiarism suspected between candidates, they can make a malpractice referral.

As part of considering the referral, SQA will use Turnitin – a plagiarism detection platform – to analyse the data within the referred submissions and help identify instances of potential plagiarism.

Based on all the information available, SQA will then determine if an investigation is required.