Becoming Qualifications Scotland - what it means for you
As part of the Scottish Government’s education reform programme the Education (Scotland) Act 2025 established Qualifications Scotland as the replacement for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
Qualifications Scotland will begin on 1 February 2026, starting a new era for the delivery of qualifications and assessments.
Learners
- The 2026 National Qualification exams will run as normal, and you’ll do your exams and assessments as planned.
- You’ll continue with the courses you’re already doing and there are no changes to what you’re studying or how you’re assessed.
Educators
We aren’t making any changes to courses or assessments this year. You can continue delivering qualifications exactly as you are now.
Centres, employers and training providers
- Your approved centre status continues without change.
- Your dedicated account manager remains your main contact and this valuable relationship continues.
Documentation
All existing course materials, assessment guidance and support resources remain valid and you should continue to use them. They’ll be published in the style of Qualifications Scotland when they’re next due for review.
Our websites
- All SQA websites, such as Connect and SOLAR, will be rebranded as Qualifications Scotland
- You will still be able to access the materials, information and services you need.
- There will be no disruption to existing services.
- We will be updating most web addresses to reflect the new organisation.
Email addresses
Our email addresses will change to to reflect the new organisation @qualifications.gov.scot, but the sqa.org.uk ones will still work.
Have your say on what we do
We need learners, educators, and parents and carers to join our research panels.