National 5 Economics
Course Specification (03/06/2026)
Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.
Session 2026-27 onwards
Session 2025-26
Past Papers and Marking Instructions
Access all past papers by subject/level
Additional question papers resources
Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).
- National 5 Economics specimen question paper August 2024
2021
There were no exams in 2021. The 2020-21 question paper resources are, for most subjects, modified papers which reflect the modifications put in place for session 2020-21
Coursework (03/06/2026)
This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.
Session 2026-27 onwards
Session 2025-26
- National 5 Economics coursework assessment task August 2023
- National 5 Economics coursework assessment task - Assignment Notes September 2019
Guidance on conditions of assessment
Assignment template
Understanding Standards (18/11/2025)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Audio Presentation
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Revisions to Course Specification and Specimen Question paper 2024 - presentation with audio (16.14 MB)
Changes to Understanding Standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Additional Resources session 2020-22
Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.
Course reports (25/09/2025)
Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.
Course Reports
- 2025 National 5 Economics course report September 2025
- 2024 National 5 Economics course report September 2024
- 2023 National 5 Economics course report September 2023