Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions

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Centres

Whether you are a college, school, employer or training provider, our FAQs can help answer your questions.

Credit Rating

If you are interested in having your qualifications or learning programmes included in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) these FAQs are for you.

Customised Awards

SQA's Customised Awards allow you to develop qualifications that are tailored to your needs.

Learners

If you are studying or thinking about taking one of our qualifications, our FAQs can answer most of your questions, especially around exam time.

National Qualifications

Answers to questions you may have about our National Qualifications that support Scotland's curriculum.

Results

Get answers to common questions we receive about results.

SCQF

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is a way of comparing the wide range of Scottish qualifications.

Your Certificate

Your Certificate and related documentation explained. and related documentation explained.

Centres

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

Recognition of Prior Learning is a method of assessing whether a learner’s experience and achievements meet the evidence requirements for a unit (or units) in an SQA qualification. This experience may or may not have been developed through a course of learning. For further information visit: SQA RPL Policy

Can I make changes to a candidate's personal details?

You can make changes to your registered candidate's personal details as long as these details are accurate and the proper identification is provided to support this change. If you have any queries relating to this process please e-mail:

How do I update my centre’s details with SQA?

You can update your centre's details, including details for the SQA Co-ordinator, either by contacting our Business Development and Customer Support team or on SQA Connect by your Centre Administrator.

How do I provide feedback, comments or make a complaint to SQA?

If you don't already have a named contact within SQA, contact our Business Development and Customer Support team. Our Customer Charter gives further details and information on how to make a formal complaint.

How do I make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request?

Please complete our Freedom of Information request form. Full details on how to make a request are available in our Access Information section.

I would like to deliver a specific qualification, how would I go about this?

If you know the name of your Business Development Manager/Consultant then you can contact them directly.

Alternatively call 0303 3330330 or contact myCentre and we will put you in touch with the relevant contact.

For more information visit: How do I deliver SQA qualifications

How can I access support materials for National Qualifications?

A range of documents and support materials is available from the subject pages of our website at www.sqa.org.uk/nqsubjects. Support materials for unit assessments and coursework are held on our secure website at www.sqa.org.uk/secure

You can arrange access to secure materials through your SQA co-ordinator. These materials must be stored securely and treated as confidential.

I have a candidate who requires additional support during their exams, how can I arrange this?

Any requests for additional support needs must come directly from the centre and should be sent to assessment arrangements or call 0303 3330330

I am interested in becoming an SQA Appointee, where can I get more information?

For more information and to apply for Appointee positions please visit: Applying to be an Appointee

Or contact us by e-mail appointee management or call 0845 2791000

How do I contact SQA?

There are a number of communication methods, depending on the nature of your enquiry. Full details are available on our Contact SQA page.

Can material that is subject to a Post-results Services request be returned?

Material which is subject to a Post-results Services request must be retained by SQA for at least 12 months from the date of certification before it can be returned to centres. This is to enable any subsequent enquiries or complaints to be dealt with efficiently.

What are Foundation Apprenticeships?

Foundation Apprenticeships are a Skills Development Scotland (SDS) initiative, providing new, work-based learning opportunities for S5 and S6 learners. For further information visit.

Credit Rating

Will SQA quality assure our qualification/learning programme?

SQA will only quality assure the qualification/learning programme once it has been credit rated if you have signed up to our external quality assurance service. This is at an additional annual cost and is carried out by an SQA Officer.

Can a new qualification/learning programme be credit rated?

Organisations can submit an existing qualification/learning programme which learners have already taken part in, or a programme which has yet to run.

Learners in our qualification/learning programme do not sit a final exam, can this still be credit rated?

The way in which a qualification/learning programme is assessed does not affect the submission and as long as the outcomes are formally assessed, and the results recorded then it can be considered for credit rating.

Is there a charge for this service?

As this is a commercial service there is charge. For further details please contact SQA's Credit Rating Service.

What type of credit does this process refer to?

This will result in general credit and not specific credit being allocated.

Does completing this process mean that we have been accredited?

SCQF Credit Rating will not result in accreditation or validation by SQA. SQA is the credit rating body.

Customised Awards

What is a customised award?

Customised Awards are qualifications owned and developed by you. They allow you to decide the content and structure of the qualification with SQA providing assistance on its development, external quality assurance and certification.

Find out more about our customised awards service.

Do I need to have existing training in place to create a customised award?

No. A Customised Award can be created with little or no training in place. Similarly, a Customised Award can be created if there is already training in place. A member of our Business Development Team will be able to talk you through your options.

How long can the process take?

The process to create a Customised Award can vary, depending on the amount of work required. A member of our Business Development Team can give you more information about the length of the process depending on what you are hoping to achieve. Our experience tells us that a development can be completed in approximately 4- 6 months.

Who do I work with?

You will work with a member of our Business Development team. They will introduce you to our Specialist Awards and Services team, who will work with you to create your award. Our Business Development team member will be your first point of contact and will guide you through the process from start to finish.

What are the benefits to my business?

There are several benefits to your business for creating a Customised Award. They can include:

  • Creating a truly bespoke qualification
  • Accredit your own learning and obtain recognition for it
  • Exclusively own your own qualification
  • Help you achieve business objectives
  • Increase skills levels in your workforce and improving work practices and motivation
  • Assist the management and development of human resource functions
  • Provide recognition and development opportunities for employees
  • Help meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate the competence of your employees to external parties.

Can anyone else use my customised award?

No - not without your permission. When you create your Customised Award, you exclusively own and deliver this qualification, but you are free to allow other SQA Centres to deliver your award.

What other services are available?

You may be interested in our Credit Rating service. More information can be found by visiting www.sqa.org.uk/creditrating.

What does it cost?

The costs for creating a Customised Award can vary depending on the development time, and your requirements. A member of our support team will be able to talk to you about this and give a full breakdown of costs.

Learners

Where can I access past papers?

You can access past papers for National Qualifications using our Past Paper Finder.

How do I order a replacement certificate?

Replacement certificates can be arranged for a fee of £40.00 and this service normally takes between 2-3 weeks.

You can order your replacement certificate online at www.sqa.org.uk/eshop

The replacement certificate will show all qualifications and units you’ve achieved with us, also Core Skills, and SCQF credit points if these are applicable to your qualification(s).

How do I sign up to receive my results by email/text?

Learners studying National Qualifications can sign up to receive exam results by email and/ or text on MySQA.

You register using your Scottish Candidate Number (SCN) and activate your account once you receive the activation e-mail. After you activate your account, you will then have to select whether you wish to receive your exam results by email or text.

Please note: registration for MySQA closes a few weeks before results day, so make sure you register early.

How do I make a general enquiry to SQA for advice and guidance?

For general support and advice, please complete our candidate enquiry form.

How can I get study advice and information?

Our Study Guides and videos will give you hints and tips to help you when studying for SQA qualifications.

How do I find my Scottish Candidate Number (SCN)?

Your Scottish Candidate Number (SCN) is displayed directly under your name on your certificate.

If you do not have your certificate you should complete the Candidate Enquiry Form, this will allow us to locate your records and provide you with your SCN

Alternatively, call us on 0345 279 1000 and we will confirm your details then provide you with your SCN Number.

How do I compare my qualifications with those in other countries?

We cannot provide direct comparisons between our qualifications and that of other awarding bodies within the UK or internationally.

However, you can download Qualifications Can Cross Boundaries (UK) or visit UK NARIC (International).

How do I change the name on my record or certificate?

Please note, if you currently attend school, college or are an SQA learner through your employer or training provider, then your centre has the responsibility to amend your record for you. Please ask your teacher, lecturer or employer/contact to update your record.

If you no longer attend school or college, and would like to update your SQA record, please complete and return our change of name declaration form and contact us directly. To enable us to process and update your record we require two copies of identification - one is required to be a link from your previous to your current name. Please note you do not need to send us the original documents; photocopies or scanned copies will be sufficient. You can scan and e-mail these documents to candidate records or send them by post to the following address:

Operations
Centre Support
Fourth Floor
The Optima Building
58 Robertson Street
Glasgow
G2 8DQ

Updating personal information - guidance for transgender learners

How do I change my address details?

If you are currently studying your school/college or training provider will have to change your address as this must be done by the centre who have registered you for the qualification you are studying.

If you are no longer studying, we will require more information to allow us to locate your Candidate record, please complete our Candidate Enquiry Form

We will then be able to complete your change of address.

How can I find out which centres offer the courses I'm interested in?

Contact your local school, college or training provider. Most colleges have this information on their website. You can also visit www.myworldofwork.co.uk
If you would like information on a specific course that we offer then please complete the Candidate Enquiry Form.

What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?

Recognition of Prior Learning is a method of assessing whether your experience and achievements meet the evidence requirements of a unit (or units) in an SQA qualification. This experience may or may not have been developed through a course of learning. For further information visit: SQA RPL Policy

Can I get any of my external assessment material back?

We provide a return service for non-examination material that has been submitted to us for assessment.

Before you make a request, please check with your school or college to see if materials were sent to us in the first instance.

For more information on this service, and details of how you can make a return request, please see the Request for Return of External Assessment Material page on our website.

Can I get access to my exam script?

SQA does not provide access to or copies of exam scripts, even if this is requested under Data Protection or Freedom of Information legislation.

Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002

A request for an examination is a request for personal information, which is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.

Data Protection Legislation

This legislation gives you the right to access the personal information that SQA holds about you. However, exam scripts are exempt from release.

You can find out more about your personal information on the Personal Information section on our website.

I've signed-up for MySQA, but not received my results by text or email. What's happening? 

Text and emails will be sent to candidates who have an activated MySQA account from 8 am onwards on results day. Please note that emails and texts cannot be re-sent.

If you registered to receive your results by text message or email, and have not received them, please contact your service provider.

NB If you are abroad, you will only receive a text if your phone is set up to receive messages abroad and if you have enough credit.

Check your spam/junk folder regularly, as delivery times from individual service providers may vary.

I can't see the English: Spoken Language component for National 5 English on MySQA.

This is normal. You will not see your English: Spoken Language component on MySQA. However, it is included as a recognition statement on your certificate and will say: The National 5 English Course includes a demonstration of skills in Spoken Language (Talking and Listening).

What are Foundation Apprenticeships?

Foundation Apprenticeships are a Skills Development Scotland (SDS) initiative, providing new, work-based learning opportunities for S5 and S6 learners. For further information visit.

National Qualifications

What are National Qualifications?

National Qualifications are one of the most important types of qualification in Scotland, and almost everyone leaving school or college today has one or more National Qualification. They are mainly taken by learners in the senior phase of secondary school (S4 to S6) and learners in colleges, including adult learners.
They cover a range of subjects and are designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed beyond the classroom; whether progressing to other SQA qualifications, training, employment or university. Find out more at www.sqa.org.uk/nq

What skills do learners develop when studying National Qualifications?

As well as developing subject-based skills, learners studying National Qualifications will also develop the following broad skills:

Practical skills – such as data collection and team-working Core Skills – which include literacy, numeracy, communication, information and communication technology (ICT) and problem solving. Skills for Learning, Life and Work (SfLLW) - such as employability, independent thinking, and enterprise and citizenship.

View more information on skills development in National Qualifications.

How do learners develop their literacy and numeracy skills?

Learners will develop literacy and/or numeracy skills across all their National Courses. How they develop these skills will vary depending on the subject area. National Literacy Units and National Numeracy Units are also available. These units are a required part of some National Courses; however, learners can also complete them as separate qualifications.

View more information on our Literacy and Numeracy webpage.

Why do learners in some schools study 5 or 6 subjects in S4, while others study 7 or 8?

SQA does not specify the number of qualifications that schools should deliver. The number of subjects that learners study in S4 is decided locally by the school or local authority.

How are National Courses assessed?

National 2, National 3 and National 4

In National 2, National 3 and National 4 courses, learners complete unit assessments throughout the year. National 4 courses also include an end-of-year assessment called an added value unit.

These assessments are marked internally by the teacher, lecturer or training practitioner. National 2, National 3 and National 4 courses are assessed as ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ and are quality assured by SQA.

National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher

In National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses, learners complete a course assessment towards the end of the course. This will usually involve one or more of the following:

  • Exam
  • Coursework (such as an assignment, project or portfolio)
  • Performance
  • Practical activity

Exams and coursework are submitted to SQA for marking. Depending on the subject, performances and practical activities will be marked through one of the following approaches:

  • The teacher, lecturer or training practitioner will mark the assessment and it will be quality assured by SQA.
  • The assessment will be marked by a visiting examiner appointed by SQA.
  • The assessment will be marked in collaboration between the teacher, lecturer or training practitioner and a visiting examiner appointed by SQA.

National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses are graded A to D or ‘No Award’.

How are National Courses graded?

National 2, National 3, and National 4 courses are not graded — the units that make up these course are assessed as pass or fail.

Courses at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher are graded A-D.

Is a grade D at National 5 worth more than a pass at National 4?

Yes. National 5 Courses (which are graded A – D) are worth 24 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) credit points at SCQF level 5.

National 4 Courses (which are not graded) are worth 24 SCQF points at SCQF level 4 and have a lower level of demand and challenge compared with National 5 courses.

Why are there no exams in National 4 courses?

National 4 courses have been designed to provide flexibility in timetabling and assessment. Internal assessment is more suitable for courses at National 4 level and will help to build learners' confidence in preparation for National 5. Learners do a National 4 Added Value Unit assessment instead of an exam, and the Added Value Unit assessment allows them to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the course.

Do qualifications that are assessed internally by schools, colleges and training providers hold less weight than those with assessments marked by SQA?

No. All internally assessed qualifications are subject to robust quality assurance by SQA, to ensure that schools, colleges and training providers are assessing the qualifications to the national standard. More information is available from our Quality Assurance webpage.

National 4 also follows a similar model to other qualifications such as the Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND), which are both internally assessed by colleges and quality assured by SQA. Many people use HNCs and HNDs to progress into employment or to get into higher education, often with advanced standing (where the university accepts the qualification as credit towards completing an undergraduate course, enabling the student to enter the course at a more advanced stage, for example entering at second year instead of first year).

Do all learners sit prelims?

Individual schools, colleges and training providers will decide whether to hold prelims. Prelims are not part of the formal assessment process for National Qualifications and are not a requirement.

SQA does not produce or mark prelim papers. Prelim papers are set and marked by the school, college or training provider.

Do all learners get study leave to prepare for exams?

Study leave is a matter for individual schools, colleges and training providers to decide.

What support is available for disabled learners or learners with additional support needs during exams and assessments?

SQA can allow assessment arrangements to be made for learners in their exams and assessments. For example, a learner who experiences difficulties with handwriting can use a laptop to write up their work. We allow many kinds of assessment support, such as using sign language, human readers, scribes or prompters, or allowing extra time to complete assessments. We can also provide adapted question papers, including Braille question papers, digital question papers, large print question papers and question papers that printed on coloured paper.

Schools, colleges and training providers are responsible for making an ‘assessment arrangements’ request to SQA on behalf of the learner. We will then work with them to find the most suitable arrangement for the learner to complete their assessments. In most cases, the school, college or training provider has already identified the learner's needs and is providing support for them during their studies.

Results

How are National Courses graded?

National 2, National 3, and National 4 courses are not graded — the units that make up these course are assessed as pass or fail.

Courses at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher are graded A-D.

Do grades A-D in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses have bands?

Yes. Grades in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses have the following bands:

  • upper A (band 1) or lower A (band 2)
  • upper B (band 3) or lower B (band 4)
  • upper C (band 5) or lower C (band 6)
  • Grade D (band 7)

However, this information is not included with your qualifications certificate.

Courses at National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher are graded A-D.

Where can I find out my grade bands and/or how many marks I achieved for each part of the course assessment?

Your school, college or training provider can tell you your grade band and how many marks you were awarded for each part of your course assessment (for example, exam and coursework).

However, you may need to wait until the start of term to request this information, as it is sent directly to the SQA co-ordinator at your school, college or training provider. Even if staff are available during results week, they may not have access to this information yet.

Alternatively, you can ask SQA for this information by submitting a subject access request. You can do this by completing our online form or by emailing data.protection@sqa.org.uk with details of your request. You will also need to include your name, Scottish Candidate Number (SCN) and your date of birth.

View more information on how to make a subject access request.

What are grade boundaries and how do they work?

Grade boundaries are the marks needed to achieve a particular grade for a course.

In each National Course, the course assessment (which may involve an exam or coursework, or both) has an intended level of demand and difficulty. This reflects the grade descriptors for the course and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level at which the course is set.

If we find that a course assessment has been easier or more difficult than intended, we will adjust the grade boundaries to make sure that the level of difficulty required to achieve an A, B, C or D in the assessment remains unchanged from one year to the next.

More on how grade boundaries are decided.

We take our responsibility to uphold the high standards of Scottish qualifications very seriously.

I have been awarded a grade D - what does this mean?

National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses are awarded at grades A - D. If you receive a grade D result this means you have been awarded the course and you scored between 40 and 49% in the course assessment.

Candidates who score less than 40% are not awarded a National Course and will receive a ‘No Award’ result.

Is a Grade D in a National 5 worth more than a pass at National 4?

Yes. National 5 courses (which are graded A - D) are worth 24 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 5. National 4 courses (which are not graded) are worth 24 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 4 and have a lower level of demand and challenge compared with National 5 courses.

What does 'No Award' mean?

For National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses, a ‘No Award’ result means the candidate has not passed the course assessment and therefore has not been awarded the course.

Candidates must score at least 40% in the course assessment to be awarded the course. Those who score less than 40% will receive a ‘No Award’ result.

Is there a fallback position for National Qualifications?

No, there is no automatic fallback, or other compensatory arrangement at any level. For example, if you fail a National 5 course, you will not automatically receive a National 4 award.

If I fail a course, can I repeat it the following year?

Yes, it is possible to repeat a National Course. However, you will need to discuss this with your school, college, or training provider first as they will make the final decision on whether to re-enter you for the course.

If you repeat a National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher course, you will need to re-take the full course and its assessments, as your achievements from one year cannot be transferred into the same course in the following year.

If you have previously completed a coursework assessment, such as a project or an assignment, you will need to produce a new one. However, you may be able to use your previous research.

Why is there no grade showing for my course on my certificate?

Please check which course you are missing a grade for, and whether it is a National Course or a Skills for Work course (Skills for Work courses are available at National 5 and Higher).

Skills for Work courses are not graded – they are assessed as pass or fail by your teacher or lecturer. If a Skills for Work course is listed on your certificate, this means you have passed the course.

If your certificate is missing a grade for a National Course at National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher, this normally means you have not achieved a grade A to D in the course assessment and have received a ‘No Award’ result.

If you have received a ‘No Award’ result for one or more of your courses, this would normally be stated on the letter that accompanies your Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC).

Why have my National Units not been graded like my course results?

National Units are not graded – they are assessed as pass or fail by your teacher, lecturer or training provider. If the units are listed on your certificate, you have passed them. If they are not on your certificate, it is possible you have failed them, or that your school, college or training provider has delayed a decision on your result until you complete the evidence needed for a pass.

If you think your unit results are missing, please discuss this with your school, college or training provider.

Why are there no levels against my National Units?

Some National Units do not have levels. These are usually units called 'modules' or 'short courses' that were offered by SQA's predecessor bodies. We now call them 'unlevelled National Units'.

I have received a letter that says I haven’t been successful in achieving the full award (or awards) in the National Course (or courses) that I took this year. What does that mean?

Unfortunately, this means that you have not achieved grades A-D in any of the course assessments for the National Courses you took this year.

I didn’t get the grade (or grades) I was expecting, can I submit an appeal?

If you have concerns about a grade or (grades), you might want to consider submitting an appeal using our free Appeals 2023 service. You can appeal directly to us, or you can ask your school, college or training provider to do this for you.

Visit www.sqa.org.uk/appeals to find out more.

I didn’t get the grade (or grades) I needed to secure my place on a college or university course, or in training or employment. What should I do?

If you have concerns about a grade (or grades) you might want to consider submitting an appeal using our free Appeals 2023 service. Your appeal can be prioritised if you have a conditional place at university or college, or in training or employment that depends on your grade.

Visit www.sqa.org.uk/appeals to find out more.

If you don't get the results you were hoping for, the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) will be happy to speak to you and give you some guidance on what to do next.

UCAS contact details:

Telephone number: 0371 468 0468

Facebook: facebook.com/ucasonline

Twitter @ucas_online

Operational hours: Monday - Friday, 08:30 am - 6.00 pm.

Address: UCAS, Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ

You can also call the Skills Development Scotland Results Helpline, where qualified careers advisors will be on hand to offer you careers advice, and to discuss clearing vacancies and alternative options.

Skills Development Scotland Results Helpline:

Telephone number: 0808 100 8000

Website: www.myworldofwork.co.uk/examresults

Opening times: 8 and 9 August from 8 am to 8pm, and 10 and 11 August from 9 am to 5pm

SCQF

What is the SCQF and what does it do?

SCQF stands for Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. The SCQF shows how all qualifications in Scotland, such as those awarded by SQA and universities, compare with each other. There's more information on the SCQF website www.sqa.org.uk/scqf.

It supports progression or movement between different qualifications — for example:

  • how Highers (SCQF level 6) help prepare learners for HNC/HND (SCQF level 7/8) or university degree courses (beginning at SCQF level 7 and awarding at SCQF levels 9 or 10)
  • how learners who have achieved an HND (SCQF level 8) can often get direct entry into the third year (SCQF level 9) of a related undergraduate degree course in some universities

What does SCQF level mean?

The level of the qualification shows how demanding it is. There are 12 SCQF levels, with level 1 being the least demanding (the introductory level of qualification) and level 12 the most demanding (for example, PhDs).

SCQF level 7 is the starting point of the higher education levels on the framework.

How do SCQF credit points work? What do they mean?

SCQF credit points are based on the amount of time the average learner would take to complete the qualification. As well as including the time spent learning in school, college, university or training, it also includes self-directed learning — study at home or the library.

One SCQF credit point represents a notional 10 hours of learning. So, for example, if you achieve a Higher course (SCQF level 6) with 24 SCQF credits, you will have done about 240 hours of learning.

Why is SCQF information shown on the certificate?

The SCQF has been used in Scotland's schools, colleges and universities for over 16 years, and employers are increasingly aware of it. With more and more qualifications being placed on the framework, we feel that it is right to include SCQF information on your certificate.

Knowing your SCQF information can help you make decisions about what to do next. It also helps colleges and universities make decisions about entry or progression and helps employers understand how your qualifications compare to other qualifications.

SCQF information also helps people outside of Scotland to compare Scottish qualifications to qualifications on their own frameworks.

Are SCQF credit points the same as UCAS tariff points?

No, SCQF credit points do not relate to UCAS tariff points. UCAS tariff points are designed solely for deciding how useful a qualification is for progression into higher education. They take account of the type of qualification and the grade achieved.

By contrast, SCQF credit points measure how much learning needs to be done at a certain level to achieve a qualification, regardless of the grade achieved.

Why does Scotland need a Framework of levels and credits?

The Framework shows that qualifications are broadly comparable (though this does not mean that they are equivalent) by describing them using a common language of level and credit.

The SCQF supports the Scottish Government's lifelong learning strategy and - now that there's more mobility of learners and workers across the UK, Europe and internationally - qualification Frameworks are the method by which learning will be understood globally. SCQF information will be useful to holders of the Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC) so they can explain to employers and training providers how their qualifications compare to other qualifications.

Who will benefit from the SCQF?

The SCQF is beneficial to a wide range of people and organisations such as:

  • people of all ages and circumstances who access education and training over their lifetime to fulfil their personal, social and economic potential
  • employers, learners and the public who will be able to understand the full range of Scottish qualifications, how they relate to each other and how they can contribute to improving skills
  • qualification providers, who will be able to describe programmes of learning that lead to qualifications and make the relationship between qualifications clearer

Other benefits will be to:

  • clarify entry and exit points and support the development of routes to progress from qualification to qualification
  • maximise the opportunities to transfer credit between qualifications
  • assist learners to plan their progress and learning

Who developed the SCQF?

The SCQF is managed by a partnership of SQA, the higher education sector (working through the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), Colleges Scotland and Universities Scotland), and the Scottish Government. An industry representative also sits on the SCQF Board. However, a much wider range of stakeholders have overseen the SCQF's development, including Skills Development Scotland, learndirect scotland, the Confederation of British Industry, Confederation of Scotland's Local Authorities (COSLA), Federation of Small Businesses, Education Scotland and Communities Scotland.

Are qualifications that have the same level equal?

No. The SCQF level shows that qualifications at the same level involve the same complexity of learning, but each qualification may differ in terms of the subject, purpose and size. For example; qualifications on the same level may have a different number of credit points, which will show that more time is needed to achieve the qualification. For example, an Advanced Higher is at SCQF level 7 and has 32 credit points, while a Higher National Certificate is also at SCQF level 7and has 96 credit points. Not only are the qualifications different sizes, but they are also different types and serve different purposes.

Are all credit points worth the same?

Yes. (And no.) SCQF credit points are all allocated on the basis of one SCQF credit point to 10 learning hours. This means that the six SCQF credit points for a Higher Unit and the six credit points for an Intermediate 2 Unit each represent 60 hours of learning. However, the credits for Higher have been gained at level 6, while the credits for Intermediate 2 have been gained at level 5. This means that the learning at level 6 is more complex than level 5.

Do I aim to get as many credits as possible, or as many qualifications at the highest level?

You should aim for the programmes of learning that are best for you at different times of your life. For example, at school you might try for Highers (level 6). Later on, you might want to learn a new skill as a hobby, and that qualification could be at SCQF level 5; or during your working life you might take an SVQ at SCQF level 7.

Do credits entitle me to study for another qualification or job?

Individual universities and colleges set entry requirements for their courses, so it is up to them to determine how relevant your learning is compared to their requirements. However, the SCQF level and credit points of your qualifications help them to make this decision.

Employers are normally more likely to be interested in the SCQF level of your qualifications than the number of points achieved. However, credit points indicate the amount of learning you have achieved at an SCQF level, and will tell the employer how big the qualification is.

The SCQF:

  • helps qualification-providers describe programmes of learning that lead to qualifications and makes the relationship between qualifications clearer
  • clarifies entry and exit points, and supports the development of routes to progress from qualification to qualification
  • maximises opportunities to transfer credit between qualifications
  • helps learners plan their learning and progress

Where will I see the SCQF?

Information about the SCQF appears on your Scottish Qualifications Certificate. Many colleges and universities mention the SCQF in their prospectus or on their website. Local authorities have been using SCQF since 2001 to report on school attainment.

Who uses the SCQF?

SQA, colleges and universities have been working with the SCQF for some years. In Scotland, universities use the SCQF to describe their qualifications and all degrees offered by universities have been placed on the Framework. This helps learners to move and progress between programmes and institutions.

What other qualifications are in the SCQF?

The Framework already includes some non-mainstream qualifications. For example, Midlothian Council has had its Crèche Worker training course placed on the Framework, and qualifications offered by the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland and the Scottish Police College have been included in the SCQF Framework too.

Will SCQF replace qualifications like doctorates, degrees and HNC/Ds?

No. You will still be awarded a degree or a Diploma. The Framework doesn't replace qualifications - it simply shows how one qualification broadly compares with another.

Does the SCQF award qualifications?

No. Awarding and accrediting qualifications is done by SQA and other organisations like universities, colleges, statutory and professional bodies. Additionally, colleges can credit rate their own or other organisations provisions.

Does the SCQF measure the quality of teaching?

No. That is not part of the SCQF's purpose. The Framework is a new way of comparing and understanding Scottish qualifications. Education Scotland reviews the quality of learning and teaching in Scotland.

Does the funding that schools, colleges and universities get depend on the SCQF level of the courses they teach?

No. This is not part of the SCQF's purpose. Funding is reviewed by other organisations such as the Scottish Funding Council, local authorities and Scottish Enterprise.

What SCQF information is shown on the Scottish Qualifications Certificate SQC?

The certificate has three sections:

  • The summary of attainment, which lists all of the Group Awards, Courses and stand-alone Units that you have achieved and shows SCQF levels of the qualifications which have been credit-rated
  • The detailed record of attainment gives more detail about the qualifications you've achieved since the last certificate was issued, and will include SCQF levels and credits
  • The profiles section shows your current achievements in Core Skills and SCQF credits

Why do I need to know about the SCQF?

The SCQF can help learners to negotiate their way through the lifelong learning journey. They need to know that they can use their SCQF credit points towards new qualifications, and that there are different paths they can take. For example, many learners who have achieved an HND have used this credit towards a degree - instead of entering a university in year 1 they enter into year 2 or 3. This will become even more important as more and more qualifications are included in the Framework.

How do I work out the total SCQF credits I have?

On your Scottish Qualifications Certificate there's a profile page that gives you a breakdown of all the credit points you have gained and their SCQF levels.

How were grades 1 - 6 in Standard Grades shown in the SCQF?

The grades 1 - 6 showed how well the learning had been achieved within one of three levels:

  • grades 1 or 2 were awarded at Credit Standard Grade - SCQF level 5
  • grades 3 or 4 were awarded at General Standard Grade - SCQF level 4
  • grades 5 or 6 were awarded at Foundation Standard Grade - SCQF level 3

Why do grades  A, B, C and D get the same number of credit points in National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher and Intermediate 1 and 2 ?

The SCQF level is a guide to the general level of knowledge and skill needed to achieve that award. The number of SCQF credit points gained doesn't change depending on your grade - the SCQF credit points reflect how much learning you've achieved, not how well you've learned it. Your grades show how well you have done.

Does the SCQF make a difference to my exam results?

No, the SCQF has no effect on exam results. Level and credit are gained when you achieve individual Units and external assessments. The grading you get in an exam does not affect the SCQF level. Please see the above question above 'Why do grades A, B, C and D get the same number of credit points in National 5, Higher, Advanced Higher and Intermediate 1 and 2?'.

What if I sit a number of qualifications at the same level?

It makes no difference. Each individual qualification is allocated an SCQF level and you will be awarded each qualification, even if these are at the same level. For example, National 5 and Intermediate 2 are both at level 5. If you achieve these you will be awarded both qualifications and gain SCQF credit points for each. These examples have 24 credit points each, giving you 48 SCQF credit points at SCQF level 5. It's the same if you achieve two National 5s - you get 48 points at level 5.

What support will candidates have to help them understand all of this?

All candidates receive the flyer 'About Your SQC' with their certificate. As well as explaining your results, this tells you what the SCQF is, how it works, and what it means for you.

All SQA centres (schools and colleges for example) have received a short guide to the SCQF called 'Achievement Counts', which is designed to help learners understand the SCQF. It is available to download on the SCQF website, www.scqf.org.uk. All SQA centres also have supplies of 'Your Exams' and 'About your SQC'. 

Copies are also available from the SCQF office, by e-mail: s.houtenfeeley@scqf.org.uk or telephone: 0141 225 2927.

All SQA Centre Co-ordinators have a Resource Pack containing copies of presentations, guides and leaflets to help explain the SQC and the SCQF to colleagues, parents and learners.

If you have any questions on the new SQC, please contact SQA's Business Development & Customer Support Team on: 0303 333 0330 or contact myCentre

Is there an easy way to see SQA qualifications in the SCQF?

Please download our Ready Reckoner (134 KB) of SQA qualifications in the SCQF.

Will the SCQF help candidates get a college or university place?

Not directly. Entrance into college or university is at the discretion of the institution, and normally relies on learners' grades and subjects. However, the SCQF will help colleges and universities understand what learners have achieved. As more qualifications are allocated an SCQF level and credit points, the SCQF information will become important to the institutions to help make entry and credit transfer decisions.

Will the SCQF help candidates get a job?

Not directly, but the Framework diagram is a useful way to show potential employers what level of learning has been achieved. Work is continually being done to help employers understand how the SCQF can help them recruit the employees they need.

I have heard the terms 'general credit' and 'specific credit' being used. What does this mean?

The SCQF credit points given to a qualification are 'general' credit points. They don't relate to any subject or any particular purpose - they just help people understand how qualifications relate to one another.

If the holder of an award decided to apply for a different type of qualification, he or she might be able to use some or all of the credits achieved towards the new qualification, but this would depend on the subject match. For example, an HND in Business might provide a large number of credits toward a degree in Business, but only a small number of credits towards a professional qualification in Accounting. Specific credit means credit that would count for a specific purpose - it is usually given at the discretion of the institution you're applying to.

What if I have enough general credit points but not sufficient specific credit points for progression?

An institution may ask for a number of credits in a specific subject area at a particular SCQF level, and may ask you to supplement your learning to gain these credits. This may be at a level below or above the general credit points you already have.

Will the SCQF replace recognition for prior learning/experience?

No, but the 'SCQF Handbook' contains guidance on recognition of prior learning that may help to quantify it. This can be found on the SCQF website (www.scqf.org.uk).

Individual institutions will also have their own policies on recognition of prior learning and experience.

Do other countries have their own Frameworks?

The current Frameworks for England and Nothern Ireland are the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The HE sector has the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ). In Wales, the Credit and Qualifications framework Wales (CQFW) incorporates the NQF, QCF and HE Frameworks.

The Republic of Ireland has its own Framework, the National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland which, like the SCQF, includes general qualifications normally taken at school, vocational education and higher education.

The Qualifications can cross boundaries (886 KB) leaflet shows the Frameworks of the UK and how the qualifications within them roughly compare.

Additionally there is a European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The idea behind this Framework is that each European member nation will reference their Framework to the EQF. This may act as a translation device and provide a common currency by which learners and workers will be able to have their learning compared across Europe.

Do stand-alone Units have an SCQF level and credit points?

SQA Units have an SCQF level and credit points. However, not all SVQs have SCQF credit points, as they are owned by the Sector Skills Councils, which are responsible for these qualifications.

The Scottish Qualification Certificate (SQC) issued by SQA reports the level and credit points of each Unit a candidate achieves, in addition to the level of the overall qualification, to which they may contribute.

Will all SQA Group Awards be positioned on the SCQF?

Group Awards are positioned on the SCQF. However, a small number of legacy qualifications do not. These will either lapse or be replaced by SCQF credit rated qualifications.

Are SVQs given level and credit points in the SCQF?

The ready reckoner that shows the mainstream Scottish qualifications in the SCQF shows SVQs notionally positioned. The Scottish Government had previously funded a project to credit rate (the process of allocating SCQF level and SCQF credit points to be placed in the Framework) individual SVQs. This work was led by SQA and involves Sector Skills Councils (who develop the standards that SVQs are based on), and awarding bodies approved to deliver SVQs in Scotland have contributed to this work. 

SVQs are made up of different Units, and because of this, the amount of credit they are awarded varies. SVQs are also made up of mandatory and optional Units, and so some people will have the same SVQ at the same level but will have a slightly different number of SCQF credit points, depending on which optional Units they completed. 

Many SVQs have been credit-rated, with other SVQs being available for credit-rating as appropriate, such as when they come up for review or revision.

Your Certificate

Where can I find information about my Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC)?

Detailed information about each part of your Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC) is available from our SQC webpage

My certificate is damaged, can I get a new one?

If your certificate has been damaged in the post, your school, college or training provider can request a new one for you. Please speak to you teachers, lecturers or training practitioners once the new term starts.

My name has been spelled incorrectly on my certificate, can I get a new one with the correct spelling?

If there is an error on your certificate, your school, college or training provider can request a new one for you. Please speak to your teachers, lecturers or training practitioners when the new term starts and ask them to request a new one on your behalf.

Why are results missing from my certificate?

If you're missing results, or there are results listed that you weren't expecting to see, please speak to your teachers, lecturers or training practitioners once the new term starts.

Your school, college or training provider will look into this for you. SQA will only send you an updated certificate once the school, college or training provider sends us the necessary information.

Why have I received two certificates with different information on them?

You may have two different Scottish Candidate Numbers linked to your name. This could have happened if you have recently changed your name, or if you've been studying at different centres where a new Scottish Candidate Number would be generated.

Please take both certificates to your school, college or training provider and ask them to contact SQA. We will then merge the information together on a single certificate.

Can I have something removed from my certificate?

We can only amend your certificate if there has been an error. If you think there has been an error, please speak to your teachers, lecturers or training practitioners once the new term starts.

I successfully completed the National 4 Added Value Unit for my course. Why is it not showing on my certificate?

If you're missing results, or there are results listed that you weren't expecting to see, please speak to your teachers, lecturers or training practitioners once the new term starts.

Your school, college or training provider will look into this for you. SQA will only send you an updated certificate once they provide us with the necessary information.

I have received a letter saying I have not been successful in achieving the full award(s) in the National Course(s). What does that mean? 

This means that you have not been awarded an A-D grade in one or more of the National Courses you did this year.

Any National Units you have achieved will be recorded on a separate certificate.

If you're missing results, or there are results listed that you weren't expecting to see, speak to your teachers or lecturers when you return to school or college.

What is the detailed record of attainment that’s included with my certificate?

The detailed record of attainment is a full and detailed breakdown of the content of all qualifications you have achieved this year.

View more information on the detailed record of attainment.

What is the summary of attainment?

This part of your certificate is a summary of all the SQA qualifications you’ve achieved so far, not just the ones from this year.

View more information on the summary of attainment.

I sat my qualifications in the medium of Gaelic, will this show on my certificate?

If you have completed National Qualifications in the medium of Gaelic, you will receive a single certificate that displays these qualification titles in Gaelic.

SQA awards the following courses in the medium of Gaelic:

  • National 3 – National 5 Applications of Mathematics (Gnìomhachas Matamataigs Nàiseanta 3 - Nàiseanta 5)
  • National 4 Biology (Bith-eòlas Nàiseanta 4)
  • National 3 – Advanced Higher Geography (Cruinn-eòlas Nàiseanta 3 - Àrd-Ìre Adhartach)
  • National 3 – Advanced Higher History (Eachdraidh Nàiseanta 3 - Àrd-Ìre Adhartach)
  • National 4 – Advanced Higher Mathematics (Matamataig Nàiseanta 4 - Àrd-Ìre Adhartach)
  • National 3 – Advanced Higher Modern Studies (Nuadh-eòlas Nàiseanta 3 - Àrd-Ìre Adhartach)

MySQA

If you signed-up for and activated a MySQA account, the qualifications you achieved through the medium of Gaelic will also be displayed in Gaelic in the text message and in the email you receive.

Why are the Gaelic medium course titles not listed on my certificate?

All Gaelic medium course and unit titles will be reported in Gaelic on your certificate, followed by an English translation in brackets.

If you have achieved the full course award, your detailed record of attainment will include a recognition statement (in English) to indicate that you completed the course in the medium of Gaelic and were assessed in the medium of Gaelic.

If you have not completed the full course, or received a ‘No Award’ result, your detailed record of attainment will still include the units you have achieved and these will also be reported in Gaelic.

If you're missing results, or there are results listed that you weren't expecting to see, please speak to your teachers, lecturers or training practitioners once the new term starts.

Are Gaelic medium qualifications worth the same number of SCQF points and UCAS tariff points as the equivalent qualifications in English?

Yes, Gaelic medium qualifications have the same number of SCQF points and UCAS tariff points as the equivalent qualifications in English.

Why does my certificate not have the correct Gaelic spelling (for example, it doesn’t include grave accents)?

Unfortunately, some characters used in Gaelic cannot be printed on your results certificate. We are reviewing this as part of our Gaelic Language Plan commitments.

For more information on SQA’s Gaelic Language Plan, visit our Gaelic Language Plan webpage.

Can I order a replacement certificate in Gaelic?

You can order a replacement certificate using our Replacement Certificate Service. We can only provide replacement certificates that display course and unit titles in Gaelic for qualifications completed in 2012 onwards. If you are requesting a replacement certificate for qualifications completed before 2012, your replacement certificate will be issued in English only.

There is usually a £40 fee for replacement certificates. However, if you are a care experienced learner aged 26 or under, you can request a replacement certificate for free.

View more information on SQA’s Replacement Certificate Service.

What are core skills?

Core skills are a group of five skills that are key to learning and working in today's world. These are:

  • Communication
  • Numeracy
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Problem Solving
  • Working with Others

Any core skills you have achieved will show on the Core Skills Profile of your Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC).

For more information, visit www.sqa.org.uk/coreskills.

Why do the core skills I've been awarded not show on my certificate at the same level as my course and unit achievements?

The core skills that are built into our qualifications are not always at the same level as the courses or units.

For more information about the core skills you have achieved, please speak to your teachers, lecturers or training providers. You will also find more information about core skills on our website at www.sqa.org.uk/coreskills