Transition to SQA Advanced Qualifications

We are currently in the process of transitioning from SQA Higher National Qualifications (HNs) to SQA Advanced Qualifications outside of Scotland – a change which we announced in March 2018.

This means that HNs have been replaced by equivalent SQA Advanced Qualifications.

In terms of content, level and assessment demand

the SQA Advanced Diploma is equivalent to the Higher National Diploma
the SQA Advanced Certificate is equivalent to the Higher National Certificate

The qualification aims, design principles, content, assessment standards and criteria remain the same.

Approval

Your SQA Regional Manager will be able to advise you on the process of gaining subject approval for the equivalent SQA Advanced Qualifications if you wish to offer these.

You may also wish to consider any impact this change may have on funding you receive to deliver our qualifications.

Timescales

For any HNs your centre is currently approved to offer in the UK:

You can continue to enter candidates for HNs until 28 February 2021 at the latest. We will be unable to accept HN entries after this date. Please remember to enter candidates for the group award and all related units.

From 1 March 2021 onwards, you can only enter candidates for SQA Advanced Qualifications.

There is a five year teach-out period for the final HN courses – results must be submitted no later than 28 February 2026.

For any delivery outside the UK (e.g. at any international alternative assessment sites):

Final HN entries were required to be submitted by 31 December 2018.
You must submit final HN results by 31 December 2021.

References to HNs during transition phase

You can continue to use course materials which refer to HNs to teach HNs (started prior to 28 February 2021) until 28 February 2026.

You must not use course materials which refer to HNs when delivering SQA Advanced Qualifications.

From March 2021, you must refer to SQA Advanced Qualifications rather than HNs in any marketing or promotional materials. This includes website copy, URLs, printed materials, banner stands, social media and video content.

Support

Details of the full range of SQA Advanced Qualifications that you may wish to consider delivering are available on our website.

Your SQA Regional Manager will be happy to provide any more information to support you in the transition to SQA Advanced Qualifications.