SQA

General information

SQA is an internationally recognised provider of flexible qualifications and services that give a range of opportunities for employers, training providers, professional bodies, awarding bodies, schools or colleges.

We are an executive non-departmental public body (NDPB) sponsored by the Scottish Government Schools’ Directorate. We’re an Ofqual approved awarding body as well as the national accreditation and awarding body in Scotland.

SQA works in partnership with industry to provide high quality, flexible and relevant qualifications and assessments, embedding industry standards. In addition, SQA ensures that qualifications are inclusive, accessible to all, provide clear progression pathways, facilitate lifelong learning and that candidate achievement is recognised.

Our international consultancy arm has a reputation for excellence and efficiency that has been built up over more than fifteen years. To achieve our qualifications, people have to develop and demonstrate real skills. There’s no better set of qualifications for up-skilling a workforce, or for progressing in your career and education.

Our Customised Awards can help you to formalise in-house training, increase skills levels and meet regulatory requirements.
Specialties Qualification development and delivery, Qualification Accreditation, International Consultancy Services, Customised Awards, Endorsement, Licensing of Qualifications, Qualification and training programme Credit Rating.

2015 brought the 90th anniversary of Scotland’s first Higher National Qualifications graduates. In 1925, 24 engineers and chemists attained the first Higher National qualifications in Scotland.

Our role has been pivotal in the development and uptake growth of these short cycle higher education qualifications. Delivered across the world they enable advanced degree programme entry and prepare work ready graduates.