National 5 Chemistry
Course Specification (04/06/2026)
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
- National 5 Chemistry course specification September 2019
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).
- Chemistry Specimen Question Paper National 5 September 2017
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.
- National 5 Chemistry questions section 1 (679 KB)
- National 5 Chemistry questions section 2 (0.99 MB)
- National 5 Chemistry marking instructions (1.42 MB)
Coursework (04/06/2026)
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 Chemistry coursework assessment task September 2024
Understanding Standards (04/06/2026)
Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries
Audio Presentation
- National 5 Audio Presentation (16.45 MB) (revised June 2026) (13 minutes) (24.50 MB) (24.64 MB)
- Chemistry Units: assessment and external verification (SCQF level 3 - SCQF level 7) (36.85 MB)
Changes to understanding standards materials
Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.
Course reports (18/09/2025)
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 Chemistry course report September 2025
- 2024 National 5 Chemistry course report November 2024
- 2023 National 5 Chemistry course report September 2023
Course support (19/11/2024)
- National 5 Chemistry question paper brief November 2024