Functions

SQA's functions are to:

devise, develop and validate qualifications, and keep them under review
accredit qualifications
approve education and training establishments as being suitable for entering people for these qualifications
arrange for, assist in, and carry out, the assessment of people taking SQA qualifications
quality assure education and training establishments which offer SQA qualifications
issue certificates to candidates.

Qualifications include:

National Qualifications
including Standard Grade and National Units and Courses at Access, Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher levels
Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/HND)
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)
Customised Awards and Professional Development Awards

SQA is also responsible for developing and distributing 5-14 National Tests to schools as part of the Government's 5-14 Programme.

SQA's key objectives, which are developed annually in conjunction with the Scottish Government are set out in SQA's corporate and business plans which are approved by Ministers each year.