SQA's qualification development cycle

To ensure SQA's portfolio of qualifications is inclusive, addresses progression needs, and reflects Scotland's economic, social, political and cultural needs, SQA scrutinises proposed developments to ensure there is a demonstrated need and reviews existing qualifications periodically for currency and relevance.

For every SQA managed development/review, the process of establishing the need for a qualification has to be completed whether the idea has come from Scottish Government, SQA, employers or others. To begin the development cycle, a Development Opportunity Form (68 KB) should be completed and e-mailed to your SQA Account Manager or if unknown please email to mycentre@sqa.org.uk

For centres with devolved authority to validate Group Awards the process of establishing need is the same as that of an SQA managed proposal.  Where a need has been established and development approved, the materials contained in the section below provide an overview of the process, roles and responsibilities for development through to review.

Please note: All single centre requests MUST be accompanied with a project plan, this is available here, along with an email from the centres Internal Quality Team or Senior Management to confirm they have approved the request prior to the request being submitted to SQA.

Process overview for centres with devolved authority to validate Group Awards