SQA is responsible for designing and developing the new National Qualifications which support Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). 

The new qualifications will help you to show the knowledge, understanding and skills that you develop at school and will help prepare you for further learning, training and employment. As well as the National Qualifications, we have lots of other awards, certificates and courses that you can study in school.  These can give you life and work skills which will help you understand what it might be like in the workplace.

The New Qualifications are designed to highlight what you can do as well as what you know. They also take into account that different people learn in different ways and will reward your strengths, your hard work and skills - both in and out of the classroom.

Our Wider Achievement Awards recognise the life and work skills that you gain from activities you may already be taking part in at school or elsewhere - such as sport or fund-raising activities.

Skills for Work Courses are all about helping you get to know about the demands and expectations of the world of work. There are lots of courses, covering everything from beauty to construction, and health to hospitality. Take a look at www.sqa.org.uk/skillsforwork

National Progression Awards (NPAs) and National Certificates (NCs) get you ready for employment, career development or studying at HNC/HND level. Both assess your skills and knowledge in specialist work-based areas and are available in lots of subjects. You'll find more information at www.sqa.org.uk/npa

If you need help or advice about any of SQAs qualifications you can ask SAM - find her on Twitter: @MYSQA_SAM and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MYSQA.SAM

Further information

www.sqa.org.uk/cfeforyoungpeople

www.sqa.org.uk/pastpapers

www.sqa.org.uk/cfesubjects