Written Question · S4W-25482 · Session 4
Whether it considers that the Scottish Qualifications Authority is restricting competition by not publicising other awarding bodies.
The question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the Scottish Qualifications Authority is restricting competition by not publicising other awarding bodies.
The answer
As an awarding body, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) lists on its website only information about its own qualifications and the centres it has approved to deliver them. This is common practice among awarding bodies who do not publicise each other.
However, the SQA is also an accrediting body which accredits qualifications by other awarding bodies. Users can search on the SQA website for accredited qualifications and the awarding bodies approved to offer them through a search function. Entering key words into the search function returns qualifications which include the key words and lists all the awarding bodies accredited to offer these qualifications.
In order to demonstrate a clear separation between its awarding and accreditation functions the SQA recently launched a separate accreditation website. The website address is http://accreditation.sqa.org.uk. The search function has been moved onto the new website.
However, the SQA is also an accrediting body which accredits qualifications by other awarding bodies. Users can search on the SQA website for accredited qualifications and the awarding bodies approved to offer them through a search function. Entering key words into the search function returns qualifications which include the key words and lists all the awarding bodies accredited to offer these qualifications.
In order to demonstrate a clear separation between its awarding and accreditation functions the SQA recently launched a separate accreditation website. The website address is http://accreditation.sqa.org.uk. The search function has been moved onto the new website.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-25482 by reference.