SQA Has Become Qualifications Scotland: What This Means for COTS Training Customers
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is undergoing a major transition – and it’s now becoming Qualifications Scotland, the new national awarding body responsible for delivering and accrediting qualifications across the country. This change is part of a wider reform of Scotland’s education system, designed to improve support for learners, educators, and training partners.
At COTS Training, we know that any change in awarding bodies can raise questions. The good news? Your qualifications, your courses, and your learning experience remain exactly the same.
Let’s break down what’s changing – and what isn’t.
Why is SQA becoming Qualifications Scotland?
The transition is driven by the Education (Scotland) Bill and a national effort to modernise and strengthen Scotland’s qualifications system. Qualifications Scotland is being created to better align with the needs of learners, educators, and employers. It aims to build a more open, collaborative, and transparent organisation with a refreshed vision.
Some key drivers behind the change include:
- A renewed focus on supporting learners and educators, with new charters and committees ensuring their voices shape decision-making.
- A more responsive and trusted education infrastructure, designed to work more closely with schools, colleges, and training providers across Scotland.
- Continuity of strong foundations – retaining the expertise and standards of SQA while strengthening the organisation’s future direction.
Importantly, SQA staff and leadership are transferring to the new organisation, ensuring continuity and stability.
What does this mean for COTS Training customers?
In short: nothing changes for you.
Here’s what stays the same:
- Your qualifications remain fully valid, valued, and recognised. This applies to all past, present, and future awards.
- Your courses continue as normal. Every COTS Training programme previously delivered under SQA will seamlessly operate under Qualifications Scotland.
- The standards and quality of assessment remain unchanged. Qualifications Scotland will uphold the same robust processes that learners, employers, and educators trust.
These points are reinforced by the awarding body’s own guidance emphasising continuity and reassurance for learners and centres.
You can view all of our Qualifications Scotland courses here.
Does the course content or structure change?
No – your course stays exactly the same.
Qualifications Scotland maintains the authority to design and award the same qualifications, with minimal operational change from SQA. The reform focuses on governance and long‑term improvement, not altering existing qualifications suddenly or significantly.
All COTS Training certification pathways, assessments, and learning outcomes remain fully protected throughout the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did SQA change its name to Qualifications Scotland?
The change is part of national education reform to create a more learner‑focused, transparent, and collaborative qualifications body. It builds on the strengths of SQA while refreshing its approach and vision for the future.
What does this mean for my qualification?
All SQA qualifications – past, present, and in progress – remain fully valid and respected. The transition does not affect the status of any award.
Will my COTS Training course change?
No. Your course content, assessments, and learning outcomes stay exactly the same. Only the awarding body name has changed.
Do I need to take any action?
No. The transition is automatic and handled by the awarding body. Your learner journey continues as normal.
Will new qualifications be introduced in the future?
Qualifications Scotland may review and improve qualifications over time as part of its long-term reform strategy, but no immediate course changes affect current learners.
Final Thoughts
The move from SQA to Qualifications Scotland marks an exciting evolution for Scotland’s national qualifications system – but it brings complete continuity for learners. At COTS Training, we remain committed to delivering high‑quality training backed by a trusted, nationally recognised awarding body.
If you have any questions about your qualification or enrolment, our team is here to help.