Qualifications

Over 500,000 callers have got help and advice by calling our helpline

After he was attacked by a gang, Jason dropped out of school.

Non-advanced

National Qualifications
Although often associated with school, many adults now go to college and broaden their range of qualifications by studying for National Qualifications, which include Standard Grades, Intermediate, Higher or Advanced Higher qualifications.

Standard Grades, which replaced 'O' Grades, can be gained at Foundation, General or Credit level.

There are also unit-based National Qualifications. These are available at five levels:

Access	Entry level
Intermediate 1	Usually taken after achieving a Standard Grade Foundation award
Intermediate 2	Usually taken after achieving a Standard Grade General award
Higher	Usually taken after achieving a Standard Grade Credit award
Advanced Higher	Usually taken after Higher award (replaces Certificate of Sixth Year Studies)

Designed to be taken in progression, entry level into a subject for most adult learners will depend on ability and it may suit some to go straight to the Higher or Advanced Higher levels. It is also possible to study a range of subjects at different levels.

National Qualifications at Higher and Advanced Higher level are the main qualifications required for access to most university degrees.

National Qualifications are awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Back to qualifications