QUALIFICATIONS SERVICES

SQA coordinates and facilitates the development of National Qualifications Standards, provides a foreign qualification recognition service, and works towards international recognition of qualifications obtained in Samoa. The Authority also facilitates links and learning pathways between school sector and PSET sector, provides support to PSET Providers and manages the record of achievement.

QUALIFICATION is defined as:

“Formal certification that a person has successfully achieved all learning outcomes relevant or identified individual, professional, workplace or community needs”

NATIONAL QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

The Authority coordinates and facilitates the development of National Qualifications Standards by collaborating with stakeholder groups in establishing these Standards in sectors of national development priority identified in the Strategy for the Development of Samoa. The Authority in this function conducts itself in the following manner;

1. Coordinate establishment of Sector Advisory Groups (SAGs)
2. Coordinate data gathering processes to inform development of National Qualifications Standards
3. Coordinate and assist with development of National Qualifications Standards
4. Assist SAGs to establish industry standards and training requirements in identified priority areas
5. Publish and disseminate Guidelines for Development of National Qualifications Standards
6. Coordinate the periodic review of Guidelines
7. Monitor and evaluate initial implementation of National Qualifications- to inform review of Guidelines and process for development

SQA collaborates with stakeholder groups to establish National Qualifications Standards in sectors of national development priority, as identified in the Strategy for Development of Samoa.

What are National Qualifications Standards?

These are industry or skill standards that are endorsed by the relevant sector and are linked to a National Qualification.

Sectors currently under development:

• Agriculture
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Traditional Knowledge and Skills

Process of Development

Phase 1: Needs Analysis
Phase 2: Identification and Writing
Phase 3: Validation

The Guidelines for Development of National Qualifications provide a detailed explanation of this service and Process of Development..

FOREIGN QUALIFICATION RECOGNITION SERVICE

SQA provides a qualifications recognition service for people with overseas qualifications wishing to live, work or study in Samoa. This service is conducted by;

1. Liaising with stakeholders, employers, students and individuals regarding recognition of international qualifications
2. Establishing appropriate levels/comparability of international qualifications on the SQF

Upon receiving an application, SQA conducts assessment of foreign qualifications to determine:

• Whether the qualification is authentic
• Whether the qualification met the required standard in the country of award
• The comparable Samoa Qualification Framework level of the foreign qualification

The Guidelines for Recognition of Foreign Qualifications provide more information on this service and process.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF SAMOA QUALIFICATIONS