English Language Requirement
Qualifications Scotland Requirements for International Assessment Delivery in English
QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND requires that all assessments delivered internationally in English must ensure consistency, fairness, and accessibility for candidates whose first language may not be English. Centres must ensure that:
Assessment language is clear and accessible: All assessment materials must be written in plain, unambiguous English, avoiding unnecessary complexity, idioms, or culturally specific references that could disadvantage non-native speakers.
Language level is appropriate to the qualification: The linguistic demand of assessments must align with the qualification level and not exceed what is required to demonstrate subject knowledge or skills.
Assessment validity is maintained: Language must not act as a barrier to demonstrating competence unless communication skills in English are an explicit part of the assessment criteria.
Reasonable adjustments are considered: Where appropriate, centres should provide support in line with QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND guidelines (e.g., additional time or clarification of instructions), ensuring this does not compromise assessment integrity.
Consistency with QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND standards: All international centres must adhere to QUALIFICATIONS SCOTLAND quality assurance procedures to ensure that assessments delivered in English are equivalent in standard to those delivered in Scotland.
Clear instructions and guidance: Assessment tasks, marking schemes, and candidate instructions must be clearly structured and easily understood by international candidates.
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