Preparing Qualifications Scotland / SQA certificates for Vietnam starts with the record the receiving organisation actually needs. Ginkgo Advisory offers UK solicitor certification, FCDO paper apostille and e-Apostille services, subject to the document\’s eligibility and the preparation agreed after review.
Document identity: Qualifications Scotland succeeded SQA; Scottish qualification records may carry either name, and the replacement format depends on the age and type of achievement.
Qualifications Scotland / SQA certificate apostille for Vietnam without embassy legalisation
Since 11 September 2026, the Apostille Convention has applied to Vietnam. The Vietnamese Embassy in London notice confirms that covered UK public documents bearing a valid apostille no longer need its consular legalisation. For those documents, the authentication process ends at the apostille stage.
The document still needs to be the evidence requested. Qualification recognition, professional standing, translation and the recipient\’s document-format requirements remain separate matters.
Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA): certificates, records and verification
An SQA certificate remains part of the record
Qualifications Scotland replaced the Scottish Qualifications Authority on 1 February 2026. Existing records may therefore carry SQA branding, while newer documents use Qualifications Scotland. The organisation’s transition guidance explains the continued use of existing services and materials; the change of name alone is not a reason to assume an earlier certificate has become unusable.
For UK apostille preparation for Vietnam enquiries, supply the name actually printed on the certificate, the Scottish Candidate Number where available and the complete award title. A National qualification, Higher National award or vocational qualification should retain its own description rather than being relabelled as a degree.
Replacement formats depend on the record
The replacement service explains that achievements from 1995 onwards can be combined in a replacement record, including awards under SQA and Qualifications Scotland. Earlier achievements may be provided in a certified statement format rather than a reproduction of the historic certificate. Some group awards are included within that statement instead of receiving a separate commemorative certificate.
Ask which format will be issued for the particular achievement before requesting a replacement. If a Vietnamese recipient has specified an individual certificate or transcript, check whether the available combined record meets its request. The document’s present appearance may differ from an older original without changing the underlying award history.
Keep the complete attainment record
A Scottish Qualifications Certificate can include summary and detailed attainment information. Retaining the relevant pages helps a reviewer see the award, level, result and associated identifying details rather than relying on a single detached page.
Online achievement access or an authentication service may help confirm a record, but it is a separate question whether the Vietnamese recipient requires a paper document for submission. Ginkgo Advisory can review the certificate or certified statement proposed for preparation and identify the pages included in the enquiry. School attendance, course duration and study mode may require evidence from the education provider rather than the awarding record alone.
Official Qualifications Scotland / SQA document guidance
- Qualifications Scotland transition and digital services
- Replacement Scottish qualification certificates
- Scottish Qualifications Certificate guidance
Our solicitor certification service for Qualifications Scotland / SQA documents
Our solicitor certification service begins with the certificate, supporting records and available verification evidence. We identify the proposed certification statement and any source checks needed. Tell us if the recipient specifies an original, a certified copy, particular wording or a notary.
A true-copy certification and an issuer authenticity check address different questions. An online verification response can support the review, but it should not silently replace a certificate, transcript or current-status letter requested by the recipient. The FCDO apostille authenticates the relevant signature, seal or stamp; it does not establish the qualification\’s academic content or permission to practise a profession.
UK FCDO paper apostille and e-Apostille options
The GOV.UK legalisation guidance distinguishes the paper and electronic services. Eligibility, accepted certification and the required underlying document should be settled before selecting the service.
| Service | Document preparation | Presentation |
|---|---|---|
| Paper FCDO apostille | Suitable paper certification and the FCDO submission agreed for the record. | A physical apostille attached to the prepared document, with delivery arrangements confirmed. |
| UK FCDO e-Apostille | Available for eligible records prepared as a PDF electronically signed by a UK solicitor or notary. | For eligible documents, a digitally signed electronic package retained for digital submission and verification. |
For the electronic route, we review the record and arrange suitable solicitor electronic certification before FCDO submission. A digital certificate issued by the awarding body is a different document from the FCDO e-Apostille.
The UK electronic process uses an Advanced Electronic Signature or Qualified Electronic Signature, as explained in the FCDO electronic legalisation announcement. A scanned handwritten signature is different from that signing process. Preserve the issued file and its attachments when sharing it.
Electronic apostille recognition and the underlying record
The HCCH guidance explains that an e-Apostille has the same status as a paper apostille and cannot be refused solely because it is electronic where the Convention applies. Its e-APP background note separately addresses acceptance of the underlying electronic document. Check how the Vietnamese recipient requires the certificate and any translation to be presented.
Certificate, transcript, results statement or membership evidence
Use the actual document titles published by the issuer. Some bodies provide unit transcripts or statements of results; others provide membership evidence, a certifying statement or an award-confirmation letter. A general request for a transcript does not mean every organisation issues a university-style academic record.
Where regulated status matters, check the exact award and the relevant UK jurisdiction. The official qualification-search guidance provides a starting point. An organisation may offer regulated qualifications alongside other provision. Endorsement, membership, professional registration and a university degree are separate forms of evidence.
Using Qualifications Scotland / SQA records for employment or study in Vietnam
Obtain the employer\’s, institution\’s or local adviser\’s checklist. Identify which record is requested, whether each supporting document needs authentication, and whether separate documents or an appropriately certified set will be accepted. Combining files into one PDF does not itself establish that one apostille covers the whole set.
The Embassy notice calls for a Vietnamese translation of a non-Vietnamese document, notarised or certified under Vietnamese law. Ask the recipient how the certificate, supporting record and apostille should be translated and submitted. A UK brand name or an overseas training centre\’s association with it does not determine the issuing country of every document.
Frequently asked questions
Does my apostilled Qualifications Scotland / SQA document need a Vietnamese Embassy stamp?
No additional embassy legalisation is required for a qualifying UK public document bearing a valid apostille under the Convention.
Can a results statement replace the original certificate?
That depends on the issuer\’s available service and the recipient\’s evidence request. A provisional result, certifying statement and final certificate should keep their separate descriptions.
Can I begin the enquiry while I am in Vietnam?
Yes. Send clear copies and any official verification or sharing details. We will confirm the evidence, original-document requirements and delivery arrangements after review.
How much will certification and apostille cost?
Request an itemised quotation for the agreed source checks, solicitor certification, FCDO service and delivery. Include your deadline and any issuer replacement request already in progress.
Arrange Qualifications Scotland / SQA document certification and apostille with Ginkgo Advisory
Our service is overseen by KH Lam, LLB, LLM, a London-based solicitor of England and Wales regulated by the SRA and registered with the FCDO for apostille purposes. Ginkgo Advisory prepares and submits the documents; the FCDO issues the apostille.
Send the complete certificate and requested supporting records, exact qualification or membership title, issue date and reference, training centre where relevant, and the Vietnamese recipient\’s instructions. Explain name differences and any existing certification or apostille. We will assess the actual record and provide a quotation for the appropriate preparation.
UK apostille service · e-Apostille services for eligible documents · Contact Ginkgo Advisory