Qualifications Scotland and SQA: Spain Homologation & Equivalence

Qualifications Scotland now provides the record route for many awards originally issued by SQA and its predecessors. For Spanish homologation or equivalence, preserve the original qualification title while explaining the connection to the current certificate issuer. The award’s framework, content and complete study history matter more than the name printed on a newly issued replacement document.

Establish the qualification before choosing a Spanish procedure

Spain’s university recognition guidance concerns eligible completed official university qualifications. A professional designation, examination certificate or diploma is not automatically a university degree. UK qualification levels list degrees and other awards separately: sharing a level does not make the qualifications identical. RQF and Scottish framework levels also use different numbering.

University homologación assesses a qualification against a covered Spanish regulated-profession qualification. University equivalencia concerns Grado or Máster academic level and does not itself grant those professional practice rights. Identify the actual award before selecting either route.

Connect an SQA award with a current replacement certificate

Qualifications Scotland’s official 2026 guidance states that it took over from the Scottish Qualifications Authority on 1 February 2026. Its replacement service brings together qualifications gained from 1995 onwards on current Qualifications Scotland certificate paper, including awards originally issued by SQA.

When requesting a replacement, provide the original award details and the name under which the achievement was recorded. Keep any surviving SQA document with the replacement so that the original certification history remains clear. A new certificate’s issuing date should not be mistaken for the date when the qualification was gained. Identify the Scottish framework and exact award type when describing the record; avoid translating a Scottish level number directly into an assumed RQF level or Spanish academic qualification.

Obtain study-duration evidence from the appropriate record holder

For qualifications gained before 1995 through predecessor organisations, the service supplies a Certified Statement; it also explains that it holds qualification certification dates rather than school registers or school-leaving certificates.

A certificate or historical Certified Statement can confirm qualification achievement without recording every part of the attendance history. Where the Spanish procedure requires programme duration, subjects or workload, identify the school, college or other competent record holder for that information. Check that supporting records use dates consistent with the qualification history, and explain legitimate differences between study, certification and replacement dates. For older predecessor awards, retain any official explanation of the issuer relationship rather than changing the historical qualification name yourself.

Official sources for the qualification and document details above:

Check whether non-university homologation is relevant

The separate non-university homologation procedure requires official validity within the foreign education system and sufficient correspondence with the Spanish qualification in level, duration and content. It excludes credentials outside the relevant educational system. An awarding body’s recognition, a qualification’s regulated status or a membership certificate does not establish that every award meets these conditions.

For vocational study, check the available Spanish Formación Profesional titles and the competent authority’s requirements. Non-university homologation establishes equivalence to the relevant educational title; it is distinct from the university declaration of equivalence to Grado or Máster.

Assemble evidence for the exact award and study pathway

Use the applicable official document checklist and identify:

The final certificate, full qualification title, awarding body, award date and any qualification reference number.
Official results or unit records, study dates, programme content and workload, with prior study or practical training evidence where required.
The teaching centre and the issuer of each supporting document, including any records issued outside the UK.

A progression agreement or top-up offer does not confer a university degree. If a university subsequently awarded a separate degree, review that completed award and the earlier learning credited towards it under the university procedure’s own conditions.

Confirm the authentication chain before certification and apostille

The non-university legalisation guidance generally concerns the original educational issuer’s signature, not merely a copy-certifier’s or translator’s signature. Confirm the required chain before relying on a certified copy. An organisation’s UK address does not establish where every supporting record was issued.

For a university application, the separate UK-specific Ministry instructions require solicitor or notary certification to state explicitly that authenticity was verified with the issuing institution. Legalisation authenticates the relevant signature; it does not establish eligibility for homologation or equivalence.

Agree the document format and official Spanish translation

FCDO guidance advises checking whether separate apostilles or a grouped set is required. Where an electronic apostille is appropriate, the UK route requires a PDF electronically signed by a UK solicitor or notary. An awarding body’s PDF, digital badge or verification code is not automatically that certification; retain the original electronic files.

The official translation rules provide recognised routes for translation into Castilian Spanish, including a sworn translator authorised in Spain. Settle the document and authentication requirements before arranging translation of the final set.

Questions about Qualifications Scotland qualifications in Spain

Does a replacement on Qualifications Scotland paper change an original SQA award?

The replacement format should be read alongside the recorded qualification and achievement dates. Do not present the newer issuing organisation or replacement date as evidence of a new course or higher award. Preserve the original qualification history and obtain any additional study evidence needed for the Spanish assessment.

Can a university progression agreement replace a final degree certificate?

A progression arrangement describes access to further study. It does not establish that the holder completed that study or received the university’s degree. Where a separate university award has been completed, obtain its final award evidence and academic record and identify any earlier learning credited towards it.

Official university qualification requirements.

Prepare your Qualifications Scotland documents with Ginkgo Advisory

Send the original SQA or predecessor award details, any replacement certificate and available study records when requesting document review.

Ginkgo Advisory can review your records and proposed document process, identify the verification route and confirm whether solicitor certification and paper or electronic apostille support are appropriate for the application. The service scope depends on the qualification, issuing country and accepted authentication chain. The competent Spanish authority decides homologation or equivalence.

Contact Ginkgo Advisory or email info@ginkgoadvisory.com with your documents and intended Spanish procedure. We can confirm the verification route, service scope and quotation after reviewing the records.

Qualifications Scotland: Homologation and Equivalence in Spain