SQA seeks e-marking 'update'

A tender notice in the Official Journal of the European Union on 27 August 2010, says the SQA needs a comprehensive system that would include software and document management functions. The successful supplier will also provide remote training and support for users. A spokesperson for Scotland's national accreditation and awarding body said it wants to "update" the existing system. "The envisaged enhanced system would, of necessity, mean less actual script handling and movement leading to greater efficiency, less risk, and would further enhance the quality assurance aspect of the marking process," he said. "If it is decided to proceed then it would be a few years before any new system would be employed." Over the five year life of the contract, the authority estimates that the cost of the service will be between £4m and £6m. Since 2004 the SQA has been using multiple choice tests which are marked electronically. In addition, rather than using the paper script completed by candidates, since 2007 it has been supplying markers with scanned electronic images of a candidate's written response.