The Sport Educators are ‘the workforce behind the workforce’. They provide the high-quality training and development opportunities for those who are employed and volunteer in the sport and leisure industry. They in turn provide the best sporting experience for the people of Scotland.
sportscotland’s Sport Education Professional Development Award (PDA SET) is certified at SCQF Level 7 and is equivalent of an Advanced Higher, HNC or CertHE. It is delivered by sportscotland’s team of National Trainers, who are highly skilled and knowledgeable in this area. The NTs will provide support to the learners throughout the course. More information on the award can be found on the SQA website
The course requires approximately 120 hours to complete. It will include some personal study time and building an e-portfolio. The time between the sessions is designed to offer learners opportunities to reflect, plan for practical sessions and research with others. Learners will have the opportunities to work individually, in pairs and as mini groups.
The candidate needs to be nominated by their governing body of sport and/or their employer. They must have a plan for delivery in place, demonstrate a clear desire to be part of the programme and commit to engaging fully in all modules. Full line manager / SGB support and approval must be evidenced in the nomination form. Once the nomination form is approved the candidate will be asked for additional information i.e. date of birth, postal address, learning needs etc.. in order to complete the registration process.
**If a candidate does not commit or complete, not only does it effect our budget and take the place up for another candidate, it also creates a massive amount of extra work for the assessors. All costs are covered by sportscotland but we are now imposing a charge to recuperate the cost of the course for a candidate who does not complete the award within 12 months and can be up to £400 per learner**
I am a candidate ready to register
Any questions please contact us on sporteducator@sportscotland.org.uk
PDA SET 2026
Here are the dates for all learning sessions. Candidates must commit to all sessions in order to complete the award.
Sessions will take place on Wednesdays 6-7.30pm plus one Thursday 6-7.30pm and Sundays 10am - 4pm
Session 1: Introduction | Wednesday 26th August |
Session 2: Learning to Learn | Wednesday 2nd September |
Session 3: Connection, Engaging learners, Questioning craft and Facilitation methods | Sunday 13th September (in person venue tbc) |
Session 4: Facilitating within online environments | Wednesday 30th September |
Session 5: Engaging ourselves and others | Wednesday 7th October |
Session 6: Pause, level up, replay (learners’ choice) | Wednesday 21st October |
Session 7: Online observations | Wednesday 4th November |
Session 8: Online observations | Thursday 5th November |
Session 9: In person observations | Sunday 22nd November (in person venue tbc) |
Assessor PDA (level 8) 2026
This PDA is designed for assessor-candidates who are assessing learners in a practical environment. The sessions are also available for CPD in the assessment process, as well as an opportunity to continue through the assessment process and gain the SQA qualification in "Conducting the assessment process". More information on this qualification can be found on the SQA website
Course dates starting in September are:
Session 1 Holistic Assessment | 10th September |
Session 2 Learning to Learn and Assessment Risks | 24th September |
Session 3 Assessment Decisions (Plan, Do, Review) | 12th November |
Session 4 Generating Feedback | 3rd December |
Internal Verifier PDA (level 8) 2026
This PDA is designed for those in an IV role and responsible within an organisation to maintain and improve the quality of assessment. The types of activities the internal verifier-candidate will be involved in include:
Preparing to internally verify the assessment process.
Arrange and conduct internal verification of the assessment process.
Review and standardise assessment practices and procedures.
Conduct the Internal Verification Process is certified at SCQF level 8. This award is relevant to teachers, lecturers and tutors who may have a role in quality assuring the delivery of a range of qualifications that are assessed in a non-workplace context and in ensuring consistency of assessment decisions. Candidates need to complete a short eLearning course, as an introduction to the award before attending the tutor-led sessions. By the end of the eLearning the candidate will have understood what quality assurance is and why it matters in assessment; the key roles and responsibilities within quality assurance; stages of the internal verification cycle and SQA regulatory requirements, including record keeping and confidentiality.
Course dates starting September are:
8th September
22nd September
6th October
20th October
All 6-7.30pm