‘Starting a new qualification is an opportunity to grow, learn and achieve something meaningful. It’s completely natural to feel a mix of excitement, nervousness and uncertainty. These feelings show that you care about your future and want to do well.
‘You might be thinking:
- can I do this? do I have the skills?
- what will be expected of me?
- how will I balance work, study and home life?
- will I have the support I need?
‘These questions are normal and other successful learners have had the same thoughts. The good news is that confidence doesn’t come all at once it grows and every step you take, no matter how small, is progress. With the right preparation, you will feel more in control and ready for what lies ahead.’
Preparing for success
Success comes from building strong habits, using support around you and staying committed even when life feels busy. Imagine your goal and what it will feel like when you complete your qualification. It is a helpful tip to write this down and look at it from time to time to remind yourself.
Use your support network
Your qualification journey may require extra time and focus, so it helps to let friends and family know what you are working towards. When the people around you understand your goal, they are more likely to encourage you, support you and give you the space you need during busy periods. It can make a real difference especially when motivation dips or deadlines are looming.
Plan and set priorities
Time management is one of the most important tools for staying on track. Having a plan helps you reduce stress, manage deadlines and feel more confident in your progress. Use a calendar or planner to schedule meetings with your mentor or assessor, study sessions and key deadlines. Planning ahead also gives you time to prepare for meetings properly and complete tasks in advance. Focus on the tasks that matter most first and make the biggest impact on your progress. It also helps to complete follow-up tasks soon after support sessions, while the information is still fresh in your mind.
Break it down
Large tasks can feel overwhelming if you look at them all at once. Break them into smaller steps so you always know what to do next and can keep moving forward. Studying in short, focused blocks (25–30 minutes) with short breaks can help maintain energy and concentration.
Limit distractions
Creating a quiet study space can make a real difference. Turn off the TV, silence notifications and keep your phone out of reach while you work. Even small distractions can interrupt your focus and slow your progress.
Review weekly
At the end of each week, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve achieved. Adjust your plan if needed and set yourself clear goals for the week ahead. Regular review helps you stay realistic, motivated and moving forward.
Support for learning
It’s important to remember you don't have to figure everything out on your own. One of the fastest ways to build confidence is to ask questions. This will help strengthen your understanding and you’ll feel more confident and secure in the process. Your employer, colleagues and assessor are all there to support you, in the way that best suits your learning needs.
Your employer will be able to provide practical support such as IT equipment, previous training records and a copy of your job description so you can select the units that are right for you.
Speak to colleagues who have completed the qualification. These conversations can lead to valuable insights, practical tips and reassurance that you’re on the right track.
Your assessor will be your main source of guidance and support throughout the journey. Making notes during sessions gives you something to refer to later and helps you remember important advice, dates and next steps. You should also make them aware of any additional support needs you have, for example if you need a scribe or additional equipment to succeed.
You will find more hints and tips on the SQA website.
SSSC registered
This article is part of our #SSSCregistered campaign where we’re sharing real life experiences of registrants who have recently gained their qualifications, alongside training providers and SVQ assessors to help the social care and children and young people workforce across Scotland learn more about the benefits of qualification and the support available.