SQA Solar
schedule a test - city custom video.mp4SOLAR is SQA's free online e-assessment system. The latest information about SOLAR; how it works, available subjects & tests, and instructional videos, can be found on the SQA SOLAR Website.
COGC is an approved SQA centre and we can upload candidates (students) to the SOLAR assessment system and schedule them for tests in subjects we are approved to offer. The tests are secure, quality assured, pre-verified and both summative and formative. Candidates access the SOLAR online system using a unique keycode, and in most cases are provided with an instant result.
Test delivery
Delivery methods
SOLAR assessments are either created using software called Flash, which requires an extra piece of software to run and sit the test (usually Surpass Viewer) OR are created in HTML and can be run in an Internet Browser. They are referred to as Flash Tests and HTML tests respectively.
SOLAR is currently in the process of converting Flash tests into HTML tests. Until this is complete, there are some differences in how the tests are delivered and taken by students. We recommend confirming and testing the delivery method before you set up a live test and we are happy to help you through this process.
Please see the Guides below for checking test type and delivery method.
Schedule tests on campus
We advise where possible, SOLAR tests be scheduled to be taken on campus. Please timetable the test in one of the following rooms as any relevant software (Surpass Viewer, Chrome Browser, Secure Client) necessary for students to sit the tests is pre-installed in these locations;
City Campus
C.06.059, C.06.060, C.06.061, C.06.063, C.06.064, C.06.066, C.06.067, C.06.069. C.06.070, C.06.078, C.06.079, C.06.080, C.06.081, C.06.082, C.06.083, C.06.086, C.06.087, C.06.089, C.06.090
Riverside Campus 3rd floor
R.03.015, R.03.017, R.03.024, R.03.027, R.03.029
Request an account
To request a SOLAR account, contact the LT Helpdesk. We will create the new account and SOLAR will then send your login details directly to you in a separate email. To ensure smooth delivery of tests, please contact Learning Technologies to request adding candidates (students) to SOLAR at least 7 days in advance of the test.
Instructional videos and guides
We have a range of Guides developed by the LTA or linking to SQA Solar resources. For the full range of SQA guides visit their website.