The establishment of a national body for coordinating Post School Education and Training (PSET) in Samoa was identified in the Education Policies and Strategies (Education Policies 1995-2005; and Education Strategies 1995-2005). The need for a coordinated PSET approach for Samoa was reinforced in a 2003 review by the International Labour Organisation and the United Nations Development Programme. As a result, SQA was legally established under the SQA Act 2006 to provide policy advice, coordinate and quality assure the PSET sub-sector in Samoa. The work of the SQA is continuing under the SQA Act 2010 which strengthened the regulatory functions of the SQA for PSET. Over the years, SQA has built its network and work scope as listed below:

• Programme Accreditation;
• Recognition of Non Formal Learning activities;
• Workplace Assessment process;
• National External Moderation process;
• Quality Audit;
• Qualifications Registration;
• Samoa Qualifications Framework;
• Provider Registration;
• Programme Development process;
• Record of Achievement;
• Recognition of Current Competencies;
• Careers Advisory Services;
• Registration and Licensing of TVET Lecturers & Trainers;
• Coordination of the PSET Support Fund; and
• Research, Policy and Planning development.