This paper outlines and evaluates a range of initiatives undertaken by the Scottish Qualifications Authority under the banner of Understanding Standards. The programme represents a significant area of work through which the national awarding body for Scotland has made available training and development for practitioners that will help them to gain a clearer and shared understanding of the standard required by SQA's external assessments. The main projects developed in this area include: A series of events offering teachers and lecturers staff development on the understanding of standards which underpin National Qualifications in a range of subjects including English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, French and Art& Design, Media Studies and Classics. Publication of Principal Assessor's reports for all subjects on an annual basis. The reports indicate the strengths and weaknesses in candidate responses to the examination just sat. Appeals exemplications (SQA considers appeals on the outcomes of all national qualifications) to help practitioners gain a clearer understanding of the type of material that is most useful in supporting an appeal. The exemplifications consist of support materials which indicate the strengths and weaknesses of types of evidence in a wide range of subjects Preparation of Course Assessment Specifications is a development in response to requests from stakeholders for advice on how to develop valid Course assessment instruments. The online provision of Marker guidelines which detail general marking principles, illustrations of the principles in use in specific subjects and an opportunity for the user to test their own understanding with some real examples of candidate work.