For Learners

Getting Started

How to Find an Approved Centre

Apex Awards UK qualifications are delivered exclusively through our network of approved training centres across the UK. You cannot enrol directly with Apex Awards UK — you will need to find and register with an approved centre in your area.

Approved centres are thoroughly vetted organisations including training companies, further education colleges and employer-based training departments. They employ qualified assessors who will guide you through your qualification and support your portfolio development.

To find a centre delivering the qualification you are interested in, please contact us directly and we will match you with approved centres in your area.

Find a Centre Near You

What makes a good centre?

✓ Qualified and experienced assessors in your subject area
✓ Flexible delivery to suit your working schedule
✓ Clear guidance on fees, timescales and expectations
✓ Regular feedback and support throughout your programme
✓ A clear appeals and complaints process

What to Expect

Your Learner Journey

From enrolment to certificate, here is what you can expect when studying an Apex Awards UK qualification.

Enrolment

Register with an approved centre, agree your learning plan and be introduced to your assessor. Discuss any additional learning needs at this stage.

Learning & Assessment

Study your qualification through a combination of learning activities and workplace tasks. Your assessor will guide your portfolio development throughout.

Portfolio Completion

Submit your completed Portfolio of Evidence for final assessment. Your assessor reviews all evidence and makes a final assessment decision.

Certificate Issued

Upon successful completion, Apex Awards UK issues your certificate digitally. It includes a unique ID and QR code for instant employer verification.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about studying with Apex Awards UK. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact us directly.

Ask a Question

The time to complete a Level 3 Diploma varies depending on the subject area and your prior experience. Most learners complete a Level 3 Diploma (60 credits, 600 TQT hours) within 12 to 18 months when studying alongside full-time employment. Some learners with relevant prior experience may complete more quickly, while others may take longer. Your approved centre will agree a realistic completion timeline with you at enrolment.

A Portfolio of Evidence is a collection of documents, records and materials that you build up during your qualification to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and competence. Evidence may include written assignments, workplace documents, observation records, professional discussions, witness testimonies and reflective accounts. Your assessor will guide you on what types of evidence are appropriate for each unit of your qualification.

Most Apex Awards UK qualifications do not require formal prior qualifications for entry. However, you should have a reasonable level of literacy and, for higher-level qualifications (Level 4 and above), some relevant work experience is advisable. Your approved centre will conduct an initial assessment to ensure the qualification is appropriate for you before you enrol. Speak to your chosen centre about their specific entry requirements.

Apex Awards UK certificates are issued digitally as PDF documents. Each certificate includes the learner's name, the qualification title and level, the date of issue, a unique certificate ID and a QR code. Certificates are issued by Apex Awards UK upon confirmation of successful completion from your approved centre, typically within 10 working days of completion being confirmed.

Yes. Every Apex Awards UK certificate can be verified online using the certificate ID printed on the certificate, or by scanning the QR code. Simply visit the Certificate Verification page on this website and enter your certificate ID to retrieve a full verification record. Employers and institutions can use the same tool to verify the authenticity of any certificate.

If you need additional time to complete your qualification due to personal circumstances, work pressures or illness, speak to your approved centre as soon as possible. Centres can apply for a formal extension to your registration period. Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be requested before your original registration period expires. Apex Awards UK's centre guidance sets out the maximum registration periods for each qualification.

Yes. Apex Awards UK qualifications sit within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which is the nationally recognised system for qualifications in England. RQF qualifications are recognised by employers, professional bodies and educational institutions across the UK. Our qualifications are designed in consultation with employers to ensure they reflect genuine workplace requirements, making them particularly relevant to employers in the relevant sectors.

Yes — our qualifications are specifically designed to be achievable alongside full-time employment. The portfolio-based assessment model means that much of your evidence can be drawn from your day-to-day work activities, reducing the amount of additional study required. Your approved centre will agree a flexible learning and assessment schedule that fits around your working commitments.

Your primary source of support will be your assessor at your approved centre, who will provide regular feedback on your portfolio, guidance on evidence requirements and motivation throughout your programme. Some centres also offer access to learning materials, workshops and peer support groups. If you have specific learning needs or a disability, raise this with your centre at the point of enrolment so that appropriate adjustments can be made.

If your certificate has been lost, damaged or requires reissuing, please contact Apex Awards UK directly at info@apexawardsuk.co.uk with your full name, certificate ID (if known) and qualification details. A small administration fee may apply for replacement certificates. Note that your digital certificate can also be re-downloaded at any time from the link provided when it was originally issued.

What's Next

Progression Routes

Completing an Apex Awards UK qualification opens doors to further study and career progression.

After Level 3

Further Study & Career Entry

A Level 3 qualification is equivalent to A Levels and qualifies you to progress to Level 4 study, apply for higher apprenticeships, or enter supervisory and specialist roles in your field. Many learners use Level 3 qualifications as a stepping stone to university study or professional membership.

After Level 4

Management Roles & Higher Education

Level 4 qualifications are equivalent to the first year of a degree. Completion can lead to progression onto Level 5 qualifications, access to the second year of certain degree programmes, or entry into management and project leadership roles with confidence.

After Level 5

Senior Roles & Degree-Level Study

A Level 5 qualification is equivalent to a foundation degree. It opens pathways to senior leadership and strategic management roles, as well as progression to Level 6 (Honours degree) programmes with recognition of prior learning, in partnership with universities.