Become an approved City & Guilds centre

Deliver recognised qualifications and apprenticeships that employers trust and learners value.

A partnership that strengthens your training provision

Becoming a City & Guilds centre is more than approval. It’s an opportunity to grow your provision, build stronger employer relationships, and deliver meaningful outcomes for your learners. With industry‑recognised qualifications, apprenticeships, and dedicated support, you’ll have everything you need to deliver training that truly makes a difference.

Ready to take the next step? Here’s what approval enables you to deliver.

Guidance and resources at every stage

From first enquiry to ongoing delivery, we support you through each stage of becoming and operating as an approved centre – combining practical skills solutions, expert guidance, and robust quality assurance to help you deliver training that makes a measurable impact.

Getting started

Clear onboarding guidance and requirements to help you prepare and apply with clarity.

Approval and setup

Practical frameworks, checks, and expert advice to meet quality and compliance standards.

Delivery and assessment

Teaching resources, planning templates, and delivery support to help you deliver confidently and consistently.

Ongoing improvement

Responsive support, regular updates, insights and events to strengthen delivery and outcomes over time.

Check that you meet the requirements

Before starting your application, make sure you have these essentials in place:

Appropriate training facilities and resources

Suitable policies and quality assurance procedures

Qualified staff to deliver and assess your chosen qualifications

Evidence of financial stability

A nominated centre contact

Systems to manage learner data and record-keeping

If you meet these requirements, you’re ready to apply. If not, our team can guide you through what’s needed.

View centre approval requirements

From application to approval

Here’s what to expect when applying to become a City & Guilds centre. We'll support you at every stage – from understanding your organisation and goals, through application and approval, to getting started with delivery.

1

Customer Application Form (CAF)

Tell us about your centre

1-5 working days for sales contact

2

Consultation & Application of Interest (AOI)

Get tailored guidance and confirm suitability

Typically, 5–10 working days

3

Centre Approval Application (CAP)

Meet our quality standards

Up to 30 working days for approval

4

Once approved, start delivering

Register learners and begin delivery

Immediately after approval

How to apply: Your step-by-step guide

Follow the three-stage application process to start delivering City & Guilds and ILM qualifications and apprenticeships and join our global network of over 10,000 approved centres.

Step 1. Complete the Customer Application Form (CAF)

Tell us about your organisation so we can understand your goals and connect you with the right support.

You’ll be asked to provide:

Type of organisation

Key named contacts

Available facilities

Anticipated learner numbers

A City & Guilds or ILM representative will contact you within five working days to discuss your needs and confirm next steps.

Step 2. Consultation and Application of Interest (AOI)

We’ll arrange a consultation to understand your organisation and confirm the right approach for approval. As part of this stage, you’ll be asked to complete an Application of Interest (AOI), which helps us assess your readiness and suitability before you submit a full application.

During this stage, we will:

Review your proposed delivery plans

Confirm City & Guilds or ILM is the right fit for your organisation

Provide access to Walled Garden to submit your Centre Approval Application

Give you access to our resource hub with guides and tools to support delivery

Step 3. Submit your Centre Approval Application (CAP)

Submit details about your delivery team, facilities, policies, and quality processes. Our Centre Quality team will review your application and may request clarification or additional evidence. Depending on your delivery model, an External Quality Assurer (EQA) visit may be required.

Once approved, you’ll receive:

Your Centre Approval Certificate

Your City & Guilds centre number

Access to register learners and deliver qualifications

Need guidance before you apply?

Our team is here to help you understand requirements and answer your questions. Call 01924 206 709 or email directsales@cityandguilds.com.

Talk to our team

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Learner registrations from September 2024 – August 2025 City & Guilds Impact report 2025

Deliver qualifications and apprenticeships that drive real impact

As an approved centre, you can offer a wide range of qualifications and apprenticeships for 16–19 learners and adults across key sectors – from construction and engineering to health, hospitality, and leadership.

Take a look at the qualification or apprenticeship resources to understand the assessment approach and centre requirements. This will help you decide which programmes you’re ready to deliver.

Browse qualification areas

Understand the costs upfront

We’re committed to clear, transparent pricing. Becoming an approved centre includes an initial centre approval fee, along with fees for the qualifications and assessments you deliver.

Costs vary depending on your chosen delivery model, and our team will guide you through the details during your application so you can plan with confidence.

UK customer

View UK centre charges list

International customer

Contact your local office

Apply to become an approved City & Guilds centre

Deliver more than learning – create impact. Our skills solutions enhance organisational performance across industries, inspires learners, and drives growth that reaches beyond the workplace.

Approved centres

Deliver more with City & Guilds

Broaden your offer across industries and levels, from entry to advanced. Strengthen learner progression and respond to employer demand. Request approval for additional qualifications and apprenticeships through Walled Garden.

EPA

Looking for EPA-only services?

Book endpoint assessments through our independent EPAO service. EPA-only approval is a separate service and does not require City & Guilds centre approval or a standard delivery setup. Get started and book assessments with ease.

T Levels

Preparing to deliver T Levels?

T Levels require a separate approval process for eligible providers. The current approval window runs from 23 February to 26 June 2026. Find out what’s involved and how to apply.

City & Guilds Assured

Accredit your in-house training

Give your in‑house training independent recognition with City & Guilds Assured – the global benchmark for excellence. Build credibility with programmes reviewed and quality‑assured against world‑class standards.

ILM

Choose ready-to-run ILM skills workshops

Deliver impactful, pre‑designed 3‑hour leadership and management workshops that are scalable, cost‑effective, and simple to implement. A standalone approval process gives you everything you need to start delivering quickly.

The Oxford Group

Develop your leaders

From middle managers to senior leaders, build mindsets, skills, and behaviours through tailored development and coaching – grounded in meaningful human connection.

ILM

Leadership & management

Leadership looks different in every organisation. Support teams with practical future-ready skills that drive meaningful development opportunities at every level.