Q: How much does it cost to become a centre?
A: This depends on the region where you operate. City & Guilds trades in different currencies across the world, and the costs vary in each region.
Q: How long does it take to become a centre?
A: Our Service Level Agreement specifies that the approval process should take no longer than 30 days, depending on our Quality Assurance team receiving the necessary documentation and fees from you.
Q: How can City & Guilds help me to meet their criteria of becoming a centre?
A: You can request an advisory visit before applying to become a centre and/or provide our qualifications. Advisory visits provide general advice about meeting our conditions, help identify issues that need attention and allow staff to ask questions.
Q: Who is an External Verifier?
A: External Verifiers are appointed by City & Guilds to make approval visits and recommendations where necessary, to confirm that organisations can satisfy our centre and qualification approval criteria. External Verifiers are qualification subject-matter experts and are also experts in Quality Assurance.
Q: What can I do if my application has been rejected?
A: An application would only be rejected if the applicant did not address the feedback from the Quality Assurance team or the action plan from the External Verifier. Every effort will be made during the approval process to explain to you any areas requiring improvement, to ensure the success of the application.
Q: Can I appeal if my application has been rejected?
A: If an application for approval is refused prior to approved status being granted, there is no right of appeal.
Q: Are there alternative ways for me to offer City & Guilds qualifications?
A: You cannot offer City & Guilds qualifications without formal centre and qualification approval.
Q: Do I have to renew my approved centre status?
A: Yes, centre approval is valid for two years, subject to ongoing compliance with our approval criteria. After this period, you will need to re-apply for centre approval.
Q: Do I need to apply for qualification approval when applying for renewal of centre status?
A: Yes, unless you want to provide examinations only. If you wish to continue offering qualifications, you will need to send at least one application for qualification approval along with your submission for centre approval.
Q: What do I do if I am an established centre and I need to:
- change my details?
- change a candidate’s details?
- issue replacement certificates to learners?
- obtain SmartScreen user guides?
- get help with Walled Garden?
- use the City & Guilds logo?
- provide feedback?
A: Contact the customer support team in the managing office in your country/region
If you have any other questions about becoming a centre, please contact the City & Guilds representative office in your country or region.