Is a certificate the same as a regulated qualification?

Not always. A certificate is not automatically a regulated qualification. Recognition depends on the qualification title, level, awarding body and assessment method, which the provider confirms.

Are free courses accredited?

Whether free or government-funded adult courses are accredited or recognised, and why the awarding body and certificate depend on the specific course and provider.

Quick answer

Some funded courses lead to regulated qualifications or recognised certificates, but not all do. Whether a course is accredited — and which awarding body and certificate apply — depends on the specific course and provider. A training provider confirms the awarding body, qualification level, assessment method and certificate before you enrol.

Answer a few quick questions and we'll help match you with suitable funded course options.

Check if you're eligible for a free course

Whether a course is free or government-funded does not tell you whether it is accredited. Some funded courses lead to regulated qualifications; others may be non-regulated or awareness-based. What matters is the specific course, not the fact that funding may be available.

You can check whether a qualification is regulated using Ofqual's public services, but the simplest step is to ask the provider directly. To see what routed options might apply to you, check your eligibility.

What a provider should confirm

Ask for the exact qualification title, level, awarding body, assessment method and the certificate you would receive. A provider confirms whether a qualification is funded for your circumstances and what recognition it carries.

Try not to assume that a named awarding body — for example NCFE, CACHE, TQUK, City & Guilds or Pearson — automatically makes a course right for your goal. Recognition depends on the exact qualification, its level and your target role, which is why the provider confirms the details.

Frequently asked questions

Next steps

If you think you may be eligible, you can check in a few minutes. Browse funded course areas, see how matching works, then complete the eligibility form.