Apprentice Certification
For apprenticeships in England, certificates are issued via the ESFA once the End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) confirms the final grade and successfully claims the certificate through the Apprenticeship Service. Ensure you're ready for the process with the key information below.
Overview
Certificates can only be claimed when all EPA components are complete and verified. After a successful claim, certificates are typically produced within 15 working days. Most apprentices receive certificates within three to six weeks after completion, depending on claim timing, verification, and delivery arrangements.
Requirements for claim
An ESFA claim can only be submitted when:
- all EPA components are completed and passed (including any resits/re-takes)
- IQA/verification is complete and records reconciled
- learner details and documentation are accurate and consistent across systems.
Common claim blockers
There are a variety of reasons why a claim may be blocked. Here are some of the most common reasons, and ways that they can be fixed:
- Incorrect/incomplete learner details (e.g., ULN, legal name, DOB).
- Mismatched records between the Apprenticeship Service, provider, and EPAO systems.
- Funding eligibility/status issues or unresolved holds.
Many of the common blockers to claims can be preempted at registration. To ensure a smooth claims process, familiarise yourself with the steps here.
Certificate delivery
Certificates are normally sent to the training provider, but can be sent to the employer if an agreement has been established. If you’ve changed your employer, contact your training provider promptly to update delivery details before the certificate is issued. This will ensure that you receive your certificate without disruption or delay.
Missing or delayed certificates
If your certificate hasn’t arrived within the expected timeframe, contact your training provider first to confirm claim status and delivery address.
A replacement can be requested if a certificate was lost or never received. Fees may apply in line with policy.
Changes and amendments
If there’s an error on the certificate (e.g., a name spelling error), the training provider must request a correction with supporting evidence. A corrected reissue will be sent once approved.
Provider closure or administration
If your training provider has entered administration, contact our Customer Service Team by emailing epasupport@tquk.org or calling 03333 583 344 to verify details and arrange an alternative delivery address. Additional checks may be required, which we’ll talk you through when you reach out.
Common results troubleshooting
Results are released only when all components are complete*. If your results haven’t been released, there is likely an outstanding component on your record. A similar rule applies to outstanding overall grades, which are only released once every component has been marked, verified, and processed. Please get in touch with your training provider to find out more.
If you’re looking to appeal a grade, please refer to our Appeals Policy, or contact our Customer Service Team for more information. TQUK does not issue formal academic transcripts, but you can contact your college or training provider for a breakdown of your results.
When contacting us, we’ll require some key information to verify your identity. Please be ready to provide your:
- name
- training provider’s name
- unique learner number (ULN)
- date of birth
- standard name
- EPA completion date
- preferred delivery address (if needed).