Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS)
All your unique apprenticeship achievements wrapped up and showcased in just three letters after your name
Apprenticeships are a unique route that provide the skills and experience needed to create a bright future. Show the world that you completed your apprenticeship by gaining the PARS award
Why apply for PARS?
PARS is a new awards scheme for those who have completed an apprenticeship in the UK. Successful applicants will be able to use letters after their name, which means people will automatically recognise your apprenticeship achievement.
In a nutshell, having the PARS award letters after your name shows that:
Learn more about how having letters after your name can benefit you, and how to use them.
PARS is brought to you by the Association of Apprentices and the Chartered Institution for Further Education.
There are four PARS awards, depending on your apprenticeship level:
CSA
Certificate of Standard Apprenticeship
Level 2 (Eng / NI / Wales)
Level 5 (Scot)
Fee = £40
CAA
Certificate of Advanced Apprenticeship
Level 3 (Eng / NI / Wales)
Level 6 (Scot)
Fee = £58
CHA
Certificate of Higher Apprenticeship
Levels 4 & 5 (Eng / NI / Wales)
Levels 7 & 8 (Scot)
Fee = £64
CGA
Certificate of Graduate Apprenticeship
Levels 6 & 7 (Eng / NI / Wales)
Levels 9-12 (Scot)
Fee = £75
The fee is a single payment, made at the time of application. There is no need for renewal or any ongoing payments.
Can’t afford the fee? You might be able to access financial support! Click here for more details.
Eligibility Criteria - You must...
have completed an apprenticeship in the UK
As long as you did your apprenticeship in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, you can apply. There are no time restrictions on when you completed your apprenticeship.
have your official apprenticeship completion certificate
See the images below and the additional notes in the FAQs for the certificates we accept.
provide the name and details of someone who can verify you
This person can be from your current or apprenticeship employer, training provider, or a senior industry professional. They won't be involved in the application process.
Eligible Certificates
The majority of people who complete their apprenticeship will receive a certificate like those shown below, To apply, you must have received a completion certificate.
Note: some degree apprentices may receive a certificate from their university instead of one of the below examples – these will also be accepted though some additional evidence of the degree apprenticeship may be requested on an individual basis.
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Application Process
The application process is really quick and straightforward. You will just need to complete some basic personal information, answer some general questions about your apprenticeship experience, and (for higher levels) provide further information based on your personal reflections on your apprenticeship journey. Here’s overview of the information we ask for:
Section 1 – Personal Details
All applicants
- Name
- DOB
- Email and home addresses
- Mobile number
- Job title
- Name of your current employer
Section 2 – Apprenticeship Details
All applicants
- Name of your apprenticeship employer (if different to your current employer)
- Name of your training provider
- Issuing Authority for your apprenticeship (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales)
- Apprenticeship certificate number
- Apprenticeship title
Section 3a – Your Apprenticeship Experience
All applicants
Answer questions about:
- The skills and behaviours your apprenticeship helped you develop
- How your apprenticeship has helped you develop skills for the future
- If your apprenticeship has helped you gain experiences outside your main role
- What you have done since completing your apprenticeship
Section 3b – Your Apprenticeship Experience
From Level 3 (Eng/NI/Wales) / Level 6 (Scot) upwards
- A free-text box (up to 250 words) to provide at least two examples from your own experience about the benefits of achieving your apprenticeship
Section 3c – Your Apprenticeship Experience
From Level 4 (Eng/NI/Wales) / Level 7 (Scot) upwards
Two free-text boxes (up to 250 words each):
- Describe how you are continuing your professional development, any training, learning & development you have undertaken, and any future plans.
- How do you think your apprenticeship will help you to progress and contribute to your organisation, industry and/or wider community?
Section 4 – Declaration
All applicants
Provide the following details about the person endorsing your application:
- Name
- Job title
- Company / organisation
- Work email address
Financial Support
We want PARS to be accessible for everyone who have completed a UK apprenticeship, and although we have kept the application fees as low as possible, we appreciate that some applicants might appreciate some help to pay. Therefore we are working with partners to provide bursaries that cover the fees for certain applicants.
Click here to see what bursaries are on offer at the moment. And if you don’t meet the eligibility this time, keep checking back as we may be adding new bursaries soon!
Questions?
Check out our FAQs! Or drop us a line at pars@associationofapprentices.org.uk.