What You Need to Know About The the Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme [PARS]

Did you know that once your learners have successfully completed their end point assessment with Steadfast EPA (or any other EPAO) they are eligible for the Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme?

The Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) is an initiative in the UK designed to formally recognise individuals who have completed an apprenticeship. This program, developed in collaboration with the Association of Apprentices (AoA) and the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE), aims to elevate the professional status of apprenticeships. Successful applicants will be entitled to use specific post-nominal letters after their names, helping to highlight their skills and commitment to professional development.

Award Levels and Post-Nominals:
PARS offers four levels of recognition, each corresponding to the level of apprenticeship completed: –

• CSA – Certificate of Standard Apprenticeship – Level 2 (England, Northern Ireland, Wales) – Level 5 (Scotland) – Fee: £40
• CAA – Certificate of Advanced Apprenticeship – Level 3 (England, Northern Ireland, Wales) – Level 6 (Scotland) – Fee: £58
• CHA – Certificate of Higher Apprenticeship – Levels 4 & 5 (England, Northern Ireland, Wales) – Levels 7 & 8 (Scotland) – Fee: £64
• CGA – Certificate of Graduate Apprenticeship – Levels 6 & 7 (England, Northern Ireland, Wales) – Levels 9–12 (Scotland) – Fee: £75

These fees are one-time payments with no renewal requirement.

Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a PARS award, applicants must:

• 1. Have completed an apprenticeship in the UK on or after January 1, 2019.
• 2. Provide an official apprenticeship completion certificate.
• 3. Include the name and contact details of a verifier, such as an employer, training provider, or senior industry professional.

Purpose and Benefits
PARS serves several important purposes:

• Recognises the unique educational pathway of apprenticeships.
• Highlights the skills and experiences acquired through apprenticeships.
• Supports the employability of apprentices by granting formal recognition.
• Contributes to raising the esteem of apprenticeships as a credible and valuable educational route. By allowing individuals to use post-nominal letters, PARS helps them showcase their achievements and commitment to continuous professional development. This, in turn, enhances their career prospects and professional identity.

More information on the PARS can be found here: PARS – Association of Apprentices