Apprenticeship certificates are going digital: what apprentices need to know
The Apprenticeship Service has launched a digital certificate service. Apprentices will need their unique learner number (ULN) to access and share their certificate.
Railway Competence Group
Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation (RN6118) and Rail assessment specialist
Apprentices can now view and download their apprenticeship certificate through a new digital certificate service from the Apprenticeship Service. It is part of a gradual move to a digital-first approach to certification.
What is changing
For now, the digital service runs alongside the existing printed certificate process. During this transition, assessment organisations such as RCG will still provide apprentice postal addresses as part of certification, and printed certificates will continue to be sent. Apprentices will also be able to get their certificate directly online once it is available.
How the new service works
Once an apprentice has completed their apprenticeship and their certificate is available, they will be able to:
- sign in to the digital certificate service
- confirm their identity using their unique learner number (ULN) and other security questions
- view and download their apprenticeship certificate
- share a secure verification link with employers and others to confirm their achievement
What apprentices should do now
The most important step is to find and keep a record of your ULN before you finish your apprenticeship. Having it ready means you can access your certificate as soon as it becomes available.
If you do not know your ULN, ask your training provider. Employers and providers can help apprentices find it ahead of end-point assessment.
Why it matters
The digital-first approach will:
- give apprentices direct access to their certificate through a secure online service
- make certificates available immediately once issued
- give a secure way to share proof of achievement with employers and third parties
- reduce reliance on printed certificates and postal delivery
- remove the need for assessment organisations to hold apprentice postal addresses once the move to a fully digital service is complete
The Apprenticeship Service says users asked for a simpler, more accessible way to get and share their certificates, and that the digital service is more secure, efficient and sustainable.
Questions?
If you are an apprentice, employer or training provider working with RCG and have questions about certification, contact our team.
