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Frequently Asked Questions:
Course Certification

I paid for a hardcopy certificate, and it hasn’t arrived, what happens now?

When we take payment for a hardcopy certificate, we post these First Class, Recorded Delivery by Royal Mail. We can provide the tracking number of the certificate to you upon request, and this can be used to track the progress of your certificate. We do not accept and responsibility or liability for (a) any certificates that do not reach their destination, or (b) certificates returned undelivered to us once we have left in the care of Royal Mail. Any re-posting of undelivered certificates, or any duplicates required to certificates being damaged or lost in the post will be charged at the same rate.

Can I order a hardcopy version of my certificate?

For many of our MCA Approved courses, we can provide an embossed stamped, high-quality hardcopy version of the certificate. You will be sent this option when we email you the electronic version to you if applicable. For PSA, PDSD and Crowd Management & Passenger Safety courses, there is a small administration/postage charge to cover the certificate costs of £36 GBP (inclusive of VAT). Those taking the Ship Security Officer (SSO) Course are sent their certificate free of charge.

Please Note: This is an optional service and not a mandatory requirement. If you choose to use this service, you accept the charge associated with it.

How long does the MCA Approved (STCW ISPS) Course Certificate stay Approved for?

The Online MCA Approved (STCW ISPS) Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA), Designated Security Duties (PDSD), and Ship Security Officer (SSO) courses approval date does not currently have an expiration date on the related official certificates.

I need my official certificate urgently; can you help me?

For learners requesting us to expedite the awarding of their certificates, this will include out-of-hours requests, same day turnaround, etc. there is an administration charge of £65 GBP +VAT (where applicable) charge. No work will be carried out until payment is received via a secure online payment.

How long do I have to wait for my official certificate?

For courses that require our verification [such as MCA Approved courses] and as long as you have followed the instructions in the course, you will note that official certificates are awarded 24 to 48 hours after you have notified us of your result, and we have actioned it. This is based on the working week (Monday to Friday, 0900hrs to 1630hrs GMT). Weekends and UK Bank Holidays will be taken into consideration, and certificates awarded the following working day.

Do I receive a certificate online?

CPD Approved courses have a certificate of attendance / completion assigned to it and you will be able to access and download it upon successful completion of your course. UK DfT MCA (STCW ISPS) Certificates are provided via email upon verification by the MCA Certification Team.

Are your online course certificates internationally recognised?

Our MCA Approved Courses fall under the Standards for Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW), and the course Learning Outcomes adhere to the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) Knowledge, Understanding & Proficiency (KUP) Requirements, and the relevant International Maritime Organization (IMO) Course Models. The courses are fully compliant with the training under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Many of our courses are also Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Approved under the CPD Accreditation Board. Courses are evaluated by the CPD to ensure that they meet with the required standard expected in a quality training course.

Both of these Approvals and Accreditations are Internationally-recognised under the relevant certification.