What is PARS?
The Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) rewards apprentices for the skills they have gained and their commitment to continuous development and professional standards.
Depending on the level of apprenticeship completed, successful applicants are awarded one of four levels of recognition, with the right to use post-nominals (letters that an individual can use after their name to indicate their achievements), and a certificate displaying the full title of the award.
PARS is brought to you by the Association of Apprentices and the Chartered Institution for Further Education to recognise the unique educational route offered by apprenticeships.
“Your peers are already posting about PARS as well as updating their LinkedIn profiles and CVs to include their new post-nominals!” (Association of Apprentices, 2024)
What are the post-nominals for apprenticeships?
There are four levels of post-nominals associated with PARS awards:
- CSA (Certificate of Standard Apprenticeship)
- CAA (Certificate of Advanced Apprenticeship)
- CHA (Certificate of Higher Apprenticeship)
- CGA (Certificate of Graduate Apprenticeship)
Depending on the apprenticeship you complete, these post-nominals can be use after your name to indicate your achievement.
How to apply for PARS
1. Check your eligibility
You must have completed a UK apprenticeship on or after 1st January 2019. You'll need a copy of your UK apprenticeship certificate. This will be sent direct to you following successful completion of your apprenticeship.
Please note: it can take up to up 12 weeks following your final assessment. For certificate queries with us, please email: support@lifetimetraining.co.uk.
2. Complete the application
Be prepared to provide additional details based on your personal reflections on your apprenticeship journey.
3. Keep an eye on your email inbox
Sit back and relax! This can take up to 6 weeks. Successful applicants will receive a digital certificate by email and a hardcopy certificate in the post. You will then have the right to use the relevant post-nominal designation for the level of award achieved.