Short answer
Check the awarding organisation and the Ofqual Register entry, who your tutor is, how fast work is marked, the refund terms and whether the provider holds Direct Claims Status. Then ring them. How they answer tells you most of what you need to know.
1. Who approves the qualification?
Every regulated qualification is issued by an Ofqual-approved awarding organisation, not by the provider. Ask which one, then check the qualification yourself on the Ofqual Register. If a provider talks about being ‘accredited’ but cannot name the awarding organisation, walk away.
Our qualifications are issued by Y Awards (previously YMCA Awards), Focus Awards and Highfield Qualifications. Every course page links straight to its entry on the Ofqual Register (GOV.UK). See our awarding organisations
2. Who will actually support you?
‘Expert tutors’ is easy to write. Look for names, photos and roles. You want a tutor who holds teaching and assessing qualifications and has worked in the sector, not an anonymous inbox.
With us you get a named tutor from day one, and you can see who they are before you enrol. Meet the team
3. What does ‘support’ really mean?
Almost every provider promises full support. Pin it down:
✓How do I contact my tutor: email, phone, live call?
✓How quickly is my work marked?
✓How quickly are emails answered?
✓What happens if my work is not quite there?
4. What if you change your mind?
A provider that believes in its course does not need to lock you in. Look for a clear refund window after enrolment, written in plain English, with no catches hidden in the small print.
Every one of our courses has a 14-day money-back guarantee, so you can start Unit 1 and still change your mind. Only PayPal’s processing charge is deducted. Fees, Refunds and Cancellation Policy
5. Do they hold Direct Claims Status?
Direct Claims Status (DCS) is granted by an awarding organisation to centres with a strong quality record. It means the centre can claim your certificate directly instead of waiting for an external check on every learner. For you, that means your certificate arrives sooner.
We hold Direct Claims Status, so your certificate usually arrives 2 to 3 weeks after you complete.
6. Red flags to watch for
✕No awarding organisation named, or vague talk of ‘accreditation’
✕No tutor names or qualifications anywhere on the site
✕You have to pay before you can see what is in the course
✕Completion times that sound too good: a Level 5 Diploma in six weeks is not realistic
✕No phone number, or no way to speak to a person before you pay
7. Ask before you enrol
A good provider is happy to talk before you pay. Ask what happens if you need more time, how assessment works, who marks your work and what happens if you do not pass first time. Clear, quick answers now usually mean clear, quick answers later.
Ask us anything
Book a free 15-minute call or ring 01908 736 777. We will talk you through the course, the assessment and how your tutor helps, with no pressure to enrol.
The certificate might look the same. Getting it should not feel like a gamble.
How we measure up
✓Ofqual-regulated qualifications from Y Awards, Focus Awards and Highfield
✓A named tutor, marking in 24 to 72 hours, emails answered within 24 hours
✓A 14-day money-back guarantee
✓Direct Claims Status, certificate in 2 to 3 weeks
✓365 days of access, PayPal Pay in 3 or Pay in 30 days
✓More than 5,000 learners qualified since 2012
Run the same seven checks on us. We think you will like what you find.
Questions people ask
How do I check a qualification is real?
Search for it on the Ofqual Register (GOV.UK). Every one of our course pages links to its entry.
What is Direct Claims Status?
A status awarding organisations give centres with a strong quality record, so certificates can be claimed directly and arrive sooner.
Can I get my money back if I change my mind?
Yes. Every course has a 14-day money-back guarantee. Only PayPal’s processing charge is deducted.