GQA Qualifications (GQA) is one of the UK’s most successful and respected Awarding Organisations, with over 24 years of experience across construction, building- related industries, and a wide range of other sectors.
We are regulated by Ofqual, SQA, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation, ensuring every qualification meets the highest standards of quality, integrity, and compliance across the UK. At GQA, we take a learner-first approach, developing qualifications that support employability, compliance, and career progression – whether individuals are starting out, retraining, or advancing their expertise.
Working closely with employers, training providers, and industry bodies, we design qualifications that reflect real-world skills and workplace needs, helping learners and businesses thrive.
Trusted across 17 diverse sectors, including fenestration, nuclear, print, and automotive glazing, GQA qualifications provide credible recognition both in the UK and internationally.
With a strong network of 250 + Approved Centres, rigorous quality assurance, and deep industry alignment, GQA remains the awarding body built on industry, for industry – committed to developing qualifications that make a real difference.
Recognised internationally, respected by industry, and trusted by learners. Choosing GQA means choosing credibility, quality, and real-world impact.
Our qualifications are developed with industry experts, ensuring they reflect current skills and compliance needs. We provide dedicated centre support, recognised credentials for learners, and trusted assurance for employers. With over 24 years of experience and a proven track record, we are the awarding organisation of choice for industries that demand excellence and credibility.
Qualifications built with sector experts for maximum credibility.
Supporting employability, progression, and career success.
Rigorous assurance processes you can trust.
Centres benefit from responsive, personal guidance.
From construction to Water Treatment we cover 17 industry sectors
Constantly evolving to lead the way in meeting tomorrow’s skills needs.
GQA follows a focused, collaborative process to develop robust and relevant qualifications, empowering leaners, training centres, industries and professionals.
We begin by engaging with employers, industry groups, and regulators to identify skills gaps and compliance requirements. This ensures every qualification starts with genuine workplace needs.
Our modern qualifications are designed with subject matter experts, aligning with regulatory frameworks and industry standards. This guarantees credibility and relevance across sectors.
We approve and support training centres that share our commitment to quality. Centres receive guidance, resources, and ongoing support to deliver effectively.
We provide learners with recognised pathways for career progression. Employers gain a skilled workforce, and centres benefit from our continuous support and industry engagement.
GQA is a proud member of the CSCS Alliance, which brings together partner card schemes under the CSCS logo to promote a safe, skilled and qualified workforce across the entire built environment. This membership aligns GQA with the CSCS philosophy and the Construction Leadership Council vision of recognising competence through verified skills and knowledge. Through initiatives such as CSCS SmartCheck, the Alliance is improving the visibility and verification of cardholder competence across the UK, in turn reinforcing confidence in the quality and integrity of GQA’s qualifications.
The Alliance also maintains a Code of Practice that helps prevent the issue of fraudulent cards and safeguards the credibility of the workforce. By working collaboratively with CSCS and other Alliance partners, GQA supports industry-wide efforts to uphold standards, strengthen assurance, and enhance trust in both GQA qualifications and the CSCS brand – both being marks of proven competence and professionalism.
A number of GQA’s qualifications are approved for delivery with public funding, including through the Adult Skills Fund, Mayoral Combined Authorities, and 16–19 and Tailored Learning routes.
While GQA’s funded portfolio is currently focused on key construction, fenestration, and building safety sectors, it also provides a solid foundation for providers looking to expand into funded delivery across diverse sectors including Polymers, Nuclear, Laundry, Sign Making, Meteorology, Laboratory & Science and Print.
Our funded qualifications are published on the Find a Learning Aim (FALA) website, with eligibility confirmed through 2025–26 and 2026–27 funding years.
GQA continues to work with partners and sector bodies to expand funded provision in priority areas as new approval windows open. Our funding directory is readily accessible and highlights which courses are available via which funding sources.
Our business is founded upon meaningful values that guide every action, ensuring we deliver quality qualifications and foster strong relationships.
Growth is at the very heart of business mission. When learners and training centres grow, employers thrive. When employers thrive, industries strengthen. And when the ecosystem around us flourishes, GQA succeeds. It's a symbiotic partnership, for the benefit of all.
Great service requires great quality. We understand our customers’ needs and deliver with confidence. Pride in our work drives us to ask, “Is this the best it can be?” Our reputation for excellence took years to build — and we protect it fiercely.
We’re honoured that learners and training organisations trust us with their futures. Every interaction is a chance to prove that confidence right. We deliver solutions that work first time, share expertise in accessible ways, and approach every challenge with a “can do” attitude.
Integrity is at the heart of everything we do. We keep our promises, own our mistakes, and treat everyone with honesty and respect. Our word is our bond, and our actions reflect not just on ourselves but on GQA as a whole.
Innovation is about more than technology — it’s about finding better ways to serve. We think creatively, challenge “the way it’s always been done,” and embrace new approaches. Every day we ask, “How can we improve?” The result: meaningful innovation that makes a difference.
Sustainability underpins all our values. We make decisions with the long term in mind — from financial responsibility and investing in people, to reducing our environmental impact. By building responsibly today, we ensure GQA continues to thrive for generations to come.
Our EQA is pragmatic and knowledgeable and always puts the need of the learners first
The best quality of advice, support and guidance given to us
Our EQA is pragmatic and knowledgeable and always puts the need of the learners first