Individual Recognition
The procedure for Individual Recognition is consistent with the values and principles of CLD. It aims to be clear, fair and non-discriminatory. Individuals will be expected to demonstrate that their education, training and experience has equipped them to a standard comparable with professionals who have trained in Scotland and that they are competent to work in CLD.
Within Scotland, professional CLD workers are trained to degree (BA) or post graduate certificate level. All approved courses include a minimum of 40% practice and ensure learning is linked to the Competence Framework for CLD.
Recognition will be of the individual’s combined personal practical experience and qualification. In keeping with European Union Directives (see Annex One), this experience need not exceed four years. Given the nature of CLD, the Standards Council considers that an aptitude test is not appropriate but a period of supervised practice may be required where there are substantial differences in the training received.
Applicants will fall into one of the following categories:
(i) UK and Ireland nationals with an approved qualification obtained in the UK
There is a mutually recognised list of approved Professional (Higher Education) qualifications compiled by the professional bodies across the UK and Ireland. These bodies are: the NYA (England), ETS Wales, the Joint ETS for Northern Ireland and Ireland, and the CLD Standards Council for Scotland.
An applicant who holds one of these qualifications will be considered under this mutual recognition agreement. The lists of mutually recognised courses are available here:
Mutually Recognised Courses (Historic)
Mutually Recognised Courses (Current)
(ii) UK and Ireland nationals with a non-approved qualification obtained in the UK
Applicants may hold a qualification which has not been approved by a national professional body. In these circumstances, the applicant’s qualifications and experience will be assessed against the criteria established by the Standards Council.
In Scotland, professional CLD workers are trained to degree (BA) or post graduate certificate level; therefore the criteria have been set to ensure applicants meet a standard comparable with professionals who have trained in Scotland. The applicant’s course of educational study followed must have included appropriate content and a period of supervised, relevant practical work in an appropriate setting.
(iii) Non UK and Ireland nationals (and UK and Ireland nationals who have studied abroad)
Applicants may hold a qualification which has been awarded outwith the UK and Ireland. In these circumstances, the procedure for Category II will be followed and applicants will have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language.
Please note: this category of applications will take a longer time to process due to the evidence gathering procedure.
Applicants in Categories II and III must also provide a professional reference.
