Training Certificates and Workplace Competence
For employers deciding what a training certificate does and does not show. You will learn how to separate the types of evidence and what to arrange before authorising duties.
At a glance
- A certificate records the training or assessment described on it.
- Attending a course is not the same as being assessed as competent.
- Simulated assessment is not the same as assessment in a real clinical setting.
- Workplace competence is judged in your own setting, for your own tasks.
- Plan supervision and local assessment before authorising duties.
Practical steps
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Course attendance
Shows that a person took part in a course. Read the certificate to see whether it also records an assessment.
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Simulated assessment
Shows skills demonstrated on a model or in a practice setting. It is useful evidence, but it does not replace observation with real patients.
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Clinical experience
Shows exposure to real patients in a previous role. Ask what they did, how often, and under what supervision.
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Competence assessed in the workplace
Means a trained assessor observed the person performing the task in your setting and recorded the outcome. This is what supports authorising independent practice.
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Putting it together
A course certificate records the training or assessment described on that certificate. Review the candidate's experience and role-specific evidence, and arrange any necessary supervision, local induction and workplace assessment before authorising duties.
Evidence review checklist
- What exactly does the certificate say was taught or assessed?
- Was the assessment simulated or in real practice?
- Does the candidate have experience matching your tasks?
- Who will supervise the first shifts?
- When will workplace assessment take place?
- Which duties are authorised only after assessment?
Related guides
Next step
View Verification StandardsLast reviewed 4 November 2026. This guide is general information and does not replace your own policies or professional advice.