Pre-employment checks

As well as looking at references, you should also check the candidate's qualifications, especially when the qualification is essential to the position you want to fill. In some professions, candidates must be in possession of specific qualifications before they can practice.

You can check qualifications by asking to see the candidate's certificates. Alternatively, you can check with the awarding bodies or use one of the checking services.

The Council for Curriculum Examinations & Assessment (CCEA) has details of the qualifications it accredits. Information is also available about the competence and performance levels they are based on. Read CCEA guidance on post-16 qualifications.

UK ENIC is the UK national agency for international qualifications and skills and can help you compare overseas qualifications with UK equivalents. Compare overseas academic qualifications (registration required).