It offers one route to Licensed Status for existing teachers for whom embarking on the new Initial Teacher Training (ITT) qualifications would be inappropriate. It recognises professionalism and could be an alternative to taking further qualifications for those whose skills, knowledge and experience already meet the standards.

Applicants provide evidence and testimonies demonstrating that they have the same professional standing as colleagues taking the qualification route. There is no deadline for receipt of applications, and the scheme will operate on a rolling basis.

The scheme if open to:
• new entrants to the learning and skills sector as one route to gaining licensed status.
• those part way to achieving the qualification for their role when the 2007 regulations were implemented.
• existing members of the workforce who voluntarily wish to seek licensed status.