Introduction: With over 16,250 personnel leaving the armed forces annually in the UK, understanding how your military expertise translates to industry-recognised qualifications is crucial for career success. This guide outlines the key pathways to civilian certification.
Understanding Your Military Qualifications
Your military training has equipped you with valuable skills that civilian employers actively seek. Key transferable qualification areas include:
• Leadership and Management
• Technical Engineering
• Project Management
• Health and Safety
• Logistics and Supply Chain
Mapping Your Path to Civilian Certifications
Professional Bodies and Recognition The following organisations specifically support military transition through dedicated programmes:
• Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Armed Forces Development Programme https://www.i-l-m.com/armed-forces-development-programme
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Military to Manager Programme https://www.managers.org.uk/membership/armed-forces/
• Association for Project Management (APM) Military to Project Professional https://www.apm.org.uk/membership/armed-forces/
• Engineering Council Armed Forces Recognition Programme https://www.engc.org.uk/informationfor/armed-forces/
Popular Qualification Pathways
Engineering:
• IET Professional Registration
• Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng)
Project Management:
• PRINCE2 Practitioner
• APM Project Management Qualification
• Agile certifications
Leadership and Management:
• CMI Level 5 Diploma
• ILM Leadership and Management
• MBA programmes
Funding Your Qualifications
Current funding sources available:
• Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Visit: https://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
• Standard Learning Credits (SLC) Visit: https://www.ctp.org.uk/guides/slc-guide
• Resettlement Grants Visit: https://www.ctp.org.uk/resettlement-guides
Strategic Approach to Certification
Professional Assessment
• Evaluate existing military qualifications against industry standards
• Map core competencies to civilian sector requirements
• Identify strategic certification pathways
Strategic Planning
• Select relevant accrediting bodies aligned with career objectives
• Develop timeline for qualification completion
• Structure funding application process
Implementation Strategy
• Engage with chosen certification organisations
• Complete required professional development
• Submit military experience documentation for recognition
Tips for Success:
• Start early – begin planning before leaving service
• Keep detailed records of military qualifications
Network with professionals in your target industry
• Consider interim certifications while pursuing longer-term goals
Next Steps: For personalised guidance on your qualification pathway, contact our specialist team:
Tel: +44 (0)2089457705 Email: [email protected]
For more information about military transition support and resources, visit: Forces in Mind Trust: https://www.fim-trust.org/ Armed Forces Covenant: https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/
Note: All information current as of March 2025. Please verify specific programme details with individual certification bodies.
