Show your specialist expertise
Specialist Certification will recognise business advisers and other business support professionals who meet a Specialist Standard in the SFEDI Business Support Standards. It is awarded by SFEDI and is coming soon. Here is what to expect.
Recognition for the work you specialise in
The Core Standards describe the practice every business support professional shares. The Specialist Standards go further, into particular areas of practice such as business finance and funding, enterprise mentoring, and AI and digital adoption.
Qualifications are how you show you meet the Core Standards. Specialist Certification will show that you also meet a Specialist Standard, so clients, employers and commissioners can see where your expertise lies.
How it will work
Choose a Specialist Standard
Each Specialist Standard sets out what you need to show in your practice and what you need to know and understand. They are free to read now.
Complete a Recognised Programme
Recognised Programmes are training and CPD programmes that SFEDI has checked against a Specialist Standard. Each one leads to Specialist Certification in the Standard it is mapped to.
Receive your certification
SFEDI certificates you against the Standard, and you receive a digital credential that names the Standard, the requirements it covers, and the programme you completed.
Share it with confidence
Add your credential to your profile, proposals and bids. Anyone you share it with will be able to check it online and compare it with the published Standard.
What your credential will show
Every Specialist Certification credential will carry the same information, so anyone can see exactly what it means.
- The Specialist Standard, by code and title (for example, S1 Business Finance and Funding)
- The requirements it covers, by code, so they can be checked against the published Standard
- The Recognised Programme you completed and the organisation that delivered it
- A link to the Standard on this site
24 areas of specialist practice
Specialist Certification will be available against the Specialist Standards. Explore them now to see which fit your work.
- S1View S1
Business Finance and Funding
- S2View S2
Project and Programme Delivery
- S3View S3
AI and Digital Adoption
- S4View S4
Enterprise Mentoring
- S5View S5
Business Coaching
- S6View S6
Enterprise Training and Facilitation
- S7View S7
Sustainable Business and Net Zero
- S8View S8
People, Skills and Employment
- S9View S9
Start-up and Self-employment Support
- S10View S10
Growth, Productivity and International Trade
- S11View S11
Supporting Businesses in Difficulty
- S12View S12
Social Enterprise and Community Business
- S13View S13
Professional Services for Small Businesses
- S14View S14
Designing and Commissioning Business Support
- S15View S15
Rural and Land-based Business
- S16View S16
Creative Industries
- S17View S17
Business Resilience
- S18View S18
Developing Enterprising Skills
- S19View S19
Business Model and Value Proposition Design
- S20View S20
Consultative Advisory Practice
- S21View S21
Action Learning Facilitation
- S22View S22
Business Account Management
- S23View S23
Digital Marketing and Social Media
- S24View S24
Inclusive Engagement with Under-represented Businesses
Who it's for
Specialist Certification is for anyone who supports businesses and wants their specialist practice recognised, including:
- Business advisers
- Mentors and coaches
- Consultants
- Trainers and facilitators
- Programme and project leads in business support
Questions about Specialist Certification
It is coming soon. Register your interest and we'll let you know when it opens.
No. If you hold the SFEDI Awards Level 5 or Level 7 in Professional Business and Enterprise Support Services, your qualification continues to evidence the Core Standards. Specialist Certification will be separate, and will recognise specialist practice on top.
No. Your credential is the proof. You share it, and anyone you share it with will be able to check it online.
Yes. The SFEDI Business Support Standards are free to read, download and use under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives licence (CC BY-ND 4.0).
Be the first to hear
Tell us which areas of specialist practice interest you, and we'll let you know when Specialist Certification opens.