Not just qualified — qualified to advise on what
Verified recognition in named areas of advisory practice, shown as badges on an adviser’s register profile.
Accreditation confirms that an adviser meets the Business Support Standard. Specialist Credentials go one step further: they recognise verified expertise in specific areas of advisory practice, and show as badges on the adviser’s profile on the national register. The credential is the recognition; the badge is simply how it appears.
For a commissioner or employer, that answers the question accreditation alone cannot: not just whether an adviser is qualified, but what they are qualified to advise on, visible at a glance and verifiable on the register.
Build a visibly well-rounded team
An organisation putting a team through the qualification can hold different Specialist Credentials across different advisers, one strong on start-up support, another on digital, another on export, building a rounded advisory capability with verified recognition behind each specialism, all checkable on the register.
Through the qualification
Specialism units within the Level 5, so advisers graduate with Specialist Credentials in the areas most relevant to their role, once their foundation skills are secure.
Through CPD workshops
Delivered via the Alliance’s trainer network, so existing accredited advisers can add Specialist Credentials over their career without re-taking a full qualification.
The Alliance is developing an initial set of Specialist Credentials, shaped by employer demand and sector need. Areas under consideration include:
- Start-up support, working with pre-start and early-stage businesses
- Digital transformation, supporting SMEs with digital tools and adoption
- Growth and scale-up, advising on growth strategy and scaling operations
- Export and international trade, supporting businesses entering international markets
The set is designed to grow over time. (These areas are illustrative and subject to consultation, not a confirmed final list.)
Developed through consultation, launching from 2027
Specialist Credentials are developed deliberately, not rushed. Advisers build foundation skills first; specialism comes once that foundation is secure, sound pedagogy and the reason there is no need to finalise them for launch. The specifications are being written and refined through consultation with Alliance members and the wider sector, with the first credentials introduced through the qualification from 2027, and CPD-workshop delivery via the trainer network following. Founding members shape the set and how it is delivered. This is a forward commitment, not a live offer yet.
Help shape the Specialist Credentials
Founding members help define which Specialist Credentials are developed first and how they’re delivered. Become one by putting a cohort through the qualification, grandfathering your existing accredited advisers, or joining as a centre.