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AIBU?

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Original poster

Exam certificates

160 replies

imnotthatkindofmum · 04/07/2024 16:59

Long story short.

Getting a job in a field I am not experienced in but the job description fits my experience of over 15 years.

I do not have a degree. And I left school 30 years ago.

For the new job which they want me to start asap I have been asked for gcse and a level certificates. I do not have these and they have said I have to have them or I can't start. If they are anywhere they're in my parents loft. My parents are in their 80s and live a 2 hr drive away.....and they might not actually even be there. I was also divorced 20 years and a lot of stuff is just gone forever.

I can get certificates but it's going to cost £50 per qualification, take over 20 days and I don't even know what exam boards I did.

The HR contact is aghast that I've never had to show my certificates to anyone. Obviously if it related to the job I could understand it.

So my questions are should I still have my certificates? Does everyone else still have their certificates after 30 years? Have you been asked for (unrelated) certificates to do a job you have experience in?

AIBU that they are BU?

OP posts:
Original poster
imnotthatkindofmum · 04/07/2024 18:40

ChangeyTime · 04/07/2024 18:39

Yup.

If you claim to have the qualifications then you need to be able to prove it.

Especially for jobs in schools. It's a safeguarding requirement.

Why is it safeguarding? I thoughts what a dbs was for?

OP posts:
Original poster
imnotthatkindofmum · 04/07/2024 18:39

DontBiteTheCat · 04/07/2024 18:39

I had to reorder mine recently, and it wasn’t that expensive.

It was also cost per examining board. Most of my GCSE’s were under AQA so I paid one cost and all the subjects and grades were listed on one certificate.

Oh that's interesting I definitely misunderstood that.

OP posts:
ChangeyTime · 04/07/2024 18:39

Yup.

If you claim to have the qualifications then you need to be able to prove it.

Especially for jobs in schools. It's a safeguarding requirement.

DontBiteTheCat · 04/07/2024 18:39

I had to reorder mine recently, and it wasn’t that expensive.

It was also cost per examining board. Most of my GCSE’s were under AQA so I paid one cost and all the subjects and grades were listed on one certificate.

bridgetreilly · 04/07/2024 18:37

Thankfully, I have never been asked to show my A-level certificates because my mum lost them before I ever saw them (away at university).

Fifthtimelucky · 04/07/2024 18:19

I did my O levels in 1977 and A levels in 1979 and still have my certificates for those exams and my degree.

I needed to prove I had English and maths O level when I first started work in 1983.

DamnUserName21 · 04/07/2024 18:08

I don't feel YABU.
I get with some jobs such as teaching but, if not relevant to role, GCSE/ o level results from 30+ years ago should not be needed if you have further credentials and/or experience, IMO.
I think the only time I needed to show my certificates was when I went to university as a mature student.

DiscoBeat · 04/07/2024 18:03

Frustrating but I'd take the opportunity for a visit home and a rummage

Original poster
imnotthatkindofmum · 04/07/2024 17:58

I didn't word that well. I just mean the system of having a piece of paper that you might lose is archaic.

Obviously I understand proof of qualifications as relevant to the job

OP posts:
AllProperTeaIsTheft · 04/07/2024 17:55

I don't think it's archaic to ask for proof of qualifications. Otherwise people could just make stuff up! But then I've never worked in a job where qualifications weren't important.

2magpies4joy · 04/07/2024 17:54

Yes, I have had to provide my original certificates for various job applications & interviews over the years

I have moved nearly 20 times, so I keep all my important documentation in an easily accessible place.(not in someone else's loft)

The last couple of jobs, I have also had to provide identification like passport, driving licence, bills in my name, P45 and references.

Plus the right to work in UK clearance.

All normal things to provide

Original poster
imnotthatkindofmum · 04/07/2024 17:53

Ok I see on the whole I am probably BU. It does feel archaic to me. Full disclosure my background is recruitment and I have never ever asked for certificates so my industry area is obviously very different to others.

Do people generally think it's a reasonable request in these circumstances given that they never actually asked about my qualifications on interview and that wasn't a requirement for the job?

I have set the wheels in motion to sort it in case anyone thinks I'm just being bolshy I was just really pondering how relevant it was!

OP posts:
MigGirl · 04/07/2024 17:47

Yes, I work in a school and have to show the all the original copies of my certificate for every job I've applied to and I don't even teach.

DH had been lucky and hardly needed his although has kept them safe and was very glad he did when his company asked for proof of his GCSE English a few years ago. Those who couldn't produce it had to site a basic skills course and exam.

I hope you find them OP.

Juicyapple44 · 04/07/2024 17:46

Yes I have all mine and had to show them for last few jobs and also to start my apprenticeship through work. I also interview and we always ask for them. I am in my 40s.

combinationpadlock · 04/07/2024 17:46

YABU

you can be asked to show your exam certificates at any time in your career, in a new job or in an existing job. Everyone should keep them very carefully. if they are lost or damaged, such as in a house fire, then get yourself sorted out with new ones straight away, before you are asked, because it can take a while.

I've got mine in a fireproof safe. I think most of my family and friends keep them in something similar. I also have photocopies, and photographs of the stored online. You normally have to show originals, but not always

Original poster
imnotthatkindofmum · 04/07/2024 17:42

Interesting mixed answers.

Obviously I want the job so I'll have to sort it but genuinely if I'd had a house fire or something surely there's another way? It just seems such a big deal for something I did 30 years ago when I didn't really give a shit about my education.

OP posts:
AllProperTeaIsTheft · 04/07/2024 17:42

Yep. Teacher. I have had to show my GCSE, A Level, degree and PGCE certificates for every job I've had.

ChessieFL · 04/07/2024 17:41

Yes, I’ve got mine and have had to show them a few times over the years for various jobs.

ExtraOnions · 04/07/2024 17:40

I don’t have mine .. whenever I’ve been asked I say I lost them in a housemove.

I think once you have a higher qualification, and if the GCSE isn’t relevant to your chosen career .. they become fairly pointless

caringcarer · 04/07/2024 17:39

I'm over 60 and I've still got my all of my exam certificates and post grad certificate. I would have thought everyone would need them for interviews. I've also had to provide my marriage license as original certificates in maiden name.

clarrylove · 04/07/2024 17:34

Yes, yes and yes. Hope you find them.

Onelifeonly · 04/07/2024 17:31

Yes have all mine. I was more organised 40 years ago than I am now! Can't recall the last time, if ever, that I had to show them though. I'm a teacher but as far as I know the DfE number each teacher has (if trained in England anyway) guarantees you have the right qualifications. But I have worked at the same school for a long time, so maybe I was asked back in the day.

ButterflyBitch · 04/07/2024 17:29

I started working in a school five years ago and needed to show my gcse certificates. I threw them out when I was a teenager I think so had to pay out to get them again. Bloody expensive as had to get two exam boards. They are safely put away now.

Nilk · 04/07/2024 17:28

I am in early thirties and have no idea where any of them are, however I've got a degree and I know where that is, it's the only thing I've needed to show

Depressedbarbie · 04/07/2024 17:28

imnotthatkindofmum · 04/07/2024 17:07

That's fair enough. Does that include gcse as I know someone who's a teacher and she just said her degree and postgrad certificates.

Show quote history

You have to show your maths and English gcses for teaching too