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Original poster

I have an interview (admin NHS), but lack qualifications proof

140 replies

user1471867483 · 30/12/2025 19:47

I've been shortlisted for a band 4 NHS job, but I don't meet the essential GCSE Maths and English criteria since I'm from the O level and CSE days. I wrote on the application form that I have O level grade C in both subjects from 1987, but I can't prove it because I don’t have the certificates anymore (I'm 54), plus my secondary school closed down over 10 years ago. My only strong point is my 30 years of NHS experience, plus a bit in private healthcare. The interview is remote, and I have to show my qualifications (which I can't verify) into the camera and my photo ID, which I do have. What should I do?

OP posts:
Livedandlearned · 30/12/2025 19:49

There is a way to get certificates from the examination board but I wouldn’t bother, can you email the manager at the trust you’re applying to and explain the situation?

Violetparis · 30/12/2025 19:51

You can get new certificates but you have to pay for them.

zipadeedodah · 30/12/2025 19:52

Violetparis · 30/12/2025 19:51

You can get new certificates but you have to pay for them.

This.

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Original poster
user1471867483 · 30/12/2025 19:53

Livedandlearned · 30/12/2025 19:49

There is a way to get certificates from the examination board but I wouldn’t bother, can you email the manager at the trust you’re applying to and explain the situation?

Yes, plus you have to pay a fee which I loathe to pay seeing as I'm unemployed. I've emailed the interviewer and am waiting to see what they say 🤷

OP posts:
allmycagesweremental · 30/12/2025 19:53

I had this problem. I emailed the manager interviewing me and explained and they said it was fine, they would take my word for it but if it ever transpired i didn’t have the qualification then it would be grounds for dismissal. Got the job and haven’t had any issues since. Maybe suggest they proceed with the interview and in the meantime you can offer to apply for copies from the exam board and provide these at a later date if you are successful at interview?

Itsmetheflamingo · 30/12/2025 19:54

Where would you even start working out who to contact and pay?!

my dad had this issue when he got a job with the police, they made an exception due to the circumstances

cramptramp · 30/12/2025 20:02

I’m from o level and cse days too. They let me off providing evidence of qualifications when I applied for an nhs admin job because I pointed out it was nearly 50 years ago that I’d got the qualifications and no longer had the certification. I got an interview and got the job.

Original poster
user1471867483 · 30/12/2025 20:07

Thank you all so far. Like I said I've emailed the interviewer as one of their heart values is honesty and well, I've been just that!

OP posts:
JamesClyman · 30/12/2025 20:07

Livedandlearned · 30/12/2025 19:49

There is a way to get certificates from the examination board but I wouldn’t bother, can you email the manager at the trust you’re applying to and explain the situation?

I've had to do this. It takes forever and costs a bomb. Getting a replacement passport when mine was stolen was easier!

Original poster
user1471867483 · 30/12/2025 20:10

JamesClyman · 30/12/2025 20:07

I've had to do this. It takes forever and costs a bomb. Getting a replacement passport when mine was stolen was easier!

Show quote history

If the worst comes to the worst, I'll have to withdraw the interview.

OP posts:
JamVal1013 · 30/12/2025 20:14

I have never ever been asked for evidence of qualifications! I wouldn't worry till you're aked,which is vvvvv unlikely!

Fairydusthello · 30/12/2025 20:15

Don't withdraw from the interview. You've been upfront and you've got 30 years NHS experience. Wait and see if you get the job and take it from there. Good luck with the interview.

momamia12 · 30/12/2025 20:16

I had this, they cancelled my interview alas. I have a university undergraduate degree and a masters degree, you require both maths and English to get onto the course!

Original poster
user1471867483 · 30/12/2025 20:21

JamVal1013 · 30/12/2025 20:14

I have never ever been asked for evidence of qualifications! I wouldn't worry till you're aked,which is vvvvv unlikely!

Thank you so much. I've been so anxious since I read in the interview about qualifications proof, especially being unemployed. I so badly need a job. I've just got to think positive. I wonder if this qualifications question is for younger ones?

OP posts:
VanCleefArpels · 30/12/2025 20:26

How many people of our vintage would even know what exam boards they used in the 80’s?? This sounds like box ticking gone mad by people who can’t compute there was once a different system of examinations. If this becomes the sticking point in the recruitment process I’d take it higher up - it’s potentially age discrimination for a start.

Callmecynical · 30/12/2025 20:33

I have o levels. I recently had to show certificates for a university course or else sit a test in maths and English. I turned the house upside down and, thankfully, found certificates in the loft. Did not fancy my chances of passing a maths exam now.
When I proudly showed the certificates, the young lass asked what o levels were, said she’d have to consult her senior and then he said it was ok because they were GCSEs for old people!!

monicagellerbing · 30/12/2025 20:43

They never ask for proof. I’ve worked in NHS admin for donkeys years had numerous jobs, never once been asked for proof

Pinkladyapplepie · 30/12/2025 20:44

Lots of jobs in education establishments require proof of Maths and English whether it's O levels,GCSEss or functional skills. Also NHS is well known for it and local councils. Like already said you can get replacements from the exam boards which is costly, if you don't know which board ask others who you were potentially at school with, firstly siblings, cousins etc, then if all else fails put a post on FB, schools and colleges very rarely change exam boards as it is a real pain. Good luck OP.

VanCleefArpels · 30/12/2025 20:52

Pinkladyapplepie · 30/12/2025 20:44

Lots of jobs in education establishments require proof of Maths and English whether it's O levels,GCSEss or functional skills. Also NHS is well known for it and local councils. Like already said you can get replacements from the exam boards which is costly, if you don't know which board ask others who you were potentially at school with, firstly siblings, cousins etc, then if all else fails put a post on FB, schools and colleges very rarely change exam boards as it is a real pain. Good luck OP.

Many of the Boards that set exams in the 80’s don’t exist any more. And schools close!

Wizardonabroom · 30/12/2025 20:57

The irony is that many of us will have high grades from GCSE (or equivalent), be able to prove it on paper, yet remember almost none of it!

CrowsInMyGarden · 30/12/2025 21:04

I’m band 4 NHS admin. I have never been asked for proof of exam qualifications. I think they will overlook this as from such a long time ago (no offence I’m in my 60’s)

clary · 30/12/2025 21:06

I would try to get new certs @user1471867483 Best of luck tho,. The may come back and say you don’t need them esp as you have previous experience. Did you ever have them?

I still have my O level certs from earlier than yours and have been asked for them before. O levels perfectly acceptable btw. When I worked in the NHS I was asked for my degree cert (as a degree was needed for that role) which is from the mid 80s.

Those who say they are not needed – as I say, I needed mine, and when we interviewed we always checked people's quals. I was also asked for them when I trained as a teacher (and the degree as well) as a teacher has to have GCSE or equiv in maths and English.

I don’t see why it’s age discrimination btw – someone of 60 can hang on to a piece of paper just as well as someone of 25 tbh. Lol at GCSEs for old people tho!

Original poster
user1471867483 · 30/12/2025 21:07

VanCleefArpels · 30/12/2025 20:26

How many people of our vintage would even know what exam boards they used in the 80’s?? This sounds like box ticking gone mad by people who can’t compute there was once a different system of examinations. If this becomes the sticking point in the recruitment process I’d take it higher up - it’s potentially age discrimination for a start.

Edited

OMG - brilliant observation 😯

OP posts:
PolyVagalNerve · 30/12/2025 21:08

NHS HR has got more stringent on this due to people managing to obtain employment in NHS under false ID’s and qualifications

i Would imagine that many employers
of admin staff would need proof of qualifications that are essential to the person spec so it may well be worth you getting your certificates

Itsmetheflamingo · 30/12/2025 21:09

Interestingly I have my GCSE results from 1995 but the ink has rubbed away, so they’re not readable anyway. I chucked them when I realised.

my school is now a housing estate and god knows why the people I went to school with would know the name of the exam board- the default would be not to keep this stuff surely? And they certainly wouldn’t remember.

its a ridiculous request, box ticking at its most stupid