The qualification offers learners, via achievement in one of the sport-specific pathway units, access to the largely voluntary world of being a sports official in a particular sport. Dependant on the sporting pathways that are available and chosen, holders of the certificate will be able to progress within the sports officials' structure of their chosen sport. Such progression will be dependant on the sports' structure and services, but may include access to further qualifications, continuous professional development (CPD) or improved status with the sport, locally, nationally and potentially within the international competition or participation structures of the sport.
The Qualification Specification outlines the Assessment Specification for the generic units and identifies the minimum independent assessment requirement that candidates be observed carrying out their sport-specific officiating function, as determined by the sport-specific Pathway Unit. In some Pathways, because of the nature and organisation of the pathway-specific assessment, the items of the assessment specification which are independently assessed may be increased.
The qualification is composed of five mandatory units and a number of sport-specific optional units which will be added to the qualification over time. Candidates are required to complete the mandatory units and one optional unit, reflecting the sport within which they officiate. Currently available optional units include: Officiating Football; Officiating Cricket (Umpire); Officiating Cricket (Scorer).