Studying with STC: international attendees, languages, VAT and accreditation
Can I attend from outside the UK? Is there help if English isn't my first language? VAT, CPD accreditation, BRCGS Educate and official courses.
Answers to the questions our academy team is asked most often.
Q: I'm not based in the UK. Can I attend?
Absolutely. Attendees join from all over the world. Courses run live on Zoom on UK London time, and we also have a USA/Canada calendar. We can deliver at your site for larger groups (other fees apply). Email [email protected] for a quote.
Q: English isn't my first language. Can I still take part?
Yes. Courses are delivered in English, but you can use Zoom translated captions and get extra time for exams and assessments at no extra cost. Some BRCGS exams are available in other languages (listed on each course page). Ask BRCGS to add your language: the more demand they see, the more likely it is. Each course includes three exam attempts, so don't worry if you don't pass first time.
Q: Will I be charged VAT if I'm not in the UK?
No. STC is VAT registered, so we charge VAT only to customers with a UK address, whether you pay online or by invoice.
Q: Are your courses accredited?
Accreditation means being officially accepted as being of a particular standard.
- BRCGS courses: developed by BRCGS, the owner of the standards, and only BRCGS Approved Training Partners (ATPs) may deliver them.
- STC courses: CPD accredited, and accepted by local authorities, certification bodies (for example when approving lead auditors) and BRCGS for Professional Recognition.
None of the industry qualifications we deliver are Ofqual-accredited. Ofqual assesses the course specification (agenda, hours, objectives) rather than the content, and its invigilation rules make remote exams hard to run. Our BRCGS and STC qualifications can be delivered and examined online with integrity.
Q: How much does CPD accreditation actually mean?
In our experience, CPD accreditation bodies vary a lot, and some approve courses with little or no review of the content. CPD is a flexible concept: what matters most is that people keep their own CPD logs and keep learning. Client feedback and reviews are a good guide when choosing a provider.
Q: Why do I need a BRCGS Educate account?
For BRCGS courses, your exam and certificate are on BRCGS Educate. We send instructions with your course details. A BRCGS course assessed outside BRCGS Educate doesn't give you a genuine BRCGS qualification.
▶ Watch: Creating a BRCGS Educate account (STC & QTC Explains) You can register with a work or personal email, whichever you prefer. If you're locked out, use a different email or contact the BRCGS training team.
Q: Are your BRCGS courses the official ones?
Yes. The content belongs to BRCGS, and you sit the official exam on BRCGS Educate. Only BRCGS Approved Training Partners (ATPs) may deliver them, and all our BRCGS trainers are ATPs.
More short videos on our STC & QTC Explains channel: https://youtube.com/@stcandqtc
Browse the course calendar, our e-learning courses, or read more on our FAQ page.
Reviewed by Cathy Gladwin, Director & BRCGS ATP Trainer, STC · November 2026
These Q&As share general best practice from our trainers and auditors. They aren't consultancy advice for your site. For support specific to your site and systems, we can refer you to our sister company QTC.