Guidance

Apply for a national professional qualification (NPQ)

Steps to start an NPQ or the early headship coaching offer.

Applies to England

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp register for anÌýNPQÌýservice is currently closed. You canÌýÌýtelling you when it will reopen.

1. Choose an NPQ

Find out about the different NPQ c´Ç³Ü°ù²õ±ð²õ and theâ€�early headship coaching offer.Ìý

If you’re employed, talk to your employer. You may need their approval to take anâ€�NPQ. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappy may be able to help you choose a course that’s suitable for you and your workplace.Ìý

Some courses have specific eligibility requirements, so check you’re eligible before you register.Ìý

2. Check if you can get fundingÌý

Teachers and schools leaders in many state-funded settings in England will be eligible forÌýfundingÌýto cover theirÌýNPQÌýcourse fees, subject to eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for funding does not guarantee a place on a funded NPQ course.

3. Find an NPQ course providerÌý

If you’re employed, ask your workplace if they already work with a particular course provider.Ìý

You can also contact providers directly. Select your course to find out which providers offer the NPQ:

´¡±ô³Ù±ð°ù²Ô²¹³Ù¾±±¹±ð±ô²â,  and ask them who provides your chosen NPQ in your area.Ìý

Most providers operate throughout England, but your NPQ will include some face-to-face sessions that you need to attend in person.Ìý

4. Register with the Department for Education (DfE)Ìý

You need to  for your NPQ or early headship coaching offer, even if you’re not eligible for scholarship funding.Ìý

This is so thatâ€�DfE can keep your professional record up to date, check and allocateâ€�NPQ f³Ü²Ô»å¾±²Ô²µ and issueâ€�NPQ certificates.Ìý

5. Apply through your providerÌý

As well as , you need to apply directly to your provider.Ìý

Your provider will send you an application form by email once you’ve registered withâ€�DfE. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappy will assess your suitability for the course. If your application is successful, they will confirm how your course will be funded.Ìý

6. Start your NPQÌý

Once you’ve applied, your provider will confirm whether you have a place on the course and will give you the start date if you’ve been accepted.Ìý

If you pass your NPQ, you can to get your certificate.

Updates to this page

Published 20 September 2023
Last updated 25 April 2025 show all updates
  1. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp register for an NPQ service is currently closed.

  2. We have removed the message that the NPQ service is currently closed - the service has reopened.

  3. Updated information about funding.

  4. Updated page to show that the register for an NPQ service is currently closed.

  5. Updated to reflect the service to register for a national professional qualification is now open.

  6. Added special educational needs co-ordinator's national professional qualification to the list of qualifications.

  7. Updated to highlight that registration is currently closed.

  8. Updated sections on funding and finding a training provider.

  9. Restructured content in the 'Find a training provider' section to clarify information.

  10. Added a link to a tool which you can use to find a local teaching school hub.

  11. First published.

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