Digital-First Certification
Information Hub & FAQ’s
Introducing Digital-First Certificates
YMCA Awards is transitioning to a digital-first certification model. This change modernises the way we deliver learner achievements and offers faster, more secure and more sustainable access to certificates.
This page provides centres and learners with everything they need to know; what’s changing, why, key dates, processes and costs.
What is Digital-First Certification?
From 1 December 2025, all YMCA Awards certificates will be issued digitally as standard through our secure online platform.
Learners and centres will still be able to request printed certificates, but these will no longer be issued automatically. Hard copies will be available on demand and at an additional cost.
Digital certificates allow learners to:
Centres can notify learners of their digital certificate in just a few clicks, reducing administration and improving turnaround times.
Why We Are Moving to Digital-First
Approved centres: Key information and dates
21 November 2025 – Final date for claims eligible to receive printed certificates as standard. (Dependent on sampling evidence being provided to the EQA promptly.)
30 November 2025 – Final day a certificate can be awarded in Y-Connect and still receive an automatic printed certificate.
1 December 2025 – The digital-first model launches. From this date:
Costs:
£30 per certificate, plus delivery:
Learners:
Once notified by their centre, learners can:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “digital-first” mean?
Will learners still be able to get a printed certificate?
How do I order hard copies on behalf of my learners?
The digital certificate has a watermark, why is this?
How quickly are digital certificates issued?
How do I notify my learners that their certificate has been issued?
Do centres still handle certificate distribution?
Is verification secure?
Who can we contact for support?
Approved Centres
We’ve created a video guide to help you order hard copies for your learners. The guide walks you through the process of ordering and explains how to pay, either directly or using our credit (invoice) option.