Industry Experience Accreditation (IEA) or life experience credits

There are many people working with tented structures who are at the top of their profession but have no way to prove their competence. The guild is awarding qualifications provided they are vetted, and meet the points based determination. It is obvious if we just give away the title of 'TentMaster', the title will have no meaning or standing. We have to be sure that the applicant does meet the industry accepted standards for a TentMaster.

Industry Experience Accreditation (IEA) allows exceptionally accomplished individuals to obtain the formal title of TentMaster based on demonstrating their years of knowledge, experience and (optionally) prior qualifications without the need for the Tent Technician training.

Apply here for the Title of TentMaster - (click on link)

A system of credits are allocated in various fields of knowledge, experience, references and qualifications.

A minimum of 70 credits is required to gain the qualification of TentMaster. This application of 'Grandfather Rights' is being phased out in UK industry so the Guild have decided to make the cut-off date the 1st January 2027. Between now and then is the only time to get the qualification of TentMaster this way. From that date onwards, it will be necessary to take a guild endorsed course that is being created through the first part of 2026, and will be available thereafter.

This awarding of credits towards the qualification is not new or unique to the Guild of TentMasters, many Universities award degrees to applicants based upon their work experience and acquired knowledge. 

Other awards and standards such as CSCS cards were provided in this manner for many years but have now ceased. 

All CSCS cards previously issued under Industry Accreditation (IA) have now expired and the route is closed. The IA route was withdrawn to meet Construction Leadership Council recommendations, which state that all construction industry card schemes must operate with nationally recognised qualifications in place for all occupations. Cards issued under IA were done so on the strength of an employer recommendation rather than a recognised qualification.

Sometimes referred to as ‘Grandfather Rights,’ Industry Accreditation (IA,) allowed individuals to obtain CSCS-backed cards based on their experience without the need for a qualification. However, these will be phased out as of 31st December 2024 and all current cardholders will require relevant approved qualifications to maintain their access to site. 

Please contact the Guild for further information.