AAT holders should begin a Spanish homologation or equivalence review with the exact qualification title, syllabus and completion status. A statement listing achieved units may describe partial study or a completed level. Historical NVQ and Diploma pathways also have different record-access arrangements, so the first practical question is what AAT can officially confirm for your particular award.
Establish the qualification before choosing a Spanish procedure
Spain’s university recognition guidance concerns eligible completed official university qualifications. A professional designation, examination certificate or diploma is not automatically a university degree. UK qualification levels list degrees and other awards separately: sharing a level does not make the qualifications identical. RQF and Scottish framework levels also use different numbering.
University homologación assesses a qualification against a covered Spanish regulated-profession qualification. University equivalencia concerns Grado or Máster academic level and does not itself grant those professional practice rights. Identify the actual award before selecting either route.
Establish whether the whole qualification was completed
AAT’s Statement of Achievement lists completed units and states whether the relevant qualification level has been completed. Statements of Achievement are available through MyAAT, but records for the older NVQ or Diploma pathways must be requested from Customer Support rather than downloaded online.
Compare your Statement of Achievement with the final certificate and the requirements of the qualification version you completed. Identify whether the record confirms individual units, completion of a level or the full award named in your request. If the title changed between syllabuses, ask AAT to clarify the historical wording rather than substituting a current qualification name. Gather available evidence of the course’s content and duration for eligibility screening. A collection of unit passes should not be presented as a completed qualification without official confirmation.
Use the right record route for older pathways
AAT directs holders who need a replacement certificate to contact Customer Support and keep their personal and delivery details up to date.
If your qualification falls under an older pathway, contact AAT with the title, approximate dates and learner details instead of repeatedly searching a current online account. Resolve name or address errors before requesting a replacement certificate, and preserve any original record that remains legible. The award’s level and vocational character need assessment against the particular Spanish requirements; neither creates automatic eligibility. Once a viable procedure is identified, obtain the required official documents and check their authentication and translation requirements before preparing a submission package.
Official sources for the qualification and document details above:
Check whether non-university homologation is relevant
The separate non-university homologation procedure requires official validity within the foreign education system and sufficient correspondence with the Spanish qualification in level, duration and content. It excludes credentials outside the relevant educational system. An awarding body’s recognition, a qualification’s regulated status or a membership certificate does not establish that every award meets these conditions.
For vocational study, check the available Spanish Formación Profesional titles and the competent authority’s requirements. Non-university homologation establishes equivalence to the relevant educational title; it is distinct from the university declaration of equivalence to Grado or Máster.
Assemble evidence for the exact award and study pathway
Use the applicable official document checklist and identify:
- The final certificate, full qualification title, awarding body, award date and any qualification reference number.
- Official results or unit records, study dates, programme content and workload, with prior study or practical training evidence where required.
- The teaching centre and the issuer of each supporting document, including any records issued outside the UK.
A progression agreement or top-up offer does not confer a university degree. If a university subsequently awarded a separate degree, review that completed award and the earlier learning credited towards it under the university procedure’s own conditions.
Confirm the authentication chain before certification and apostille
The non-university legalisation guidance generally concerns the original educational issuer’s signature, not merely a copy-certifier’s or translator’s signature. Confirm the required chain before relying on a certified copy. An organisation’s UK address does not establish where every supporting record was issued.
For a university application, the separate UK-specific Ministry instructions require solicitor or notary certification to state explicitly that authenticity was verified with the issuing institution. Legalisation authenticates the relevant signature; it does not establish eligibility for homologation or equivalence.
Agree the document format and official Spanish translation
FCDO guidance advises checking whether separate apostilles or a grouped set is required. Where an electronic apostille is appropriate, the UK route requires a PDF electronically signed by a UK solicitor or notary. An awarding body’s PDF, digital badge or verification code is not automatically that certification; retain the original electronic files.
The official translation rules provide recognised routes for translation into Castilian Spanish, including a sworn translator authorised in Spain. Settle the document and authentication requirements before arranging translation of the final set.
Questions about AAT qualifications in Spain
Can an AAT Statement of Achievement replace a missing final certificate?
It can help establish what was completed, but its suitability depends on its contents and the requirements of the relevant Spanish procedure. Ask AAT whether it confirms the full award and whether a replacement certificate is available. Eligibility must still be assessed; an AAT level designation alone does not establish a university degree.
Does a UK qualification level establish Spanish university equivalence?
No. The UK framework lists different types of qualification at the same level. A Level 6 diploma is not thereby a bachelor’s degree, and a Level 7 diploma is not thereby a master’s degree. Check the precise award, issuer and completed programme before considering the requirements of the Spanish procedure.
Official UK qualification-level guidance.
Prepare your AAT documents with Ginkgo Advisory
Send your AAT qualification title, syllabus dates, Statement of Achievement and any certificate so completion and document availability can be checked.
Ginkgo Advisory can review your records and proposed document process, identify the verification route and confirm whether solicitor certification and paper or electronic apostille support are appropriate for the application. The service scope depends on the qualification, issuing country and accepted authentication chain. The competent Spanish authority decides homologation or equivalence.
Contact Ginkgo Advisory or email info@ginkgoadvisory.com with your documents and intended Spanish procedure. We can confirm the verification route, service scope and quotation after reviewing the records.
Related guidance: UK degree homologation and equivalence in Spain; UK degree certificate and transcript apostille; UK e-apostille service.