Portsmouth Polytechnic Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides Portsmouth Polytechnic degree verification and apostille services for graduates using their qualifications overseas.

Our service can include:

• Open University CNAA verification;
• awarding-body checks;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option; and
• embassy legalisation where required.

Portsmouth Polytechnic operated until 1992, when it became the University of Portsmouth. However, many Polytechnic degrees were awarded through the Council for National Academic Awards, known as CNAA.

Who verifies the qualification?

Since 1 August 2024, the University of Portsmouth no longer processes verification requests for students who studied before September 1992.

Portsmouth Polytechnic graduates should instead use the Open University Validation Service.

The Open University maintains the CNAA award archive and can provide:

• a certificate-style pro forma;
• a verification letter; or
• email verification.

The current fee is £60, and processing can take up to seven working days.

Can HEDD verify a Portsmouth Polytechnic degree?

The legacy HEDD entry still lists a £14 verification service and requires the University of Portsmouth consent form.

However, the same entry states that pre-1992 requests must now go to the Open University Validation Service. Therefore, applicants should use the current Open University route rather than relying on the older HEDD workflow.

Candidate consent

A third-party Open University verification request requires its own authorisation form.

The graduate must:

• complete the Open University authorisation form;
• sign it by hand;
• identify the authorised third party; and
• provide accurate award details.

The third party then submits the form and pays the £60 verification fee.

Information required

We normally request:

• the front and back of the certificate;
• any available academic records;
• the graduate’s passport;
• full name used during study;
• date of birth;
• course and qualification titles;
• award year and classification;
• attendance dates;
• student number, if known;
• signed authorisation; and
• the intended country of use.

We also check whether the certificate names:

• CNAA;
• Portsmouth Polytechnic;
• BTEC or another awarding body; or
• another validating institution.

Not every qualification offered by a polytechnic was a CNAA award. Therefore, the certificate must guide the verification route.

Replacement certificates and transcripts

The University of Portsmouth does not provide replacement certificates or transcripts for graduates who studied between 1969 and 31 August 1992.

Instead, the Open University can issue a CNAA pro forma certificate.

However, the Open University does not hold transcript information for CNAA awards. Therefore, detailed module marks may no longer be available through the central CNAA archive.

Enhanced solicitor certification

A basic certified true copy only confirms that the copy matches the document shown to the solicitor.

Enhanced solicitor certification can also use independent academic evidence. Depending on the case, our solicitor may:

1. obtain CNAA verification;
2. identify the correct awarding body;
3. review the original certificate;
4. compare the pro forma or verification letter;
5. check the graduate’s identity; and
6. certify the document using wording supported by the evidence.

We only confirm authenticity where reliable verification supports that conclusion.

FCDO apostille

After verification and solicitor certification, the document can normally proceed to the FCDO for an apostille.

The usual route is:

CNAA verification → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

The FCDO checks the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal against its records. It does not independently verify the academic qualification.

Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible documents.

However, this period covers the FCDO stage only. It does not include:

• Open University verification;
• historic record searches;
• pro forma production;
• solicitor enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• delivery.

Paper apostilles and e-Apostilles are available, subject to document eligibility and acceptance by the receiving authority.

Embassy legalisation

Some destinations require embassy or consular legalisation after the FCDO stage.

The receiving authority may request:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• a CNAA pro forma;
• a verification letter;
• a certified translation; or
• specific certification wording.

For a non-Hague destination, further embassy and local Ministry of Foreign Affairs processing may be required.

Our process

1. Review the certificate and identify the awarding body.
2. Obtain the graduate’s hand-signed authorisation.
3. Request Open University or other awarding-body verification.
4. Compare the result with the certificate and identification.
5. Complete enhanced solicitor certification where supported.
6. Arrange the FCDO apostille.
7. Complete embassy legalisation where required.
8. Return the completed documents.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Portsmouth Polytechnic degree still valid?

Yes. The institution becoming the University of Portsmouth does not invalidate a recognised Polytechnic qualification.

Who verifies the degree now?

The Open University Validation Service verifies eligible pre-1992 CNAA awards.

How much does verification cost?

The current Open University fee is £60.

How long does verification take?

The Open University advises applicants to allow up to seven working days after receiving the signed authorisation form.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

The Open University can issue a certificate-style CNAA pro forma rather than an exact replica of the original certificate.

Can I obtain a transcript?

The Open University does not hold transcript information for CNAA awards.

Does an apostille verify the qualification?

No. It authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

Can Ginkgo Advisory arrange a 2-working-day apostille?

Yes, once verification and solicitor certification are complete and the document is ready for FCDO submission.