How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You can become a trading standards officer after studying for a degree in any subject.
If you do a degree in law, or one that contains units on consumer protection, you may be exempt from some of the professional examinations that must be completed to become a trading standards officer.
Some local authorities might sponsor you to do a degree in consumer law. This means that you'll get work experience whilst you study. It could also lead to a job offer after you graduate.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to a local authority to do an apprenticeship, which deals with enforcing regulations, such as:
- Regulatory Compliance Officer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Trading Standards Professional Level 6 (non-degree) Apprenticeship
These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and study with a learning provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as an assistant enforcement officer with a local authority and apply to join a trading standards training programme. Your employer would support you through the different levels of training.
Direct Application
You could apply for a trainee trading standards officer role with a local authority. You would study for professional qualifications while you work to fully qualify as a trading standards officer.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths. Some authorities might also want you to have 2 A levels, or equivalent qualifications. Experience in retail law, consumer protection or regulation compliance would also be helpful.
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Career tips
Some local councils might offer work experience or internships in trading standards in departments like environmental health.
Further information
You can find out more about a career in trading standards from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.