Although an APEL system gives credit for experience its emphasis is on the learning acquired by a candidate. To reach the APEL standard it will be necessary to demonstrate learning in appropriate areas and at an appropriate academic level. Portfolios should be submitted to TSI within 2 months and not later than 31st July each year for registration on programmes commencing in June of the same year. The student can be sponsored from the start by the authority or can be taken on once they have completed their degree course. They then have to sit paper 12, pass the practical and oral examinations, complete the practical workbooks, and the project.
Sponsorship is a much cheaper route for authorities to get qualified officers.
The DTS itself involves two parts. In part 2 students can be referred in two subjects. In addition the students must complete two practical workbooks while working within their employing department, and a project on an approved subject. Another popular qualification associated with trading standards authorities is the DCA or Diploma in Consumer Affairs. The DCA is normally gained by enforcement staff who do not have the DTS and who might be specialising in Fair Trading or Safety work for example.