Through its courses, qualifications and continuing professional development, the GAI has established an internationally recognised benchmark for expertise, knowledge and professional competence in architectural ironmongery and related disciplines. 
 
Developed over 60 years, the GAI programme is the only one in the world leading to qualifications and registered professional status in architectural ironmongery to British and European standards.

The GAI programme provides those working in and alongside the architectural ironmongery industry with all of the tools required to specify and schedule architectural ironmongery, door systems and access control for any project with complete confidence.

Our courses and qualifications are suitable for those working in a wide range of professions including: 

  • Architectural ironmongers 
  • Locksmiths 
  • Architectural technicians 
  • Wholesalers 
  • Manufacturers 
  • Builders’ merchants

ENQUIRE

To speak to one of our team about GAI courses and qualifications for you or your employees, please email [email protected], or submit this form

GAI Qualifications:


FOUNDATION IN HARDWARE – an introductory online qualification for anyone beginning their career in, or working alongside, the architectural ironmongery sector. 

CERTIFICATE IN ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE (CiAH) – a two-stage self-led online course providing a thorough understanding of products, standards and industry best practice. 

THE GAI DIPLOMA IN SCHEDULING (DipGAI) – the qualification for professionals involved in architectural ironmongery scheduling, estimating and technical support.

GAI DIPLOMA IN DOOR SYSTEMS (DipDS) – educating on all aspects of the architectural ironmongery industry with emphasis on the door.

GAI DIPLOMA IN ELECTRIC HARDWARE AND ACCESS CONTROL (DipAC) – designed to educate on all aspects of the access control market and its impact on the architectural ironmongery industry.

GAI CERTIFICATE IN STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS (CERTSRA) – an ongoing training programme to educate on all aspects of the standards relevant to the architectural ironmongery industry.

The CPD Journey:


On completing a Stage 3 GAI qualification (diploma or certificate), the holder is eligible to take part in our continuing professional qualification (CPD) programme to become a GAI registered or certified professional.

REGISTERED GAI PROFESSIONAL  – a fully qualified architectural ironmonger, committed to maintaining the highest and most current standards of professional competency:

  • Registered Architectural Ironmonger (RegAI)
  • Registered in Door Systems (RegDS)
  • Registered in Electric Hardware & Access Control (RegAC)

CERTIFICATED GAI PROFESSIONAL – a GAI Certificated Standards and Regulations Advisor (CertSRA) is trained and annually assessed in all aspects of the standards relevant to the architectural ironmongery industry.

Click for more details on GAI Continuing Professional Development >>

Course Progression

01 Introductory

The Foundation in Hardware teaches the basics of architectural ironmongery, access control, and standards. A flexible course completed within a six-month period, ideal as an induction tool or for anyone starting in the industry.

02 Building Skills

The Certificate in Architectural Hardware (CiAH) is a two-stage self-led online course which can be taken across 1 or 2 years. It provides a logical next step for those completing the Foundation qualification, but is equally suited as a starting point for those in the industry looking to develop their career. Allows the learner to make informed decisions when working with particular products and materials, as well as have a broad understanding of relevant best practices and industry standards.

03 Raising the Standard

The GAI’s Stage 3 diploma and certificate qualifications are the most widely recognised in the industry, building expertise and a deeper knowledge across all aspects of the architectural ironmongery industry: Scheduling; Door Systems; Electric Hardware & Access Control; and Standards & Regulations. Completion of CiAH or DipGAI* is a requirement of entry into all Stage 3 courses. Each course is typically completed over a one-year period**, with learners able to tackle multiple courses consecutively or concurrently (by individual arrangement).

04 Professional Competence

The GAI’s CPD programme enables those who have attained a Stage 3 GAI qualification to establish and maintain their Registered or Certificated professional status – RegAI, RegAC, RegDS or CertSRA. This represents the highest possible standard, indicating a professional who is fully up-to-date with the latest industry standards, regulation, legislation, and best practice.

 

*Learners completing CiaH or DipGAI before Summer 2021 are required to complete a bridging course in order to access the three new Stage 3 qualifications – DipAC, DipDS and CertSRA. The bridging course can be completed in advance of, or concurrently with, the Stage 3 course.
**The Certificate in Standards and Regulations (CertSRA) must also be renewed annually through a GAI CPD programme and online examination.

Resuming your Studies: The GAI Challenge Exam

The GAI Challenge Exam allows learners who have taken a break from their studies to complete their qualification without having to start again from the beginning from the beginning of the education programme. 

It is designed for those who have taken a break of three years or more during their studies of a Stage 3 GAI diploma or the Certificate in Architectural Hardware (Stage 1 or 2) courses.

Click here for more details >>

    Key Dates 

1 July 2024
Enrolment opens
8 August 2024
GAI Challenge Exam
1 September 2024
Course materials
19 September 2024
Retake Examination Days
17 October 2024
Retake Examination Days
12 December 2024
GAI Challenge Exam
31 December 2024
Enrolments close
24-26 February 2025
Stage 3 in Scheduling classroom training course in Wolverhampton
17-19 March 2025
Stage 3 in Scheduling classroom training course in Dubai
24-26 March 2025
Stage 3 in Scheduling classroom training course in London
30 April 2025
Block assessments deadline for Certificate in Architectural Hardware (Stage 1 & 2) and Stage 3 GAI Diplomas & Certificate
Throughout May
Stage 1 & 2 Mock Examinations
19 June 2025
Examination day for Certificate in Architectural Hardware (Stage 1 & 2) and Stage 3 Diplomas & Certificate
29 August 2025
Examination results

Education Downloads 

The GAI Education Prospectus and associated documents are available to download here, for further background and detailed information relating to the GAI education and learning programmes. 


DOWNLOAD HERE


Click here to read the appeals procedure.