Job Discussion Forums

[fluffyhamster]

[HLJHLJ]

[HLJHLJ]

From this
http://forumosa.com/taiwan/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=21806

It looks like Cambridge didn't issue replacement certificates at all between 2004-2013. It wasn't a popular policy.

[fluffyhamster]

The point is that universities seem to do a generally better job of keeping records than UCLES does(n't), though I'm sure you can find exceptions. As the OP says, "Is this really the common standard for globally-recognized training, education, and qualifications records? I must say I haven't had any trouble getting hold of replacement copies of my university transcripts or diplomas, and those are well older than 2004."

I too would be quite annoyed if for whatever reason I lost my original certificate and their record search (especially at a cost of $120) drew a blank. And I'm not sure I'd be that pleased if they then were to actually issue a certifying statement despite the lack of records, as that would devalue the value of the certification in the first place, by leaving it open to potential scammers! Either way (or both ways), UCLES doesn't look good here.

[HLJHLJ]

Yet I've had problems getting them from University College London, University of London, Birmingham University and Keele University. Perhaps you were just lucky.

[nomad soul]

[HLJHLJ]

According to that forum post the situation was different in 2004:

-----

From: [hexuan]
Sent: 21 August 2004 09:52
To: [email protected]
Subject: CELTA Certificate


I have lost my certificate. How do I go about getting a replacement ?

Thanks

[Hexuan]

---------------------------------------------------------
From: ESOL Helpdesk [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 23 August 2004 17:46
To: [hexuan]
Subject: RE: CELTA Certificate


Dear [Hexuan]

I regret that it is UCLES' policy not to issue duplicate certificates in
these circumstances. However, we will provide a certifying statement of the
result in accordance with the conditions specified on the application form,
a copy of which may be found at
http://www.cambridge-efl.org/support/dloads/cs_form.pdf.

Best wishes

Anna

Anna Merenyi
Centre Support Officer
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
1 Hills Road
Cambridge CB1 2EU
[email protected]
+ 44(0)1223 553184

[fluffyhamster]

@HLJHLJ: I think we have to assume that the person posting on that other forum had lost their cert after any 12-month replacement period was up (and I guess the replacements were more for undelivered certs lost by the PO than lost by anyone who'd actually received and signed for the original). The certifying statement in lieu of any copies beyond that seems to have been the policy all along and indeed still currently.

[nomad soul]

[HLJHLJ]

Yes that's true, plus they are only unconfirmed forum posts.

The USA is definitely more flexible over documents. Original diplomas/certificates/parchments are serious business in the UK.

[nomad soul]

Just a thought...

Those new CELTA holders who are concerned about having just the one and only cert might think about ordering a "replacement" from Cambridge within that 12-month timeframe, even if they still have their initial original certificate.

[fluffyhamster]

[HLJHLJ]

Even within 12 months, they won't issue a replacement just because you lost it, only if it was lost in the post between the exam center and the candidate. Then the application has to be made by the exam center, and they have to show they have attempted to find it. That means exam centers will either make you collect it in person, or they will use secure/signed for post, and they will have proof of delivery, in which case Cambridge still won't issue a duplicate.

Once a candidate receives a certificate, that's it. No replacement, ever.

(Actually, they probably would have to reissue it if you changed your name after undergoing gender reassignment surgery, as that's UK law, but that seems a rather drastic option).

[fluffyhamster]

Gender reassignment it is then for Rosalind!

[nomad soul]