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.

Third-party accredited by GQA Qualifications, the GAI education programme combines trusted content with proven learning outcomes, giving professionals the skills to specify and schedule architectural ironmongery, door systems and access control with complete confidence.

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

  • Architectural ironmongers
  • Hardware manufacturers
  • Door manufacturers
  • Locksmiths
  • Architectural technicians
  • Wholesalers
  • Builders’ merchants

Fully accessible to everyone, the GAI programme is globally recognised with 43% of our learners outside the UK.

Suitable for all levels and roles within the industry, with programmes on offer from Foundation to Diploma and CPD, our courses are flexible, so you can fit your studies around the demands of your work and life.

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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:

INDUCTION IN ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE – a short, self-led online induction module designed to give newcomers a clear and confident introduction to the terminology, context and purpose of architectural ironmongery.

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.

More details on GAI Continuing Professional Development >>

Course Progression

1.Foundation course

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.

2. Stage 1 & 2 courses

The Certificate in Architectural Hardware (CiAH) qualification consists of Stages 1 & 2. It is a 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. It allows the learner to make informed decisions when working with particular products and materials, as well as have a broader understanding of relevant best practices and industry standards.

3. Stage 3 courses

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, with pathways in: Scheduling; Door Systems; Electric Hardware & Access Control; and Standards & Regulations.

Completion of the CiAH is a requirement of entry into all Stage 3 courses. Each course is typically completed over 80 hours, with learners able to tackle multiple courses consecutively.

4. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

The GAI’s CPD programme enables those who have attained a Stage 3 GAI qualification to establish and maintain their Registered or Certified professional status – Registered Architectural Ironmonger (RegAI); Registered in Door Systems (RegDS); Registered in Electric Hardware and Access Control (RegAC); or Certificated Standards and Regulations Advisor (CertSRA).

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 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 September 2025
Enrolment opens and course materials available on Learning Hub
18 September 2025
Retake examination day
6 October 2025
Block/module assessments "Go Live" on the Learning Hub
16 October 2025
Retake examination day
19 December 2025
Enrolment closes
23-25 February 2026
Stage 3 in Scheduling classroom training course in UK
23-25 March 2026
Stage 3 in Scheduling classroom training course in Dubai
30 April 2026
Block assessments deadline for Stage 1, 2 and 3 courses
Throughout May 2026
Stage 1 & 2 mock examinations
18 June 2026
Examination day for Stage 1, 2 and 3 courses
28 August 2026
Examination results
17 September 2026
Retake examination day
15 October 2026
Retake examination day

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.

GAI Education Prospectus 2026/27

 

GAI Education Prospectus 2026/27

 

DOWNLOAD HERE