GAI Challenge exams allows candidates to resume and complete their qualification after a break without having to start again from the beginning of the education programme.

The GAI Challenge Exam 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.

It consists of a short test covering all areas of the last stage of learning that they have passed. Online invigilation can be arranged for international students who would like to take the exam.

Once the GAI Challenge Exam has been passed, candidates can then progress to the next stage of the education programme without having to start at Stage 1 again. See below for detail of eligibility, and email [email protected] for more information or to register your interest.

Visit our Key Dates and Downloads page for the dates of any scheduled Challenge Exams.

Challenge Exams are suitable for:

 
  • Certificate in Architectural Hardware candidates who have taken a break of three years or more between stages; OR
  • Diploma candidates who have taken a culminative break in their GAI studies of more than three years; OR
  • Successful Certificate candidates who wish to move on to Diploma studies after a culminative break in their GAI studies of more than three years


The 90-minute test covers all areas of the previously completed and passed studies. Successful Challenge Exam candidates can then progress to the next stage in the GAI education programme without restarting Stage 1.

Students who have taken more than a three-year sabbatical and failed the Challenge Exam will be required to enrol for Stage 1.

Download GAI Education Prospectus 2025/26

To find out if the Challenge Exams are required or could apply to you or an employee, please contact [email protected]