FAQs

Can’t find what you are looking for? Check out or most frequently asked questions below.

How do I pay for my training course?

We are able to accept credit /debit cards and bank transfers via BACS and CHAPS, there are also various loan and funding options.

Our interest free payment plans are a great way to fund your training. We tailor all of our plans for each and every student ensuring affordability and piece of mind whilst you study.  Our plans range from 3 to 18 months and can be pad via Direct Debit or Credit/Debit Card.

More information can be found by reading our full Terms & Conditions by clicking the following link: https://www.optima-ect.com/booking-terms-conditions

When do I have to pay?

To secure your place immediately a deposit can be paid and the balance will then be payable depending on the payment plan you have chosen.  Payments in full need to be paid 14 days prior to the course start date.

More information can be found by reading our full Terms & Conditions by clicking the following link: https://www.optima-ect.com/booking-terms-conditions

How do I cancel?

We understand that circumstances do change, and we therefore offer a 28 day no questions asked refund policy. All course fees (excluding registration costs) will be refunded to you if you submit a cancellation request 28 days prior to the agreed start date of the course. Our refund policy is a no questions asked policy.

Registration fees are non-refundable. Registration fees are paid directly to C&G / EAL for the sole purpose in attaining your candidate number and your registration onto the said course.   

Cancellation within 28 days of the course start date will not be refunded. Depending on the circumstance you may be eligible to receive the value paid as course credit which you can use at a later date. Our course credits are transferrable so can be gifted and used by someone other than yourself.

More information can be found by reading our full Booking Terms & Conditions by clicking the following link: https://www.optima-ect.com/booking-terms-conditions

Additional costs?

Our list prices includeVAT. The only extra costs required thereafter would be for the course books.

Exams and assessments are included within the list prices. For most courses we offer a free resit service however for some courses an additional charge may apply where applicable. Please speak to us about this for further information.

More information can be found by reading our full Terms & Conditions by clicking the following link: https://www.optima-ect.com/booking-terms-conditions

Do I have to do all my training consecutively or can I split up the courses?

On most of our course packages, you have the option to split split the weeks up if you cannot commit to the block style learning.

Do I need to bring my own tools?

No, we provide all the necessary tools and materials to undertake your training.

More information can be found by reading our full Terms & Conditions by clicking the following link: https://www.optima-ect.com/booking-terms-conditions

What are the course start and finish times?

Monday to Friday Start 9.00 A.M. Finish 4.00 P.M. however this can vary.

Weekends: Start 9.30 A.M. Finish 4.30 P.M. However this can vary.

Evenings are 6.30 P.M and finsih and 9.30pm.

What do I do for lunch and snacks?

There are kitchen facilities at our centres, we also have a large number of cafes and local places to buy food.

Do I need any previous experience?

Some of our qualifications require experience but most don’t, each course page whether previous experience is a requirement.

Will I receive a qualification?

Yes, all of our courses are either accredited by City & Guilds & EAL.

Will my qualifications be recognised?

Yes all of our courses are industry recognised qualifications.

When will I get my exam results?

With online exams you will find out your results straight away, for written papers and other assessments if can take a few weeks.

Can I park at the training centre?

Yes we have plenty of free on site parking spaces at West Bromwich.   The London site is based in Central Camberwell and being so, parking spaces are limited. If you wish to use one of our spaces please advise upon booking your course.  If not, do not worry, Camberwell enjoys some of the best transport links in London.  The nearest overground station is Denmark Hill which is a 5 min walk from our centre.  Parking is available for weekend courses as there is no requirement for resident street permits on Saturdays and Sundays.

Do I need any previous experience?

Some of our qualifications require experience but most don’t, each course page will tell you if you need experience or not.

What is the usual pass rate for attending students?

We have some of the highest pass rates in the UK with most course achieving above 98% with an across centre average of 96%.

Can I come along and have a look at your training facilities?

Of course! We are always very happy to give tours of our facilities. Please just phone ahead to arrange a suitable day/time to come in.