Further information on the different types of qualifications for Farriers can be found on the Farriers Registration Council website.
The Worshipful Company of Farriers is an Awarding Organisation and does not deliver training courses as a training provider, training is provided by one of the three farriery colleges. Further information on the training and awards offered by the WCF can be found here:
No, the Master Farrier is not a qualification, more information can be found here.
An ATF is an Approved Training Farrier. The Approved Trainer Farrier (ATF) is a Registered Farrier who is approved by the Farrier's Registration Council to deliver the workplace training element of the apprenticeship; this will include employing and supporting apprentices throughout their apprenticeship. Further information can be found on the Skills England website.
Requests for past papers can be made via the Fees and payments page.
In order to practice farriery in GB it is necessary to be registered with the FRC. Generally speaking, it is a criminal offence for anyone other than a registered farrier, veterinary surgeon or approved farriery apprentice to carry out farriery.
Farriers from overseas who have at least two years regular and gainful experience as a farrier (ie it is their occupation but this can include time employed on a formal farriery apprenticeship) may apply for entry into the Diploma International examination.
This examination does not allow automatic entry onto the Farriers Registration Council register. Candidates are advised to contact the FRC for further information.
Candidates wishing to undertake the apprenticeship are advised to contact the FRC.
Please contact the Senior Registrar and complete a request form.
If your question is not answered on this page, please contact the Senior Registrar.
Page last updated: 03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
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