Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (AWCF)
Overview
This is a Level 5 Ofqual occupational qualification. The examination may be taken in either order. The full AWCF examination must be achieved within five years after the first module has been passed.
The Worshipful Company of Farriers founded its modern examination process in 1890, with the Registered Shoeing Smith examination. It had been hoped that this would lead to compulsory registration. This was not to happen for 95 years! To avoid confusion, once all Farriers were required to register, the name changed to Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF). In 1907 the Company realised that there was a need for a higher level examination that promoted a farrier’s ability to use horse shoeing skills in the treatment of conditions of the foot and equine limb. This was called Associate of the Farriers Company of London (AFCL). It changed its title to The Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (AWCF) at the same time as the DipWCF.
In the mid 1990s the examination board saw that the AWCF examination needed reviewing to encourage more Farriers to take it and to promote the study and use of synthetic methods and materials. A complete overhaul of the syllabus took place. A continual review has now been built into the system so that the examination remains current. Encouragingly in recent exams the number of candidates has begun to rise.
Offerings
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An Associateship Certificate will be signed by the Master, the Members of Examinations Board, and the Registrar. The Certificate will be numbered and dated.
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Application to the Livery of the Worshipful Company with over a 40% fine reduction; full Quarterage as a Liveryman must be paid.
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Eligibility to become a Master Farrier
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Use of the post-nominals AWCF
Interested in taking this qualification?
Examiners are looking for candidates to demonstrate a depth of knowledge of anatomy, conditions and diseases of the foot, and how conformation affects the gait and the foot, and vice versa. Candidates will need to show:
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Traditional forging skills and be able to apply them to an individual horse.
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A range of shoemaking skills in different materials including fabricating.
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Candidates will be assessed on their ability to think on their feet when confronted with a task that candidates might not have experienced.
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Candidates need to be able to use and have an opinion on the synthetic materials listed.
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Candidates need to be comfortable looking at x-rays and assessing a horse with a veterinary surgeon.
If you acquire the knowledge and skills set out in the syllabus, you will become an Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers.
(Reprinted with kind permission of: Dr Simon Curtis PhD HonAssocRCVS FWCF)
Entry requirements
The examination is open to those who have been Diplomates for a minimum of 12 months (at the time of application). Certified Journeymen Farriers who have gained 24 months farriery experience since passing the AFA CJF test may apply to be registered as a DipWCF holder. They can then apply to sit the AWCF examination.
Application for the AWCF may not be made until the DipWCF application has been processed and this could take some weeks. If you are interested in taking this qualification please read through our documents and complete an application form (found in the box above) and check you meet the entry requirements.
For further information on examination preparation please see ‘Examinations Policies and procedures’.
For further information on Mentors follow this link.
If you have any further questions please contact: registrar@wcf.org.uk
Army Farriers who hold the Advanced Military Farriers Certificate (AMFC) qualification may register for an AWCF.
Formerly known as the Class I, the Military Training Farrier is achieved after the completion of the Advanced Military Farriery Course. The Class I qualification is issued following training as a farrier in the British Army and is equivalent to the Associateship. In the case of Army Farriers, the Farriers Registration Council recognises the Army Class I or AMFC as a prescribed examination that is equivalent to the WCF Associate Award.
Complete the application to be entered onto the register of the Worshipful Company of Farriers and recorded as achieving the Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers.
You can submit the application form by post or by email. The fee is normally £250 but for serving personnel who apply within 6 weeks of their Army Trade Test, this is discounted to £125. Payment can be made online here.
All those graduating with the DipED(Farriery) will be allowed to sit the take the relevant WCF Associateship examination on one occasion at 50% of the Examination Fee, providing the exam is taken within 12 months of graduation. Please contact the Company Registrar for further information.
Please note, all fees are for examinations to be taken in the 2025 calendar year and are net of VAT or taxes paid locally. Examination fees for UK examinations must be paid by the published deadline date. Thereafter the Late Fee of £100 must be paid in addition for exam registration.
AWCF Theory Module (UK)
Please note that a completed and signed application form is also required by the Registrar.
£750
AWCF Practical Module (UK)
Please note that a completed and signed application form is also required by the Registrar.
£750
AWCF Both Modules (UK)
Please note that a completed and signed application form is also required by the Registrar.
£1500
AMFC-AWCF (discounted)
See application form; discount if within 6 weeks of trade test. Please note that a completed and signed application form is also required by the Registrar.
£130
AMFC-AWCF (full fee)
Please note that a completed and signed application form is also required by the Registrar.
£270
Examination Unit (Synthetic materials only)
Please note that a completed and signed application form is also required by the Registrar.
£265
AWCF Past paper (1 max)
Please note that the paper will not be sent until a completed and signed application form is received by the Registrar.
£10
Application forms
The examination is open to those who have been Diplomates for a minimum of 24 months (at the time of application).
Certified Journeymen Farriers who have gained 24 months farriery experience since passing the AFA CJF test may apply to be registered as a DipWCF holder. They can then apply to sit the AWCF examination.
Syllabus and guidance
Guidance Notes – these are being updated, please contact the Senior Registrar for more information.
Official list of Associates – Please contact the Senior Registrar for further information.