No. The exam tests knowledge you can genuinely learn — chemical safety, hygiene basics, professionalism, business basics — not years of experience. Complete beginners regularly pass with a bit of preparation.
No. SPOT is an independent verification standard, not a government scheme, licence, or legal requirement to work as a cleaner in the UK. It's a checkable credential that demonstrates tested competency to clients.
You get one free retake within 30 days. After that, retakes are £19. There's no limit on how many times you can eventually pass.
Bronze (£49) covers the accreditation exam, automated identity and selfie check, registry number and Bronze badge. Silver (£89) adds right-to-work, insurance and two-reference checks. Gold (£149) adds a Basic DBS review, photo verification and confirmed business status. You can upgrade later by paying only the difference, and your displayed tier always reflects evidence that is currently valid. Directory listing is a separate optional subscription at every tier. Compare all pricing and features, or see how SPOT differs from directories and lead sites.
No — certification and listing are separate. You can be SPOT Certified and hold your registry number without appearing in the public directory. Listing requires a short additional readiness form (equipment, PPE, contact details, availability) and the listing subscription.
Both give you a full public profile and registry number display. Featured adds top placement in local search results, extra gallery photos, and a "Featured" tag — for cleaners actively trying to grow their client base.
Yes, anytime, via the Stripe customer portal linked from your account. Your certification and registry number stay valid even if you cancel your listing — you'd just stop appearing in directory search.
Each employee needs their own named certification. A business's first exam seat is £49 and each additional seat is £35. Once at least two staff hold current certifications, the business can choose Commercial Basic at £20/month or £200/year, or Commercial Featured at £45/month or £450/year. Existing Solo members can attach their certification in the Business Portal, pay £35 for each new employee, and upgrade their listing without paying twice for unused subscription time.
Yes — that's who SPOT is really built for. Alongside certification, the Start-a-Business Toolkit (£19) gives you an invoice template, a client terms template, a pricing calculator and a social starter kit. The onboarding also asks what you're aiming for so we can point you to the right next step.
Not yet — SPOT is UK-first. A US version is in draft (different regulatory basis: OSHA rather than COSHH/BICSc) and will launch once the UK system is proven. See the US preview.
A named cleaning/health & safety professional reviews the question bank before it's used to certify people at scale — see The SPOT Standard for current review status.