Each of these courses leads to a formal assessment which is graded according to a system based on rigorous criteria which reflect industry standards.  The grades give each candidate a clear indication of their achievement within the level being studied. The available grades vary slightly at each examination level but follow the general outline of Pass, Bronze, Silver and Gold with additional classifications to reflect exemplary achievement and understanding of the work undertaken.

All BADC certificates are valid for a period of 3 years. You will need to keep your certification and your skills up to date but you will not necessarily need to complete a full course of training to do this. If your certificate has only recently expired or if you have had fairly regular stage combat experience you will be able to attend a re-validation workshop organised at certain times each year by the BADC. At the workshop you will have the opportunity to update your skills and be assessed by BADC Examiners who will be able to re-validate your certificate for a further 3 years if you demonstrate the range of skills required for level of certificate you hold. If you wish to progress to a higher level of certification you will need to attend a full course of training with BADC Instructors.