Current Registration Requirements

Approved Qualifications for Registration

The profession of farriery is regulated in England, Wales and Scotland by the Farriers Registration Council (FRC).

  • Council’s prescribed course of civilian training for registration purposes under section 7(1)(b) of the Farriers (Registration) Act 1975, is an Apprenticeship in Farriery, including periods of block release college training, on the job training with an Approved Training Farrier (ATF) and completion of the End Point Assessment (EPA).


How to become a Farrier


Other Recognised Qualifications for Registration

In addition to the Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA), Qualified to Farrier Standard (QFS), the Farriers Registration Council also recognises certain other qualifications as meeting the standard for registration. The approved qualifications are currently:

  • Worshipful Company of Farriers RSS (Registered Shoeing Smith) pre October 1979
  • Worshipful Company of Farriers DipWCF (Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers) pre 6 October 2023
  • The Army Class II, BII, CMF
  • American Farriers Association CJF (Certified Journeyman Farrier*)

* In accordance with the Act, the FRC also requires proof of two years regular and gainful engagement in shoeing horses subsequent to achievement of this qualification prior to registration.　

To apply please contact the offices of the FRC.


Registration: 2022 (January - December)

Throughout 2022, 50 new individuals sought to become entitled to practise the profession by enrolling on the GB Apprenticeship in Farriery or submitting an Overseas Application for Registration.  (* Enrolled Apprentices who commenced an Apprenticeship during 2022 will not be expected to be eligible to register for a further 3.6 years)

Between 1 January and 31 December 2022, 48 individuals either completed the Apprenticeship in Farriery, achieved the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF) and/or met the requirements for registration by means of a qualification and professional experience achieved outside of GB and were entitled to be registered in the Register of Farriers and practice the profession of Farriery within GB.  

 Qualifications held by individuals successfully registered during 2022 included:

  •  Apprenticeship in Farriery, including Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF)
  • Intermediate Military Farrier Certificate (IMFC), including award of the Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF)
  • Diploma of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (DipWCF) awarded outside of GB
  • Irish Horse Board - Registered Farrier (RF)