​Certificate of Competence – guidance, forms and assessment packs (Scotland)

Summary

New EU legislation came into force on 1 January 2013. It introduced Certificates of Competence replacing 'slaughterman’ licences issued under the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 (WASK). Scottish domestic legislation was also implemented on 1 January 2013.

The new legislation includes transitional provisions that give grandfather rights to holders of existing licences issued under WASK and to animal handlers and free-bullet shooters who can demonstrate three years’ experience prior to 1 January 2013.

The guidance:

• is designed to assist individuals with their applications for Certificates of Competence in Animal Welfare, which are required for their duties in approved premises

• is based on the requirements of The Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (as amended)

• contains information on how to apply for a Temporary Certificate of Competence, a Certificate of Competence and how to convert a licence issued under WASK to a Certificate of Competence

This page also includes the full and temporary certificate application forms.