Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has launched a new accredited training programme. The programme gives professionals across the building hardware sector the knowledge and recognised qualifications they need to support competence and career development. DHF Core Competencies: Understanding Building Hardware is an innovative online learning programme leading to an Ofqual-regulated Level 2 certificate, accredited by the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE).
The programme supports product managers, customer service teams, trade counter operatives and anyone working in or looking to enter the building hardware sector. The flexible programme provides a solid grounding in building hardware fundamentals. It also enables learners to build specialist knowledge through a range of product-specific modules. It is also ideal for employee induction and ongoing professional development. All learners complete a mandatory Core Module, comprising six guided learning units and multiple-choice assessments, before selecting at least one of 12 Product Modules. Learners can purchase additional modules at any time, allowing them to tailor their learning to their role and responsibilities.
Recognised qualifications and measurable achievement
On successful completion, learners receive a DHF Level 2 Certificate in Core Competencies: Understanding Building Hardware. They also receive an Ofqual-branded certificate from ABBE. The certificate also lists every product module completed, providing employers with clear evidence of an individual’s knowledge and achievement. To support learning, every participant can download a dedicated study guide containing module learning outcomes, guided note-taking sections and prompts.
“This programme, which launches on 30th July, represents a step change for the building hardware sector. It is one of the most significant investments DHF has made in developing the competence of our building hardware industry,” explains DHF’s Chief Executive, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens.
“From the outset, we listened carefully to our members to understand the knowledge gaps that existed across manufacturing, distribution, technical support, and sales. We then developed a programme that directly addresses those needs. We aligned it with the CPA’s White Paper on Construction Product Competence, which has since evolved into the draft BS 8670-2 standard. As an industry, we believe we are ‘ahead of the curve’ by providing a qualification that reflects both current and emerging competence expectations.”
The ABBE Level 2 Certificate in Core Competencies: Understanding Building Hardware is an Ofqual-regulated qualification. It gives learners a nationally recognised qualification that provides employers with clear evidence of the knowledge element of the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) framework. It creates a credible, structured route for individuals to develop professionally. Employers will also have confidence that their people have acquired knowledge that is directly relevant to their role.
Digital delivery and workforce oversight
The programme is delivered through the DHF Training Academy. This provides learners with the flexibility to study at their own pace. Meanwhile, managers, HR teams and training professionals are able to monitor learner engagement, progress and achievement through a dedicated management portal. It ensures organisations can actively manage competence across their workforce rather than simply delivering one-off training.
“We are incredibly proud to add this qualification to DHF’s portfolio,” concludes Patricia. “We believe it will transform the way building hardware competence is developed. It will provide our industry with a robust, future-proof training pathway that supports individuals, strengthens businesses and raises professional excellence. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this publication, particularly our Working Group Committees (WGCs), members, industry experts and partners. The knowledge, time and commitment of those involved strengthen our work and help promote standards across the industry.”
The programme is initially available exclusively to DHF members from July 2026. Broader industry access is planned as part of the next phase of the programme’s rollout.
