OPITO Certificate Extension Process Update
In March 2020, OPITO implemented a certificate extension process to support those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, where their certification expired within 30 days, initially, and within 14 days, as amended 5 August in
revised Policy OPITO.C19.GLB.003.1.
This process has supported industry and the workforce during these challenging times, and, as of 16 September, more than 30,000 certificates have been extended under the Policy.
OPITO’s view is that it is vital that the skills and competence of the workforce is maintained through regular training.
Additionally, training providers have now reopened in the majority of regions with physical distancing measures in place in training centres operating under national, regional and local government guidelines.
As a result of the above, OPITO has taken the decision to draw the scheme to a close at this point.
As of 00.01hrs on 19 October 2020, certificate extensions will no longer be granted unless in exceptional circumstances, as outlined below. All other delegates are required to undertake refresher training.
OPITO will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 across the globe and will put appropriate measures in place, where required.
1.1 How to Apply in Exceptional Circumstances
Employers and Delegates (Self-Sponsors) can visit the dedicated page on the OPITO website here to review the Policy and to complete a short form to submit an exceptional extension request. Please note, these forms have
been updated to reflect the situation in each region.
2.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A set of FAQs has been developed and is available on opito website.
3.0 Further Support
Please contact your Regional Approvals Manager as detailed in the following table:
| Region | Territories Covered | Contact | Email Address | Phone number |
| Americas | Brazil | Canada | Mexico | Suriname | Trinidad | USA | Michael Love | Michael.Love@opito.com | +44 (0) 7387647324 |
| Europe | Azerbaijan | Belgium | Denmark | Estonia | Germany | Ireland | Italy | Kazakhstan | Lithuania | Malta | Poland | Romania | Spain | Netherlands | United Kingdom | Ukraine | Marc Gibson | Marc.Gibson@opito.com | +44 (0) 7741150333 |
| Asia Pacific | Australia | Brunei | China | Indonesia | Japan | Korea | Malaysia | Myanmar | New Zealand | Philippines | Russia (Sakhalin) | Singapore | Thailand | Vietnam | Mark Anderson | Mark.Anderson@opito.com | +6 (03) 2072 7350 |
| Middle East & Africa | Angola | Congo | Egypt | Equatorial Guinea | Ghana | India | Nigeria | Oman | Qatar | Russia | Saudi Arabia South | Africa | Tunisia | United Arab Emirates | Barry Mcloughlin | Barry.mcloughlin@opito.com | +971 4 4458482 |