We’ve worked with dozens of R&D professionals in the last year who have studied towards their Certification in R&D Tax Relief. These are the 3 types of advisors who should seriously consider joining them!
Advisors who are not a member of a professional body
Last year HMRC ran a consultation about how to improve the regulation of the tax advisory market. Of the three proposals, there were no clear winners, so it’s impossible to predict what might happen next.
One thing that is clear is the HMRC is serious about reducing fraud and error in the scheme, and about supporting claimants to access high quality tax advice, particularly in the R&D arena. We can see this in their stringent compliance processes, and in their one-to-many awareness campaigns.
The prospect of a professional qualification in R&D tax relief didn’t come into the consultation document – at the time it was prepared, there was no such thing!
However, that changed in September 2024, when The R&D Community launched the industry’s first professional qualification for R&D tax relief advisors.
As of July 2025, we’re in talks with some of the professional bodies to produce programmes for their members, which is a very exciting development! As certification becomes more common amongst R&D professionals, we see it as a real solution to the industry’s issue of regulation.
Getting certified now means you’ll have the evidence to show you’re committed to providing high quality, accurate advice for R&D claims. And you’ll be part of a growing community of advisors who can advocate for regulations that don’t disadvantage people who aren’t already members of a professional body.
Advisors thinking about changing jobs or seeking a promotion to a senior role
Whether you’re early in your career in the R&D industry, or you have many years of experience, there’s a plenty to learn in the Certification in R&D tax relief. Advisors of all vintages have completed the programme and learned new things about the schemes, the guidance, or the processes for preparing claims.
By committing to a specialist qualification in R&D, you can show your (current or future!) employer that you’re serious about your career in R&D, and that you’re ready for your next move.
It’s a rigorous professional qualification, and upon passing you’ll be listed on our website so your qualification can be verified.
You can share all the details of the Certification with your employer and make the case for them to invest in your CPD and build their own reputation as a responsible advisory service. Or if you choose to pay personally, we can offer payment plans for future cohorts so you can spread the cost.
Download the prospectus to get all the details of what’s included in the programme, the investment and other details. You can share it with your manager as well, to show them the value of everything that’s included, and how it can fit in around your day job without causing disruption
Advisors who want to demonstrate to clients that they care about high standards
One of the difficulties that businesses have, when making R&D claims, is finding an advisor they can trust. While many find a provider through their accountant or their network, most clients will still do some due diligence to make sure they can trust your advice.
Earning a professional Certification in R&D Tax Relief is a valuable way to show clients that you have the knowledge to back up your advice, and that you’re committed to high standards.
Upon completing your certification, you’ll get marketing materials for your website and a certificate you can hang in your office (if you want to!), as well as a listing on our website so people can verify your credentials at the source.
Clients will appreciate having something tangible to show them they can trust you, and it can boost your reputation within the advisory community and even with HMRC!
Download the prospectus or Register for the next cohort
“This has been a game-changer”
Following the programme we always ask candidates for their feedback – here’s what some of them had to say:
“Even though R&D Tax is part of my daily work, this course has been a game-changer. The insights from the webinars, cohort discussions, and the incredible support from Richard and the team were absolutely amazing. Feeling so motivated and inspired—thank you all!” – Sahil Shethia, Gravita
“I think this course will be an essential differentiator for R&D advisors going forwards. At least we can use our certificates as proof of learning which other advisors do not have.” – Campbell Black, Leonherman
“I’ve been involved in R&D Tax Relief in one form or another for the last 20 years. For the last nearly 12 years, it has been my business. Imposter Syndrome is something I have been competing with for all of that time.
“I am hoping that the results from this process will prove to myself and hopefully my existing and future customers that I do know what I am talking about.” – Simon Bulteel, Cooden Tax
If you’re ready to join them you can register for the next cohort today!
