NEW - CTSI Professional Competency in Tobacco, Nicotine and Vaping Regulations

RELEVANT LEGISLATION: Current Tobacco, Nicotine and Vaping Regulations.

This professional competency qualification has been developed to equip Trading Standards and other Regulatory Compliance professionals responsible for enforcing the Tobacco, Nicotine and Vaping Regulations, with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully undertake this role.

About this Training Course

Who is this course suitable for?

It is suitable for all those working in Local Authority Market Surveillance for Products. It will provide a basic competency, which can be built on through experience and practice.

This is one of CTSI's professional competency-based training courses designed to provide Trading Standards and Regulatory Compliance professionals with the right knowledge and skills to fulfill the requirements of their role and develop further in their career. As with all competency-based training, it is focused on developing practical skills and knowledge, rather than with abstract concepts.

Once completed, attendees will understand:

The framework of legislation designed to protect consumers and its application for the wider protection of public health.
The key legislation relating to tobacco, nicotine, and vaping applicable in England, Wales and Scotland
The roles of all regulatory bodies, including central Government agencies, alongside Local Authorities in the delivery of tobacco, nicotine, and vaping regulation.
Recognition of characteristics and features to consider in relation to tobacco, nicotine, and vaping products
An understanding of future primary and secondary legislation on tobacco, nicotine, and vaping products.
An understanding of the statutory obligations and code of practice requirements for securing best evidence in tobacco, nicotine, and vaping investigations.

What skills does this course aim to teach?

This qualification also assists in the development and assessment of the following skills:

Practical enforcement skills relating to product examination, seizure and forfeiture and commissioning expert opinion.
Use of evidence to support decision-making about tobacco, nicotine and vaping products likely compliance.
Practical use of civil and criminal penalties available in tobacco, nicotine and vaping regulations.

What does the Course and Assessment consist of?

This online course consists of: 4 Training Days, a Multiple-choice Examination, an Oral Interview, and the completion of a 3,000-word Case Study. There is a requirement for 12 weeks of independent learning, to be completed prior to the Contact Days, supported by resources available via the online portal.

PLEASE NOTE: The Online Materials are intended to underpin and support the Contact Days with your trainer. Therefore, they must be completed BEFORE you attend the Contact Days. This is to support your learning during the Contact Days themselves, as well as to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for completing the Case Study.

A note on Course Fees and Funding

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have funded 40 free places on the first two cohorts - which have been retained for these fully-funded places. Therefore, the first 40 Candidates (who reside in England) to register for this competency, will receive the training entirely free of charge. This is offered on a 'first come, first served' basis. A dedicated support session will also be provided after your training days for your Case-Study proposal.

PLEASE NOTE: In line with government funding, the 40 FREE PLACES are only available to students residing in England. Fees apply for the third and any subsequent cohorts (these are listed in the Course Details and Booking section below).

Course Details and Booking

Currently, there are three separate cohorts available for this Professional Competency Training, beginning in June, September and December 2025. However, the first two cohorts have been pre-funded by the DHSC (English candidates only):

Cohort #1 (June to Sept 2025)

Start Date: 23 June 2025 (when the compulsory pre-reading access is provided).
Trainer Contact Days: 15-19 September 2025.
Assessments: 23-24 September 2025 (oral and online).
Training Location: Online.
Course Fees: CTSI Members - Free (PLEASE NOTE: This cohort is DHSC-funded for students in England only). Non-Members - n/a.

Cohort #2 (Sept to Dec 2025)

Start Date: 15 September 2025 (this is when the compulsory pre-reading access is provided).
Trainer Contact Days: 8-12 December 2025.
Assessments: 16-17 December 2025 (oral and online).
Training Location: Online.
Course Fees: CTSI Members - Free (PLEASE NOTE: This cohort is DHSC-funded for students in England only). Non-Members - n/a.

Cohort #3 (Dec 2025 to March 2026)

Start Date: 1 December 2025 (this is when the compulsory pre-reading access is provided).
Trainer Contact Days: 23-26 February 2026.
Assessments: 3-4 March 2026 (oral and online).
Training Location: Online.
Course Fees: CTSI Members - £980+VAT. Non-Members - £1080+VAT (this includes CTSI Annual Membership*).

* The Non-Member rate now includes CTSI Annual Membership (for the current year). This provides access to all Member Benefits, including FREE entry to CTSI's flagship Annual Conference (subject to approval of your application).

Further information on this professional competency course can be found under the Professional Qualifications and Competency section of the Qualification Resources Area (opens in a new tab).

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