You've been in the ACF a while, had great fun, excitement, adventure and gained experience, valuable skills, leadership qualities and tremendous self-confidence. But what else have you got to show for it? What cast iron proof have you got? What can you put on your CV which makes you stand head and shoulders above the rest?

ACF Star Awards, BTEC First Diplomas and the high profile Duke of Edinburgh Awards are seriously impressive marks of achievement. Get them and schools, colleges, in fact, everyone including future employers, will have huge respect for you and your attitude.

In addition to ACF prizes and certificates, you can compete for the following awards and qualifications - click each to discover more about them:

• ACF Cadet Awards

  Want recognition for your successes? No problem. The ACF gives you just that with six increasingly challenging levels of Cadet Star Training for you to move up the ranks of. Your 6 star awards will ensure you've got what it takes in subjects like shooting, fieldcraft, map & compass, drill, community work and expeditions! The system means you will learn more about each subject as you progress through your star awards and you'll get plenty of opportunity to practice your new found skills in realistic environments!

  The ultimate achievement is to reach Master Cadet level. There are only a handful in the country and they are the cream of the crop. Have you got what it takes?

• Duke of Edinburgh Award

  As the second largest operator of the DofE Award, the ACF helps thousands of cadets achieve this impressive status.

  It's an increasingly important feature of ACF training which provides an extra goal for cadets and young instructors aged 14-25 and gives high profile public recognition for skills and talent. The Award is regarded as ‘common currency' and is recognised outside the ACF and internationally by schools, colleges and future employers.

  The DofE Award includes four categories of highly practical, cultural and adventurous activities. Most of these are cross-related with the ACF. So whilst you're training for first aid, drill, target shooting and expeditions, you're also working towards your DofE Award.

• BTEC First Diploma

  Leaders aren't just born, they're made? The ACF can help not only in basic survival skills and leadership training, but in giving you the skills and self-confidence you need to succeed in life.

  The ACF is currently one of only four national youth organisation which gives you the chance to develop valuable skills and at the same time gain a diploma internationally recognised in the workplace and places of higher education.
  
  Cadets aged 16 and over can earn a BTEC First Diploma in Public Services, absolutely fee-free. That's the equivalent of 4 GCSE's at A-C level (4 Standard Grades at levels 1 - 3 in Scotland).

  - CV Development
  - Interviewing Skills
  - Public Speaking/Presentations
  - First Aid and Nutrition
  - Adventure Training

  Also available to cadets over 16 is a BTEC First Diploma in Music. Successful participants will earn the equivalent of 4 GCSE's at A-C level (4 Standard Grades at levels 1-3 in Scotland). Cadets will gain a basic understanding of music as a profession and have demonstrated ability in both performing music and as well as organising rehearsals and looking after budgets, marketing, advertising and publicising a musical event.

  It's free. It's hassle-free. It's a great way to add a valuable BTEC qualification.

• ILM Certificate in Team Leading

  A qualification for the nation's best! Cadets who complete the Master Cadet Course are eligible for this Certificate in Team Leading from the Institute of Leadership and Management. The award mixes theory and practical elements with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork and communications and is the first step in the managerial process. It is a valuable award recognised in industry by employers.

  Best of all, IT'S FREE!!!!!!!!

• The Lord Lieutenant's Cadet

  Lord Lieutenant's Cadet is the ultimate Award for all ACF cadets. There is no higher honour than receiving this award and only outstanding cadets reach the pinnacle of success in the ACF.