The Guild of Property Professionals has been given formal approval for its associate scheme, open to staff who work for Guild members.

The training has been approved by Cambridgeshire Trading Standards.

There are two strands to the scheme, sales and lettings, with 40 separate modules to pass.

On completion, individuals become a Guild associate and receive a certificate featuring the Trading Standards logo. They will also receive a badge and a Guild Associate Reward card, offering discounts on high street shops, cinema and food.

Alongside the associate scheme, the Guild also offers members the chance to develop and progress their skills with the enhanced scheme.

Paul Offley, compliance officer at the Guild, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cambridgeshire County Council in a co-ordinated primary authority partnership which will help enhance the advice it can provide to its members.”

Iain McKenzie, CEO at the Guild, said: “Trust and confidence is one of the four pillars of strength within the Guild. This not only applies to the relationship we have with our members, but more importantly our members’ relationships with their customers.

“At the Guild we strongly recommend anyone selling their home to use a Guild member with the associate scheme accreditation.”