Globally recognised Award
Rewarding the achievements of young people around the world!
Over 5,700 Awards Internationally
CREST is accessible wherever you live! In 2024 we received over 5,700 applications from countries including; Australia, China, India, Italy, United States of America, and Vietnam.
Recognised STEM programme
CREST was launched in 1986, and continues to grow rapidly, with tens of thousands of young people taking part each year. Our network of CREST assessors, industry experts from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and education sectors, enable us to provide a consistent and high standard of assessment and moderation.
Improve skills
CREST offers high-quality, hands-on activities and in-depth project work that develop essential skills in young people - such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, communication, and teamwork. These experiences help prepare them for university and future careers in STEM.
Academic progress
Research shows that CREST positively impacts academic performance. Students who achieve higher-level CREST Awards tend to outperform their peers who did not take part. They are also more likely to continue studying STEM subjects at a higher level.
Achievement
CREST inspires a sense of achievement and pride, encouraging young people to take ownership of their learning. Through engaging activities and project work, they build confidence and independence. Their success is recognised with high-quality certificates from the UK.
Improve skills
CREST offers high-quality, hands-on activities and in-depth project work that develop essential skills in young people - such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, communication, and teamwork. These experiences help prepare them for university and future careers in STEM.
Academic progress
Research shows that CREST positively impacts academic performance. Students who achieve higher-level CREST Awards tend to outperform their peers who did not take part. They are also more likely to continue studying STEM subjects at a higher level.
Achievement
CREST inspires a sense of achievement and pride, encouraging young people to take ownership of their learning. Through engaging activities and project work, they build confidence and independence. Their success is recognised with high-quality certificates from the UK.
CREST success
Students use CREST Awards to enhance university and job applications. Donnie, a 19-year old student based in China, earned his Gold CREST Award and received an offer to study engineering at the University of Cambridge. A keen frisbee player, Donnie was inspired to design and build a frisbee-catching machine!
Hear from our customers
Confident
"The experience was so enjoyable I went on to complete a second one! I learned a huge amount about my research topic, data collection/analysis, presentation and referencing. My communication skills and self confidence greatly benefited and my Gold CREST Awards add weight to my UCAS applications." Two-time Gold Awardee, 2020
Top students
"All of our students got their first choice university, which is massive for them. It's shown us what a massive impact, a fairly small change in teaching (completing CREST Awards) had on our students. The benefit that we've seen was obviously massive." Secondary teacher, 2022
Committed
"Completing a CREST Award demonstrates that you're committed. 'I enjoy engineering' is OK. But why do you enjoy it? 'I've spent four weeks of my summer in a lab working on a project' adds more impact and mentioning it in your personal statement is really useful." Engineering Gold CREST Awardee
Impressive
"Interviewers probably hear generic answers, ‘I did this, I did that’…because of me doing the CREST Awards project, it was a unique thing and they were very interested in knowing why I did that and what I learned." Gold CREST Awardee, 2022
Confident
"The experience was so enjoyable I went on to complete a second one! I learned a huge amount about my research topic, data collection/analysis, presentation and referencing. My communication skills and self confidence greatly benefited and my Gold CREST Awards add weight to my UCAS applications." Two-time Gold Awardee, 2020
Top students
"All of our students got their first choice university, which is massive for them. It's shown us what a massive impact, a fairly small change in teaching (completing CREST Awards) had on our students. The benefit that we've seen was obviously massive." Secondary teacher, 2022
Committed
"Completing a CREST Award demonstrates that you're committed. 'I enjoy engineering' is OK. But why do you enjoy it? 'I've spent four weeks of my summer in a lab working on a project' adds more impact and mentioning it in your personal statement is really useful." Engineering Gold CREST Awardee
Impressive
"Interviewers probably hear generic answers, ‘I did this, I did that’…because of me doing the CREST Awards project, it was a unique thing and they were very interested in knowing why I did that and what I learned." Gold CREST Awardee, 2022
CREST in China
We partner with Pearson China to provide teachers, educators, and students in China with high-quality, locally tailored CREST resources and dedicated customer support. Existing CREST customers may continue to work directly with either CREST or Pearson China.
Royal charter charity
CREST Awards are managed by the British Science Association, a royal charter charity, established in 1831 to promote and develop science. Its vision is a future where science is more relevant, representative, and connected to society.
Partner with us
We maintain a growing network of international partners and welcome new enquiries. Please contact our colleague Estelle, if you are interested in funding CREST, incorporating it into your STEM programmes, or implementing it across your international school sites: estelle.whewell@britishscienceassociation.org
Royal charter charity
CREST Awards are managed by the British Science Association, a royal charter charity, established in 1831 to promote and develop science. Its vision is a future where science is more relevant, representative, and connected to society.
Partner with us
We maintain a growing network of international partners and welcome new enquiries. Please contact our colleague Estelle, if you are interested in funding CREST, incorporating it into your STEM programmes, or implementing it across your international school sites: estelle.whewell@britishscienceassociation.org
International customers FAQs
This is similar to an order number.
It is generated when you apply for CREST Awards via our application platform.
Please use your Project ID on all correspondence.
This is the software system we use to process CREST applications and certificate orders.
It is separate from our main website, and you will need to create a free account to use it.
CREST is based on the following core principles:
Real-world context
CREST projects and activities have a clear connection to real-world situations, appropriate to the student's level.
Problem solving
CREST projects encourage creative thinking to find solutions to scientific problems.
Independent working
Students should carry out their projects independently, either on their own, in pairs, or in small groups. Adult involvement should be minimal, depending on the student's level.
Decision making
Students are supported to lead their own projects, set their own goals, and make plans for how to carry them out.
Practical STEM activities or projects
CREST helps students understand the scientific method and develop research, production, and communication skills related to their activity or project.
Reflective practice
Students should have opportunities to reflect on what they have learned during their project.
Reporting and communicating
Students should be able to share their results and explain the impact of their work. This doesn’t have to be in written form.
Research
Students are expected to carry out background research to help them complete and understand their project.
Creativity
Students are encouraged to approach their projects creatively and come up with original ideas.
The CREST Criteria provide a framework to support successful project-based learning.
We use them to review projects submitted on the CREST application platform.
1 – Planning the Project
1.1 The student set a clear goal and broke it down into smaller, manageable steps.
1.2 The student explained the broader purpose or impact of the project.
1.3 The student explored different ways to approach the project.
1.4 The student described their chosen plan and explained why they picked that approach.
1.5 The student managed their time well and stayed organised.
2 – Working on the Project
2.1 The student used available materials and people (e.g., mentors or experts) effectively.
2.2 The student researched the topic and gave credit to their sources properly.
3 – Finalising the Project
3.1 The student reached sensible conclusions and explained the bigger-picture impact.
3.2 The student explained how their own choices and actions affected the outcome.
3.3 The student reflected on what they learned and how they could improve next time.
4 – Overall Project Skills
4.1 The student showed a good understanding of the science behind their project (suitable for their level).
4.2 The student made thoughtful decisions, considering safety and ethics.
4.3 The student demonstrated creativity and original thinking.
4.4 The student successfully solved problems they encountered.
4.5 The student communicated their project clearly, either in writing or by speaking.
Organisations, including schools, can purchase Star, SuperStar, Discovery, and Bronze CREST Awards in bulk, paying in advance. They receive a voucher code to share with their contacts. This allows both the organisation and/or its contacts to order CREST Award certificates at no additional cost, because the certificates have already been paid for.
The minimum payment is £150 to set up a voucher code.
Email us to purchase CREST Awards in bulk, paid upfront: crest@britishscienceassociation.org.
The student profile form shows how students have met the CREST Criteria.
Students applying for Silver and Gold Awards must complete this form and upload it with their application.
This is similar to an order number.
It is generated when you apply for CREST Awards via our application platform.
Please use your Project ID on all correspondence.
This is the software system we use to process CREST applications and certificate orders.
It is separate from our main website, and you will need to create a free account to use it.
CREST is based on the following core principles:
Real-world context
CREST projects and activities have a clear connection to real-world situations, appropriate to the student's level.
Problem solving
CREST projects encourage creative thinking to find solutions to scientific problems.
Independent working
Students should carry out their projects independently, either on their own, in pairs, or in small groups. Adult involvement should be minimal, depending on the student's level.
Decision making
Students are supported to lead their own projects, set their own goals, and make plans for how to carry them out.
Practical STEM activities or projects
CREST helps students understand the scientific method and develop research, production, and communication skills related to their activity or project.
Reflective practice
Students should have opportunities to reflect on what they have learned during their project.
Reporting and communicating
Students should be able to share their results and explain the impact of their work. This doesn’t have to be in written form.
Research
Students are expected to carry out background research to help them complete and understand their project.
Creativity
Students are encouraged to approach their projects creatively and come up with original ideas.
The CREST Criteria provide a framework to support successful project-based learning.
We use them to review projects submitted on the CREST application platform.
1 – Planning the Project
1.1 The student set a clear goal and broke it down into smaller, manageable steps.
1.2 The student explained the broader purpose or impact of the project.
1.3 The student explored different ways to approach the project.
1.4 The student described their chosen plan and explained why they picked that approach.
1.5 The student managed their time well and stayed organised.
2 – Working on the Project
2.1 The student used available materials and people (e.g., mentors or experts) effectively.
2.2 The student researched the topic and gave credit to their sources properly.
3 – Finalising the Project
3.1 The student reached sensible conclusions and explained the bigger-picture impact.
3.2 The student explained how their own choices and actions affected the outcome.
3.3 The student reflected on what they learned and how they could improve next time.
4 – Overall Project Skills
4.1 The student showed a good understanding of the science behind their project (suitable for their level).
4.2 The student made thoughtful decisions, considering safety and ethics.
4.3 The student demonstrated creativity and original thinking.
4.4 The student successfully solved problems they encountered.
4.5 The student communicated their project clearly, either in writing or by speaking.
Organisations, including schools, can purchase Star, SuperStar, Discovery, and Bronze CREST Awards in bulk, paying in advance. They receive a voucher code to share with their contacts. This allows both the organisation and/or its contacts to order CREST Award certificates at no additional cost, because the certificates have already been paid for.
The minimum payment is £150 to set up a voucher code.
Email us to purchase CREST Awards in bulk, paid upfront: crest@britishscienceassociation.org.
The student profile form shows how students have met the CREST Criteria.
Students applying for Silver and Gold Awards must complete this form and upload it with their application.
International application fees per student, excluding VAT:
Star: £5
SuperStar: £5
Discovery: £7.50
Bronze: £12.50
Silver: £25
Gold: £40
The cost of international delivery options vary depending on your distance from the UK.
CREST receives funding from the UK government, that enables us to charge UK customers lower fees.
Please note: international schools, with a UK head office, pay the same fees as customers based outside the UK.
International application fees per student, excluding VAT:
Star: £5
SuperStar: £5
Discovery: £7.50
Bronze: £12.50
Silver: £25
Gold: £40
The cost of international delivery options vary depending on your distance from the UK.
CREST receives funding from the UK government, that enables us to charge UK customers lower fees.
Please note: international schools, with a UK head office, pay the same fees as customers based outside the UK.
Star and SuperStar Awards are assessed by educators, parents or people running STEM activities, including at summer camps.
When applying for Awards, you will indicate which activities children have completed.
Star and SuperStar Awards can be applied for in advance i.e. before children complete at least 6 activities.
Please apply using the CREST application platform.
Discovery Awards are assessed by educators, parents or people running STEM activities, including at summer camps.
When you apply for Discovery Awards you will provide the name of the activity students completed.
Discovery Award certificates can be applied for in advance.
Please use the CREST application platform to apply for Awards.
China based customers receive a bespoke assessment service for Star, SuperStar, Discovery and Bronze Award levels.
All Silver and Gold Awards, including those completed in China, are assessed by our network of CREST Assessors.
Bronze Award projects completed in schools, at home or at summer camps, are moderated by our CREST Assessors.
When you apply for Bronze Awards you will need to provide one sample of project work e.g. if a class of students completed the same project work, you will upload one sample of their work to the CREST application platform.
Bronze Awards can not be applied for in advance.
Please use the CREST application platform to apply for Awards.
Silver and Gold projects must be applied for using the CREST Award application platform
Students must submit their project work and complete a student profile form, indicating how their project meets the CREST Awards criteria, and reflections about their learning experience.
Our network of independent CREST Assessors review Silver and Gold applications. They provide feedback directly to students via email.
Star and SuperStar Awards are assessed by educators, parents or people running STEM activities, including at summer camps.
When applying for Awards, you will indicate which activities children have completed.
Star and SuperStar Awards can be applied for in advance i.e. before children complete at least 6 activities.
Please apply using the CREST application platform.
Discovery Awards are assessed by educators, parents or people running STEM activities, including at summer camps.
When you apply for Discovery Awards you will provide the name of the activity students completed.
Discovery Award certificates can be applied for in advance.
Please use the CREST application platform to apply for Awards.
China based customers receive a bespoke assessment service for Star, SuperStar, Discovery and Bronze Award levels.
All Silver and Gold Awards, including those completed in China, are assessed by our network of CREST Assessors.
Bronze Award projects completed in schools, at home or at summer camps, are moderated by our CREST Assessors.
When you apply for Bronze Awards you will need to provide one sample of project work e.g. if a class of students completed the same project work, you will upload one sample of their work to the CREST application platform.
Bronze Awards can not be applied for in advance.
Please use the CREST application platform to apply for Awards.
Silver and Gold projects must be applied for using the CREST Award application platform
Students must submit their project work and complete a student profile form, indicating how their project meets the CREST Awards criteria, and reflections about their learning experience.
Our network of independent CREST Assessors review Silver and Gold applications. They provide feedback directly to students via email.
Our international certificate delivery options are:
Standard delivery - included in the CREST Award application fee.
International tracked delivery - with an additional cost from £15 upwards.
International courier delivery - with an additional cost from £42 upwards.
Please include your project ID reference number in all correspondence regarding certificate deliveries.
Email us to arrange tracked or courier delivery: crest@britishscienceassociation.org
Standard delivery - is included in the CREST Award application fee.
Delivery takes up to 6 weeks. We are not able to track these deliveries.
Please contact us if your delivery has not arrived after 6 six weeks.
Please include your project ID reference number in all correspondence regarding certificate deliveries.
Email us to arrange tracked or courier delivery: crest@britishscienceassociation.org
International tracked delivery will incur an additional cost from £15 upwards.
Delivery takes up to 2 weeks.
We email you a link to track your order.
Please contact us if your delivery has not arrived after 2 weeks.
Please include your project ID reference number in all correspondence regarding certificate deliveries.
Email us to arrange tracked or courier delivery: crest@britishscienceassociation.org
International courier delivery will cost an additional £42 upwards.
Delivery takes up to 1 week.
We use FedEx to deliver certificates by courier, they do not deliver to PO Boxes.
We email you a link to track your order.
Please contact us if your delivery has not arrived after 1 week.
Please include your project ID reference number in all correspondence regarding certificate deliveries.
Email us to arrange tracked or courier delivery: crest@britishscienceassociation.org
Our international certificate delivery options are:
Standard delivery - included in the CREST Award application fee.
International tracked delivery - with an additional cost from £15 upwards.
International courier delivery - with an additional cost from £42 upwards.
Please include your project ID reference number in all correspondence regarding certificate deliveries.
Email us to arrange tracked or courier delivery: crest@britishscienceassociation.org
Standard delivery - is included in the CREST Award application fee.
Delivery takes up to 6 weeks. We are not able to track these deliveries.
Please contact us if your delivery has not arrived after 6 six weeks.
Please include your project ID reference number in all correspondence regarding certificate deliveries.
Email us to arrange tracked or courier delivery: crest@britishscienceassociation.org
International tracked delivery will incur an additional cost from £15 upwards.
Delivery takes up to 2 weeks.
We email you a link to track your order.
Please contact us if your delivery has not arrived after 2 weeks.
Please include your project ID reference number in all correspondence regarding certificate deliveries.
Email us to arrange tracked or courier delivery: crest@britishscienceassociation.org
International courier delivery will cost an additional £42 upwards.
Delivery takes up to 1 week.
We use FedEx to deliver certificates by courier, they do not deliver to PO Boxes.
We email you a link to track your order.
Please contact us if your delivery has not arrived after 1 week.
Please include your project ID reference number in all correspondence regarding certificate deliveries.
Email us to arrange tracked or courier delivery: crest@britishscienceassociation.org