CREST Awards levels
Choose an Award level: Star, SuperStar, Discovery, Bronze, Silver or Gold. Think about your learners' age and ability, and how much time they can commit to the project. The amount and complexity of work required to earn an Award increase with each level.
Note that the Awards are non-sequential and non-competitive. The age descriptions for the Award levels are suggestions, all Awards are open to all ages.
Star and SuperStar Awards
Star and SuperStar Awards are easy-to-run, low-cost Awards for primary children typically aged 3–7 (Star) and 7–11 (SuperStar). Children earn an Award by completing at least six challenges from our Resource Library, where you'll also find tip sheets with science themes and conversation starters. You can also download Star or SuperStar Passport for pupils to track their progress. Once ordered, CREST certificates are delivered within four weeks of payment. Global orders include fabric CREST badges.
Typical ages 3-7
6 x 1 hour challenges
£1 UK; £5 International
Star Award
Perfect for early years or younger primary children who are beginning their STEM journey. Our short, hands-on Star activities are designed to spark curiosity and encourage all children to explore the world around them in a fun and engaging way.
Explore Star Award
Typical ages 7-11
6 x 1 hour challenges
£1 UK; £5 International
SuperStar Award
Most suitable for upper primary pupils aged 7-11 who are looking for a challenge.
Explore SuperStar Award
Discovery Award
Discovery Award, often known as “CREST in a day,” is ideal for students aged 10–14. In small teams, they complete a five-hour project and present their work, building skills in communication, teamwork, and project management. Teacher packs include timetables, resources, and student workbooks to help you run these engaging one-day challenges with ease.
Bronze Award
The Bronze Award is a great introduction to STEM project work for students typically aged 11+. Over 10 hours, students work in teams and design and carry out their own investigations independently. Ideal for STEM clubs or term-long projects, with no set deadline. Projects are assessed by the teacher using CREST criteria. After uploading a sample for moderation, you’ll receive students’ personalised certificates within four weeks of submission and payment.
Silver and Gold Awards
The Silver and Gold Awards offer in-depth, student-led STEM projects - ideal for ages 14+ (Silver) and 16+ (Gold). Students choose their topic and manage their project independently, with the option to work with a CREST mentor from academia or industry. These Awards are a great enhancement to UCAS statements or CVs. Projects are assessed externally by expert CREST assessors via our online application platform. Once submitted, paid for, and approved, personalised certificates are sent out - usually within six weeks.
Typical ages 14+
Typically 30 hrs to complete
£15 UK; £25 International
Silver Award
Challenge your students to take ownership of a STEM project in teams or individually. Silver Awards are designed to stretch students and enrich their STEM studies. Whether investigating their own project idea or using one of our free resource prompts, students plan and direct their own project, gaining in-depth experience of the scientific method or engineering design process.
Explore Silver Award
Typical ages 16+
Typically 70 hrs to complete
£30 UK; £40 International
Gold Award
Awaken your students’ potential with a long-term, open-ended project ideal for enhancing their UCAS applications. Gold Awards are longer projects that immerse students in real research. At this level, we recommend students work with a mentor from their chosen STEM field of study.
Explore Gold Award