Certificate "A" was a military proficiency award originally used by the university cadet corps.
In 1990 the Army Cadet Force Implemented the Army Proficiency Certificate or APC syllabus which overhauled the activities which the cadets undertook including dropping the requirement for some modules such as hand-to-hand combat.
The APC syllabus covered subjects such as: Skill at Arms , Fieldcraft and First aid.
The certificate award was often made at a parade of the cadet's unit and consisted of the certificate and a four-pointed star with a red centre to be sewn on the lower sleeve.
During World War II, having the award reduced the time of preliminary training after conscription call-up, and was said to be a help in advancing to become a NCO.