The Conservation Technician Qualification (CTQ) is a recent development to meet the needs of a group of workers in the cultural heritage field. While following some of the principles underpinning UK National Vocational Qualifications, it is employer-initiated and owned, awarded by a professional institute, and wholly workplace-based. A short trial in 2007-08 with an initial group of five employers and 18 candidates proved highly successful, and the qualification is now being taken forward with further organisations and candidates. Out of necessity the CTQ was developed as a national initiative independent of government education and training bodies, and it raises questions about the flexibility of public qualification systems to respond quickly and efficiently to the needs of small and distinct occupational groupings. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.)