Guide · Updated 2026-10-02
What to Ask Before Buying Training Matrix Software
Ask whether the product imports your existing matrix, calculates status from dates, stores evidence, reminds owners, and exports clean packs — then confirm pricing and trial terms in writing. Ignore guarantees of legal compliance or scheme passes.
Quick answer
Buy for the operational jobs you already fail at on Excel. Insist on a trial with your real data. Treat “we get you CHAS approved” claims as a red flag — accreditation bodies and SSIP schemes do not require a particular matrix vendor.
Questions that matter
- Can we import our spreadsheet or CSV without retyping everyone?
- Is status calculated from today’s date, or still manual colours?
- Where do certificate files live, and how do we export them?
- Who receives expiry reminders, and can we set lead times?
- How are workers counted for pricing — and what is excluded?
- Is there a trial without a card? (FieldClear: 14-day free trial, no card required.)
- Does it deliver courses, or is it matrix-only? (FieldClear does not deliver courses.)
- What happens to our data if we cancel?
Honesty checks
- No claim that CHAS, SafeContractor, Constructionline or SSIP “require” their product
- No promise that a matrix format is legally mandated everywhere
- No fabricated security badge list
- No invented competitor price table
FieldClear snapshot
FieldClear focuses on import, live matrix status, evidence, reminders and export. Published plans from £29/month by workforce size. It is not an accreditation body and not an LMS.
Honest limits
This checklist is buying guidance, not legal advice. You still assign requirements by role, activity, customer and site.
Already have a spreadsheet?
Upload your existing matrix and see who’s current, what’s expiring and what’s missing.
14-day free trial. No card required.