Hi kath,
Been there - done that. As you are finding out this is a major process.
The simple answer is you DO need everything. As much information as you can muster. However if you can you may want to skirt over the time of the self employed bit if possible as this can become very complicated.
From my understanding, the key thing is they will be looking to verify the training and job etc around the time of his original City and Guilds, as well as that of the last 4 to 6 years. If you have nearly everything covered you could look to do a statutory declaration on the times you have not covered. As long as they have enough solid information this is normally O.K. However you do not really want to apply without enough information to pbutt as they dont bother to ask for more. They just fail you and keep your money!
One other thing is keep in mind that the requirements for the main application are a little different to the TRA, so you need to read up on what you need there as well and remember to get 2 certified copies of everything so that you have some ready for the DIMIA.
I hope this helps, and good luck.
Brian.
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