Accreditation in the construction industry
Accreditation is acknowledgement of ability, authority or credibility in a particular field of activity. Accreditation of individuals, tradespeople, companies or societies means they have been certified against certain standards by an accrediting body.
For example, a roofing company may be accredited by a relevant roofing trade body or association such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). The roofing company is then able to tender for business with verification of its competence and to instil confidence in potential clients that it will operate to certain standards. In its marketing documentation it may state that it is 'approved' or ‘accredited’ by the particular body in question.
Gaining accreditation may require successfully completing a course, inspection or test to give the accreditation body sufficient evidence to allow it to certify competence and ability in attaining its standards. It may also involve ongoing assessment to verify that standards are maintained and that capabilities are up to date.
Accreditation schemes can offer career-enhancing education and maintain higher standards in a particular sector. They can also give the public greater confidence in the ability of tradespeople and other entities who have gained accreditation.
Bodies that provide certification might include:
- Institutes and associations.
- Mark systems such as the Kitemark or CE marking.
- Rating bodies such as BREEAM or the Home Quality Mark.
- Product certification such as the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification or the Forest Stewardship Council.
- Trades accreditation such as Gas Safe or the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Accreditation body.
- BIM standards.
- British Board of Agrément.
- British Standards Institution BSI.
- BS ISO 10845.
- Building control performance standards.
- CE mark.
- Common minimum standards.
- Housing standards review.
- How to check certification.
- International Organisation for Standardisation.
- ISO 14001.
- ISO 9001.
- Kitemark.
- Third party accreditation.
- United Kingdom Accreditation Service UKAS.
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Comments
Feel free to create a profile with logo, website and contact details, then write an article accredited to your company or a related subject..