Competent person self-certifications schemes
The building regulations set out legal requirements for specific aspects of building work and the notification procedures that must be followed when starting, carrying out, and completing building work. In England, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is responsible for the Building Regulations.
The building regulations require that a project’s compliance with the regulations is independently verified. Building Control Bodies (BCB’s) are responsible for checking building work to verify that it complies with the regulations. Building Control Bodies may be:
- The building control department of the Local Authority.
- An Approved Inspector.
However, ‘Competent person self-certifications schemes’ (or ‘competent person schemes’) introduced in 2002 allow registered installers who are competent in their field to self-certify certain types of building work. For example, air-tightness testing, plumbing and heating installers, electrical installers, cavity wall insulation installers and so on. The current schemes are listed on the gov.uk website.
Competent person schemes should make approval faster and cheaper, as there are no building regulations inspections or fees.
The Department for Communities and Local Government is in charge of authorising competent person schemes. To ensure standards are consistent, there are rules that scheme operators must follow. Ref DCLG, Building regulations: competent person self-certification schemes - conditions of authorisation from 6 June 2012.
Schemes have different application processes, rules and fees, however, to be registered with a competent person scheme, installers need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant minimum technical competence (MTC) requirements and there are then ongoing inspections every 2 years.
NB ‘Common’ MTC requirements can also apply to Green Deal installers and installers registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Approved documents.
- Approved inspector.
- Building Control Bodies.
- Building Regulations.
- Competent person.
- Electrical contractor.
- Planning permission.
- Self certification.
- Statutory approvals.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Classroom electrician courses a 'waste of money'
Say experts from the Electrical Contractors’ Association.
Wellbeing in Buildings TG 10/2025
BSRIA topic guide updates.
With brief background and WELL v2™.
From studies, to books to a new project, with founder Emma Walshaw.
Types of drawings for building design
Still one of the most popular articles the A-Z of drawings.
Who, or What Does the Building Safety Act Apply To?
From compliance to competence in brief.
The remarkable story of a Highland architect.
Commissioning Responsibilities Framework BG 88/2025
BSRIA guidance on establishing clear roles and responsibilities for commissioning tasks.
An architectural movement to love or hate.
Don’t take British stone for granted
It won’t survive on supplying the heritage sector alone.
The Constructing Excellence Value Toolkit
Driving value-based decision making in construction.
Meet CIOB event in Northern Ireland
Inspiring the next generation of construction talent.
Reasons for using MVHR systems
6 reasons for a whole-house approach to ventilation.
Supplementary Planning Documents, a reminder
As used by the City of London to introduce a Retrofit first policy.
The what, how, why and when of deposit return schemes
Circular economy steps for plastic bottles and cans in England and Northern Ireland draws.
Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regs
Approved amendment coming into effect 1 March 2025.