Design and Check Certificates
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Design and check certificates are documents submitted by developers and designers of highway structures in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These documents are referred to as structure design certificates in Scotland. Design and check certificates are not to be confused with scaffold design checks required under BS 5975:2008, the British Standard that covers scaffolding and defines the requirements of each checking category.
[edit] History
The introduction of design and check certificates came about in the 1970s after a number of structural failures occurred in bridges around the world. From that point on, the UK Government required nearly all road-related structures to pass an independent technical approval (TA) certification process prior to construction.
[edit] Procedures
TA is required for all proposed structures within the road boundary (6m of a road) or that support a public road. The type of approval is dependent on the complexity of the project.
There are four categories for proposals - 0, 1, 2, 3. Category 0 is the least significant (for simple things such as roadside masts) and Category 3 is the most complex (for large projects such as bridge structures).
Different categories require different procedures for design and check certificates.
Category 0 and 1 structures require a combined design and check certificate. (Note that Category 0 certificates include the Technical Approval Authority [TAA] reference number and the date of agreement of the approval in principle.)
Category 2 and 3 structures require separate design and check certificates.
Upon completion of the project, the design and check certificates are signed to declare satisfactory completion of work. They are then sent to the TAA through the appropriate Roads and Service Divisional Office.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bridge construction.
- Highways.
- Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works.
- Overview of the road development process.
- Road construction.
- Temporary works for construction.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.