Approved Certifier of Construction Scheme

What is an Approved Certifier?

Approved Certifiers of Construction are suitably qualified and experienced professionals who operate under, and are registered by, scheme providers such as SNIPEF.

The scheme allows individuals to self-certify work that is subject to a Building Warrant, providing an alternative to using local authority building standards inspectors.

On completion of the work, an Approved Certifier will provide a certificate confirming the work covered by the certificate complies with the building regulations.

"Our company values/uses the self certifier scheme to allow a quick and efficient above ground drainage system sign off scheme, allowing workflow production on site, eliminating unnecessary building control time and visits. We’re now into our 15^th year using the scheme, and have numerous registered certifiers within our organisation. We would highly recommend using the scheme to any companies wishing to join." - Paul E McPhail, Director at James Paterson & Sons Plumbing & Heating Ltd

How does the scheme work?

SNIPEF was approved, as a scheme provider, to run the Approved Certifier of Construction Scheme (ACCS) by Scottish Ministers in December 2009. The scheme allows individuals (Approved Certifiers of Construction) to “self’ certify” drainage, plumbing and heating work which is subject to a Building Warrant. The Approved Certifier must be directly employed by a business (Approved Body).

Areas of work covered by the scheme include:

• Above and below ground drainage
• Unvented systems
• Gas appliances (above and below 70kw)
• Solid fuel appliances
• Oil appliances
• Solar thermal panels and heat pumps
• Oil tanks.

For further information, please contact the schemes department on 0131 556 0600 (option 4). To download the Scheme Guide, please click here.

To register your interest, click here.

How do I become an Approved Certifier?

To join the scheme, individuals (Approved Certifiers) must be employed by a business (Approved Body) which is a member of the Plumbing Industry Licensing Scheme or which meets the criteria of the Licensing Scheme.

Individuals must be qualified at either Advanced or Technician level and hold appropriate qualifications for the scope of work they wish to verify. In addition, they must complete a short Approved Certifier of Construction Course.

If an Approved Certifier leaves the Approved Body, they retain their status as an Approved Certifier but cannot issue any certificates until they are employed by an Approved Body. 

Benefits of becoming an Approved Certifier

• Fewer project delays by avoiding Building Control inspections resulting in faster, simpler completion certificates. 
• Greater customer confidence that all work complies with current building regulations and is carried out by fully trained, competent professionals 
• A reduced building warrant application fee when the local authority is notified of the use of an Approved Certifier of Construction and a Certificate of Construction is submitted with the completion certificate 
• Ongoing assurance through regular inspections carried out by the SNIPEF 
• Appropriate insurance in place for all certified work 
• Inclusion on the Scottish Government’s Certification Register, the official register of Approved Bodies and Approved Certifiers in Scotland. 
• Increased market differentiation, providing a clear commercial advantage over competitors 

Changes to Grading Criteria Effective 1 January 2025

Information on how these changes may affect you can be found here

Route to Maintaining your Approved certifier of Construction Status

Information on maintaining your status can be found here

Information on colleges delivering the assessment is available from the SNIJIB on 0131 524 1225 at info@snijib.org or via the website snijib.org

Scheme costs

There is an annual fee for Approved Bodies and Approved Certifiers.

You don’t need to be a member of SNIPEF to join the scheme but the annual Approved Body fee is waived for SNIPEF members. All prices below are excluding VAT.