How to Check a Tradesperson's Registration

Pick the work you are having done to see the registers that apply.

• Gas Safe Register(opens in a new tab)

  Anyone doing gas work for payment. Registration is a legal requirement.

  What to check: Search by licence number, and check the ID card lists the type of gas work you need.

• OFTEC(opens in a new tab)

  Technicians working on oil-fired heating and oil tanks.

  What to check: Confirm the technician is registered for the type of oil work involved.

• MCS(opens in a new tab)

  Installers of heat pumps, solar panels and home batteries.

  What to check: Check the installer is certified for the specific technology you are buying.

• REFCOM(opens in a new tab)

  Businesses certified to handle refrigerants, for example for air conditioning or some heat pumps.

  What to check: Check the company holds current F-Gas certification.

• Electrical Competent Person register(opens in a new tab)

  Electricians registered with a government-authorised competent person scheme.

  What to check: Search by name or postcode across several schemes at once.

• NICEIC(opens in a new tab)

  Electrical contractors assessed by NICEIC.

  What to check: Confirm the business is registered and in which category.

• NAPIT(opens in a new tab)

  Electricians and other installers assessed by NAPIT.

  What to check: Confirm the business is a current member for the work you need.

• WaterSafe(opens in a new tab)

  Plumbers belonging to approved contractor schemes for work on the water supply.

  What to check: Search by postcode to find approved plumbers near you.

• FENSA(opens in a new tab)

  Installers who can self-certify replacement windows and doors.

  What to check: Check the installer is registered before work starts, and the certificate afterwards.

• Certass(opens in a new tab)

  Another competent person scheme for replacement windows and doors.

  What to check: If an installer is not on FENSA, check here.

• HETAS(opens in a new tab)

  Installers and chimney sweeps working with wood burners and solid fuel.

  What to check: Check the installer is registered for the appliance type being fitted.

• Competent Roofer(opens in a new tab)

  Roofers who can self-certify re-roofing work under the Building Regulations.

  What to check: Confirm the roofer is registered before a re-roof starts.

• Property Care Association(opens in a new tab)

  Damp, timber and waterproofing specialists.

  What to check: Check the company is a current member, and ask about the surveyor’s qualifications.

• TrustMark(opens in a new tab)

  The government-endorsed quality scheme for many trades in and around the home.

  What to check: Search by business name or trade to confirm registration.

• Companies House(opens in a new tab)

  Every limited company in the UK.

  What to check: Check the company exists, is active, and who its directors are.

• The business name and address match the quote you were given.
• The registration is current, not expired or suspended.
• It covers the specific work you need, not just a related trade.
• Whether it is the business or the individual who is registered.

Ask separately for proof of public liability insurance. Registers rarely show it.

Before a tradesperson receives a Verified badge, Propvio checks their identity and the accreditation they submit. Jobs they confirm then appear on their public record. Propvio does not check the accuracy of every job description.

For more on choosing someone, read How to Find a Trustworthy Tradesperson in the UK.