Frequently Asked Questions

The list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below should be the first port of call if you have any queries regarding the running of The Scheme.

Why has this Scheme been devised?

This Scheme has been introduced in response to the requirements of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.

What do I do if my application is not approved?

If your application is not approved, SER will inform you of the reasons why it was not successful. Appeals to SER against rejection of an application for membership should be addressed to the Head of Certification of SER Ltd and will be considered by the Appeals Panel.

What is the difference between the new Scheme and self certification?

Only those who are on the register will be able to certify. Those applying to the Scheme will have their levels of experience and qualifications assessed. It is a requirement of the Scheme that a certification log is kept in order to enable checks on certificates being issued to be made. Approved Certifiers and Approved Bodies will also be regularly audited.

Why is the Scheme open to Chartered Engineers only?

The requirement for those signing design certificates for a Building Warrant was included in Regulations introduced in Scotland in 1992. The new Scheme has the same requirement.

How does this Scheme affect me as a non Chartered Engineer?

Non Chartered Engineers are not eligible to join the Scheme. However, they may still make Building Warrant applications to Local Authorities in the traditional way.

What happens if I move Firm?

If you move Firm, you should inform SER Ltd of your revised contact details. If your new Firm is already an Approved Body, you may continue to act as an Approved Certifier. If your new Firm is not already an Approved Body, although you may retain your status as an Approved Certifier, you may not issue any certificates until such time as the Firm has gained Approved Body status.

What happens if a Firm is taken over by another Firm and/or changes name?

If a Firm is taken over by another Firm and/or changes its name, the Certification Co-co-ordinator should inform SER Ltd which will advise what action is required in the particular circumstances

How do I apply as a Sole Practitioner?

A Sole Practitioner is required to be registered as both an Approved Certifier and an Approved Body. A special combined fee for both registrations of £75 per annum is payable.

What happens if I have just achieved Chartered status?

The Scheme requires that all applicants must generally have a minimum of five years experience after gaining Chartered Status in order to be considered for SER Ltd Approved Certifier. The Scheme will consider applications from engineers with less than 5 years post Chartered experience and require that their application states clearly the relevant skills and experience that they possess in order to be considered for membership of the Scheme.

Why would a business want to become an Approved Body?

Approved Bodies through using the Scheme will be able to offer their clients a quicker route to obtaining a Building Warrant than using the Standard Local Authority Procedure.

Why would a Chartered Engineer want to become an Approved Certifier?

Approved Certifiers through using the Scheme will be able to offer their clients a quicker route to obtaining a Building Warrant than using the Standard Local Authority Procedure.

Can Sole Practitioners certify?

Sole Practitioners may certify provided they are registered as both an Approved Certifier and an Approved Body.

Can the Firm that I work for apply to join the Scheme?

The Firm can apply to join the Scheme as long as there is an application form from a Chartered Engineer employed by the firm either pending, or accompanying the firm application.

If the verifier is no longer checking the design, is there a requirement to submit drawings with a building warrant application?

Yes, drawings need to be submitted as they were under the previous system. This is to enable Building Control to check on construction and also acts as a record of the construction/approved warrant.

It is advisable to refer to the BSD Procedural Handbook (available on the BSD website www.sbsa.gov.uk) which is essential reading for all those who wish to become registered.

Where do I stand if I am a Chartered Engineer with less than 5 years post Chartered experience?

The requirement for engineers signing design certificates for a Building Warrant to have 5 years post Chartered experience was included in Regulations introduced in Scotland in 1992. The new Scheme has the same requirement. The Scheme will consider applications from engineers with less than 5 years post Chartered experience and requires that their application states clearly the relevant skills and experience they possess in order to be considered for membership of the Scheme. Each application will be assessed on individual merit.

Can I certify structural work carried out for other Council departments, this work being the subject of a Building Warrant to the same authority?

Section 4.6.7 of the SER Ltd Scheme Guide states:

'Schedule 2 to the... Building (Scotland)... Act (2003) prohibits a Verifier from certifying any matter for which they act as verifier. The Scheme understands this to mean that a Certifier who is employed by a local authority may only certify work that is verified by a different local authority. This does not inhibit them from designing work that is verified by the local authority that employs them, or from certifying work that is verified by another local authority'

Do Certification Co-ordinators have to be engineers?

Certification Co-ordinators do not have to be engineers. One of the main duties of the Certification Co-ordinator is to be responsible for ensuring that the conditions under which the Approved Body was approved are fulfilled and maintained, which does not require them to hold any engineering qualifications.