Third party accreditation
Third party accreditation (or certification) is the formal, independent recognition that a prescribed standard of performance has been achieved. A third party organisation reviews a process, product, system, organisation, person etc. and certifies compliance with a required standard of safety, quality or environmental performance etc. This may involve, demonstration of qualifications, systems, testing processes, materials, testing, inspections of facilities and so on.
If the standard is achieved, the third party provides written assurance or certification that it conforms to the specified requirements. Some certification systems will provide graded result, such as; excellent, good, poor and so on.
Such certification, provides a means for potential clients to make informed choices in terms of selecting proven and competent suppliers, as well as ensuring compliance with their own standards or policies.
In the UK, the British Board of Agrément (BBA) is one of the leading bodies offering approval, certification and test services to construction industry products and systems. For more information, see Agrément certificate.
Products and systems that receive BBA and other forms of certification, are recognised by building control, government departments, architects, specifiers and industry insurers that there is a certain level of quality and fitness for purpose.
Other organisations provide certification of a number of aspects of products, design and construction, such as:
- BREEAM.
- CEEQUAL.
- Construction Skills Certification Scheme.
- Department for Communities and Local Government.
- Forest Stewardship Council.
- Gas safe.
- Health and Safety Executive.
- Home Quality Mark.
- International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
- Kitemark.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
- Passivhaus.
- Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification.
- Robust details certification scheme.
- Ska rating.
- NHBC.
- WELL.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Accreditation body.
- Agrément certificate.
- British Board of Agrément.
- British standards.
- Building Research Establishment BRE.
- BTTG.
- CE marking.
- Construction products regulations.
- Examining the 2021 construction materials shortage.
- Gas Safe.
- Green Seal.
- How to check certification.
- International Organisation for Standardisation.
- ISO 14024.
- Kitemark.
- Quality assurance.
- Quality management system.
- UKCA mark transition extension for construction products requested.
- Water Regulations Advisory Scheme WRAS.
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.