RIAS Regs

Frequently Asked Questions

How and Why to Join

Who is eligible to join?⌄

All construction professionals with suitable qualifications and experience. The following pre-qualify:

  1. Architects registered with the ARB
  2. Chartered Members of CIAT
  3. Corporate Members and LCCs registered with CIBSE
  4. Existing Approved Certifiers of Design
Why should I join?⌄

As an Approved Certifier of Design, you will:

  1. Retain control of the energy aspects of your projects
  2. Help design teams optimise energy strategies
  3. Provide clients with an enhanced service
  4. Minimise local authority verification time
  5. Benefit from at least a 10% discount on building warrant fees (if certifying all relevant elements)
  6. Stay updated with technical standards and access technical advice
Why are the Domestic and Non-domestic Schemes separate?⌄

The software differs between domestic and non-domestic calculations. By separating them, professionals don’t need to demonstrate competency in tools they rarely use.

Why is there a distinction between Non-domestic and “Advanced” Non-domestic Approved Certifiers?⌄

Both are registered as Approved Certifiers of Design. The distinction exists because complex non-domestic buildings (schools, hospitals, etc.) require deeper HVAC and systems expertise than simpler non-domestic projects.

Guidance defines when a project is “Advanced.” It’s not only about scale or cost — complexity of services and systems is the key factor.

Can I certify Section 6 – Energy if there are no external fabric changes?⌄

Yes. Section 6 – Energy applies to all building warrant applications, even if works are internal. Certification still gives at least a 10% fee discount.

How do I join?⌄

Membership has four stages:

  1. Initial application
  2. Online competency tests
  3. Practical calculation test / confirmation of prior competency
  4. Approved Body checks
What does an Approved Body do?⌄

Certificates can only be issued by an Approved Certifier working for an Approved Body (a company, practice, department, or sole practitioner). Each Approved Body must appoint a Certification Coordinator to oversee compliance and countersign certificates.

A sole Practitioner can take on the responsibilities of all three; Approved Certifier of Design, Approved Body and Certification Coordinator.

What are the Costs?

What does it cost to register my interest?⌄

Nothing. Registering simply allows us to keep you updated.

What will it cost to apply to join the scheme?⌄

Joining fee:

  • Domestic – £200 + VAT
  • Non-Domestic – £200 + VAT
  • Non-Domestic Advanced – £400 + VAT

Annual subscription (first year at application):

  • Domestic – £125 + VAT
  • Non-Domestic – £125 + VAT
  • Non-Domestic Advanced – £250 + VAT

CPD Membership:

  • RIAS Members – £120 + VAT
  • Non-RIAS Members – £150 + VAT

How the Schemes Work

What details do you check?⌄

During registration, you must confirm name, address and company details as well as:

  1. ARB registration number, or
  2. CIAT membership number, or
  3. CIBSE LCC number, or
  4. Opt for ‘other professional’ and provide some additional details

These will be checked before membership confirmation.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

How do EPCs work in this scheme?⌄

Approved Certifiers must be members of an Approved Organisation to lodge EPCs.

There are a number of these Scottish Government list of Approved Organisations.

But RIAS-regs.co.uk work closely with Quidos (Domestic) & CIBSE Low Carbon Consultants (Non-domestic), who recognise Approved Certifiers of Design as pre-qualifying to join their Schemes.