Trade Certificates: Which Ones Each Trade Issues

Trade certificates are the records a tradesperson issues to show a job was installed, tested or inspected to the rules for that work. Which ones you need depends on your trade and the job. A gas engineer issues a gas safety record (CP12) for a landlord's yearly check, and an electrician issues an EIC for a new installation or an EICR for a periodic inspection.

Most fall into two kinds. Some are issued once, when work is installed or commissioned. Others record a check that comes round again, such as a landlord's gas safety check every 12 months.

Gas

• Gas safety record (CP12): the landlord's yearly check of every gas appliance and flue they provide. See the CP12 guide.
• Gas service record: a routine service.
• Boiler commissioning record: when a new boiler is installed.
• Gas warning notice: when an appliance or installation is unsafe.
• Commercial gas: the CP17 installation safety report, CP15 plant record and CP42 catering certificate.

Electrical

• Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC): a new installation or new circuit.
• Minor Works certificate: a smaller addition or alteration.
• EICR: a periodic inspection of an existing installation. Rented homes in England need one at least every 5 years.
• PAT testing certificate and lightning protection test certificate.

Not sure which applies? See EIC vs Minor Works vs EICR.

Fire safety

• Fire alarms under BS 5839-1: installation, commissioning, verification and servicing. See fire alarm certificates explained.
• Emergency lighting certificate.
• Fire risk assessment and fire extinguisher service certificate.

Plumbing and heating

• Unvented cylinder certificate: see the Part G3 guide.
• Water regulations certificate.
• Central heating commissioning certificate and underfloor heating commissioning.

Oil

• CD/10 installation completion report and CD/11 servicing and commissioning report.
• CD/12 landlord oil safety check.
• CD/14 warning advice notice.

Solid fuel

• Solid fuel installation record: a new stove or appliance.
• Solid fuel service record and chimney sweeping certificate.

F-gas, air conditioning and ventilation

• F-gas installation and commissioning certificate and F-gas leak check record.
• Air conditioning commissioning report.
• Ventilation commissioning certificate: see Part F 2026.

For landlords

A landlord does not issue these, but has to hold several of them. The landlord compliance checklist lists each one for England and how often it is due.

Other certificates

Some certificates belong to a whole business rather than a job, such as an SSIP certificate. The full list, by trade and country, is on browse certificates.

Issuing them on your phone

In CertBox, filling in and checking a certificate is free. Downloading, emailing, sharing or printing it needs Pro, the 14-day trial, or a one-off payment for that certificate. See pricing. Every certificate carries a QR code anyone can scan to check it is genuine.

Frequently asked questions

What is a trade certificate?

A record a tradesperson issues to show a job was installed, tested or inspected to the rules for that work. Examples are a gas safety record (CP12), an EIC or an EICR.

Which trade certificates does a landlord need every year?

In Great Britain, a gas safety record for every gas appliance and flue the landlord provides, at least every 12 months. In England, the electrical installation in a rented home must also be inspected at least every 5 years, which is recorded on an EICR.

Is a trade certificate the same as a qualification?

No. A trade certificate records one job. Your qualifications and scheme registration show you are allowed to do that work.

Can I issue trade certificates on my phone?

Yes. In CertBox you fill in and check certificates free on your phone. Sending one needs Pro, the 14-day trial, or a one-off payment for that certificate.

Sources

Checked against these on 2026-10-30.

• HSE: Gas safety record for landlords
• GOV.UK: Electrical safety standards in the private and social rented sectors, guidance

Corrected and updated 2026-10-30. This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always refer to the relevant standards and consult qualified professionals for definitive requirements.