The terms "certification" and "approval" are sometimes misunderstood and misused in the construction industry and the Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS) has highlighted the fact that those involved in construction are not always able to differentiate between the various types of certification or approval scheme.

This Information Paper explains the types of certification scheme and sets out the characteristics of good certification and its use. It distinguishes certification from testing and CE marking and looks at the related subjects of 'passing off' and 'competent persons'. Engineers, designers and specifiers who specify products, systems and services will find this a useful guide to the sometimes confusing field.