Debunking the “FENSA Certificate” Myth: What Installers Need to Know
17th March 2025 - By Danelle Vanstone
For years, homeowners have asked glazing installers: “Do you provide a FENSA certificate?” It’s a question that frustrates many in the industry because it highlights a widespread misunderstanding of what certification actually is—and what it isn’t.
Let’s set the record straight: There is no such thing as a ‘FENSA certificate’—only a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (BRCC), which can be issued by multiple competent person schemes, including Certass.
The Myth: Why Homeowners Think They Need a ‘FENSA Certificate’
The term “FENSA certificate” has become shorthand for proof that a window or door installation complies with building regulations. This is largely due to brand recognition among homeowners, but it has led to confusion.
The truth is, certification is not brand-specific. If an installer is registered with Certass, the homeowner will still receive a valid Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. This certificate serves the same legal purpose, proving that the work meets the required standards.
The Reality: Certass & Other CPS Providers Issue the Same Compliance Certificate
All competent person schemes (CPS) operate under the same Government licensing framework. Certass, and other providers list on the Government website, are all schemes authorised to self-certify window and door installations for compliance with UK building regulations. Regardless of which CPS is used, the certification issued is valid and serves the same purpose. If a homeowner asks about a “FENSA certificate,” installers should clarify that what they actually need is a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. Certass members issue these certificates seamlessly, ensuring compliance without unnecessary costs or delays.
How Certass Gives Installers the Upper Hand
While many homeowners assume there is the only option, Certass actually offers additional benefits that make life easier for installers:
- Cost-Effective Compliance – Certass provides a cheaper alternative to registering directly with local building control, saving installers and homeowners time and money.
- Certified Competent Leads – Every Certass-registered business is listed on CertifiedCompetent.co.uk, a homeowner-facing directory designed to connect installers with local customers looking for reputable tradespeople. Unlike other schemes, homeowners can contact you directly, generating leads without paying for lead generation services.
- Industry-Focused Support – Certass members have access to a professional, installer-focused technical team, including Chartered Builders and former fitters, who provide real-world advice on compliance and best practices.
- MTC & Business Growth – Certass provides ongoing professional development through MTC (Mandatory Technical Competence) support, helping installers stay up to date with regulations and build credibility with customers.
How to Address the ‘FENSA Certificate’ Question with Customers
As an installer, it’s frustrating to lose work simply because a homeowner believes only a FENSA certificate is valid. Here’s a simple response you can use to educate customers and put them at ease:
“Actually, what you need is a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. Certass is a government-authorised competent person scheme, just like others, and their certification ensures your installation meets all the same requirements. You can verify this on the official Government website, which lists all approved schemes authorised to issue this certification.”
By shifting the conversation from brand names to building regulations compliance, installers can help customers understand their options and make informed decisions—without falling for myths.
The Bottom Line: Certass Certification is Just as Valid—If Not Better
The next time a homeowner asks about a “FENSA certificate,” remind them that what they actually need is a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate—and that Certass provides this, along with additional business-boosting benefits for installers that improves their installation quality.
With Certass, installers can meet compliance requirements, generate leads, and grow their business—all while keeping more money in their pockets. It’s time to move past the myths and start promoting the facts.
Looking for more ways to make compliance easy and secure more work? Join Certass today and take advantage of a certification scheme built for installers, by industry professionals.