Mandatory Technical Competency (MTC): Official Guidance for Certass Members
24th August 2026 - By danelle
In July 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) introduced a new Mandatory Technical Competency (MTC) Framework for all Government-approved Competent Person Schemes operating in England and Wales.
This represents an important step in the ongoing drive to improve competence across the construction industry and applies to every authorised Competent Person Scheme, including Certass.
We’ve created this page to bring together the official guidance and explain what it means for our members.
What is Mandatory Technical Competency?
Mandatory Technical Competency (MTC) provides a consistent framework for demonstrating the competence of individuals working under a Competent Person Scheme.
The framework sets out how competence should be assessed, evidenced and maintained throughout an individual’s time within a scheme, helping to ensure that installers continue to meet the standards expected by industry, Government and consumers.
Although the framework introduces additional requirements for Scheme Operators, our objective has been to implement those requirements in a way that keeps the impact on members as straightforward as possible.
What does this mean for Certass members?
For the vast majority of domestic glazing installers, nothing changes day to day.
We’ve spent considerable time reviewing the new framework and updating our own systems and procedures so that much of the additional administration sits with Certass, rather than with your business.
That means there is no immediate action required for most members.
If any action is required from your business in the future, we’ll contact you directly and guide you through the process.
Non-domestic installers
Members who undertake non-domestic glazing installations will be subject to additional competency requirements.
Where an individual undertakes both domestic and non-domestic work, competence must be demonstrated separately for each discipline. This includes the relevant knowledge assessments and practical on-site assessments for both domestic and non-domestic installations.
If you’re affected by these changes, there’s nothing you need to do at this stage. Our Certification Team will contact affected businesses directly over the coming months to explain what’s required and provide support throughout the process.
Official guidance
For members who’d like to understand the new framework in more detail, we’ve brought together the key Government and industry guidance below.
These documents cover:
- why the framework has been introduced
- the responsibilities placed on Competent Person Schemes
- how competence is demonstrated and maintained
- the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) expected of installers and surveyors
At present, the Building Safety Regulator’s Mandatory Competence Framework is the only one of these documents that is publicly available online. The supporting fenestration documents have not yet been published publicly, so we’ve made copies available to Certass members through the Knowledge Hub in the meantime.
We’ve advised the Building Safety Regulator of this and understand that the supporting documents will be made available on GOV.UK in due course.
Building Safety Regulator – Mandatory Competence Framework
The overarching framework introduced by the Building Safety Regulator, setting out the requirements that all Government-approved Competent Person Schemes are required to implement. This is currently publicly available online.
Fenestration Mandatory Technical Competency (MTC) Annex
The industry-specific framework for the fenestration sector, detailing how the competency requirements apply within our industry. This document is currently available to Certass members through the Knowledge Hub.
Fenestration Installer Candidate Guide
Explains the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) expected of competent fenestration installers together with the assessment methodology. This document is currently available to Certass members through the Knowledge Hub.
Fenestration Surveyor Candidate Guide
Explains the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) expected of competent fenestration surveyors together with the assessment methodology. This document is currently available to Certass members through the Knowledge Hub.
Do I need to read these documents?
The documents below are there to help you understand the parts of the framework that are most relevant to you.
Each document serves a slightly different purpose:
- The Building Safety Regulator’s Mandatory Competence Framework provides greater insight into how Government-approved Competent Person Schemes are expected to operate and the requirements placed upon both Scheme Operators and members.
- The Fenestration MTC Annex explains how the Mandatory Technical Competency framework applies specifically to the fenestration sector.
- The Fenestration Installer and Surveyor Candidate Guides are primarily intended for individuals who are preparing to undertake an MTC assessment themselves, or for employers supporting members of their team through the assessment process. They set out the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) that candidates are expected to demonstrate.
Whether you’re interested in understanding how a Competent Person Scheme operates, the competency requirements for installers and surveyors, or preparing for a future assessment, these documents provide the guidance that sits behind the new Mandatory Technical Competency framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything now?
For the vast majority of members, no action is required at this stage.
If your business needs to complete any additional activity as a result of the new framework, we’ll contact you directly and guide you through the process.
Has Certass introduced these changes?
No.
The Mandatory Technical Competency Framework has been introduced by the Building Safety Regulator and applies to all Government-approved Competent Person Schemes.
Why has Certass updated its processes?
We’ve updated our systems and procedures to ensure we comply with the new framework while making the transition as straightforward as possible for members.
Wherever practical, we’ve chosen to absorb additional administration into our own processes rather than asking members to navigate new requirements themselves.
Need help?
If you have any questions about Mandatory Technical Competency or how the new framework affects your business, our Customer Experience and Certification Teams are here to help.