PAS 2030 / TrustMark / Flexi-Orb – New Applicant FAQs

Q1. What do I need to have in place before I can apply for PAS 2030 certification?

Answer:

You’ll need to prepare a fully operational Quality Management System (QMS), including:

• A Management System Manual
• Evidence of qualified operatives (vocational qualifications or equivalent training)
• Valid insurance (public liability and employer’s liability)
• Procedures for pre-installation inspections, method statements, and installation records
• Evidence of PAS 2035-compliant retrofit designs (for relevant measures)

We can provide a readiness checklist and guidance to help you prepare.

Q2. How long does the application and certification process take from start to finish?

Answer:

The timeframe depends on your readiness:

• For organisations that already have a fully developed Quality Management System (QMS) and a good understanding of PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 requirements, the process typically takes 6–8 weeks, covering:
• Document submission and review
• Stage 1 and 2 audits
• Final certification decision
• However, for most organisations developing their QMS alongside the application, it’s realistic to allow between 6 months and up to a year, depending on:
• Availability of evidence and documentation
• Staff training and competence validation
• Time required to align with PAS 2030:2023 and PAS 2035 processes
• Responsiveness to audit findings or corrective actions

We guide applicants throughout the journey, but it’s important to understand that building a compliant system takes time, especially if starting from scratch or with limited experience in PAS-related standards.

Q3. What is the total cost of certification, including audits and TrustMark registration?

Answer:

Costs vary depending on the number of measures and scheme options (e.g. TrustMark, Flexi-Orb). Your quote may include:

• Initial certification fee (audit & admin)
• Ongoing surveillance fees
• TrustMark registration fee (if applicable)
• Optional support services (QMS templates, document reviews)

We’ll provide a clear, upfront price list during the enquiry stage, no hidden costs.

Q4. Can you help us prepare or review our Quality Management System (QMS)?

Answer:

We are a certification body, not a consultancy, so we cannot advise on how to build or tailor your QMS or tell you what to write.

However, to support your preparation, we can:

• Share general guidance documents that explain what PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 expect
• Provide checklists and templates that help you understand the structure and content commonly required
• Carry out a Pre Assessment to identify none-conformances
• Highlight non-conformities during the audit process and allow you to address them

You are responsible for preparing your own QMS and ensuring it reflects how your organisation works. If you need hands-on help, you may wish to engage an independent consultant prior to applying.

Q5. What happens if something is missing from our application?

Answer:

We will issue a Request for Further Information outlining what’s missing and how to fix it. You’ll have a set timeframe to respond.

You won’t be penalised for small oversights, we work with you to get everything in order before proceeding to audit.

Q6. What Energy Efficiency Measures (EEMs) can I get certified for under PAS 2030:2023?

Answer:

The list of available measures is clearly outlined during the application stage and includes a wide range of options, such as:

• Insulation types (loft, cavity wall, floor, roof, internal/external wall)
• Energy-efficient glazing and doors
• Ventilation systems
• Heating and hot water controls
• Electrical and mechanical systems

 Important:
We are constantly reviewing and expanding our certification scope based on industry demand and installer needs. So even if a particular measure isn't listed immediately, we encourage you to ask, especially if you're delivering it in volume or as part of a wider retrofit package.

Let us know what you need certification for, and we’ll confirm whether it’s within our current scope, or being added in the near future.

Q7. How does this relate to PAS 2035 and do I need to comply with both?

Answer:

Yes, PAS 2035 is the design framework that sits alongside PAS 2030. For most funded or TrustMark-aligned retrofit projects, you must:

• Only install work based on a PAS 2035-compliant design
• Be part of a retrofit team led by a certified Retrofit Coordinator

If your work is funded through government schemes or falls under the TrustMark framework, PAS 2035 compliance is essential.

Q8. Do I need to be TrustMark registered, or is PAS 2030 certification enough?

Answer:

PAS 2030 certification is required to install EEMs, but TrustMark registration is needed for:

• Accessing government funding (e.g. ECO4)
• Public sector frameworks
• Consumer assurance under the TrustMark protection model

We can guide you through the TrustMark registration process after your certification is approved.

Q9. What support is available after I’m certified?

Answer:

Once certified, we provide:

• Ongoing surveillance audits (annually or as required)
• Compliance updates and alerts for standard changes
• Guidance on expanding your certification scope
• Regular member check-ins and a point of contact for support

We’re committed to supporting you beyond certification, it’s a partnership, not a one-off process.

Q10. What happens if I fail the audit or my application is refused?

Answer:

If there are non-conformities during audit, we’ll give you a clear Corrective Action Plan. You’ll have time to resolve issues before any final decision is made.

If an application is refused:

• You’ll receive a written explanation
• We’ll explain what’s required to reapply
• Support is available to help you meet the criteria in future

Q11. Am I purchasing my PAS 2030 certification with this payment?

Answer:

No. This payment covers the audit and assessment process only, it is not a purchase of certification.

Certification under PAS 2030 is only granted after a successful audit and full compliance with the standard has been demonstrated. The process involves reviewing your Quality Management System, verifying competency and documentation, and ensuring your organisation meets all relevant requirements.

Important:
This payment does not guarantee PAS 2030 certification. It enables our team to begin a thorough evaluation of your organisation, in line with UKAS and PAS 2031 certification body standards.

Q12. Can I carry out installation work while I’m applying for PAS 2030 certification?

No, you must not carry out any PAS 2030-regulated installation work until your certification is fully approved.

Installers are only permitted to install energy efficiency measures (EEMs) under PAS 2030 once:

• Your certification has been formally granted, and
• You are working from an approved PAS 2035-compliant retrofit design, where applicable

Carrying out installations before certification is issued may result in non-compliance, and any measures installed may not be eligible for TrustMark registration or government-backed funding schemes (such as ECO4).

Important: Beginning work before approval could risk:

• Failed audits
• Refusal of certification
• Breach of funding requirements

Always wait for formal confirmation before delivering any regulated works.

Q13. How quickly can you carry out the audit or inspection once we apply?

Answer:

There are a number of factors we need to assess before we can provide an estimated date for your audit. These include:

• The completeness and readiness of your documentation
• The scope of measures you’re applying for
• Your location
• Your availability for audit scheduling
• Our current audit capacity and region

Once we’ve reviewed your application and confirmed everything is in place, we’ll discuss a provisional timescale with you. Please note this is an estimate, not a guaranteed date, and may change depending on audit findings or additional preparation requirements.

✅ Ready to Apply?

Whether you're starting from scratch or finalising your application, we’ve got a service to support every stage of your certification journey.

🔹 1. PAS 2030 Certification with TrustMark

Become a certified installer under PAS 2030:2023.

✔ Full audit process
✔ Compliance with TrustMark & PAS 2035
✔ Aligned with UKAS accreditation

👉 Learn more >

🔹 2. TrustMark Registration Only

Join the only government-endorsed quality scheme for retrofit.

✔ Consumer protection
✔ Access to ECO & public funding
✔ Registration made simple

👉 Register with us >

🔹 3. Flexi-Orb Renewable Compliance

Get recognised for safe, ethical, and competent renewable installations.

✔ Solar, battery, heat pumps & more
✔ Alternative to traditional certification routes
✔ Fast-tracked approval options

👉 Start your Flexi-Orb pathway >