Simple and straightforward

How we check paperwork

You send us the bits you already have — insurance, certificates, registrations. We do the checking and put the results on your Verification Record. It usually takes minutes, not weeks.

Scan to verify

On your phone

Try me

Scan this code with your phone camera. It opens an example verification record — exactly what a customer sees when they scan your shield, certificate or van.

Or open the example record

What actually happens

Six steps, from sending your paperwork to a customer scanning your code.

A tradesman wearing the Approved Tradesman shield, showing a customer a part under her sink
  1. 1. Upload what you have

    Send one item at a time, in any order.

  2. 2. We check the source

    Against an official record wherever possible.

  3. 3. A person reviews it

    Anything unclear is checked by a trained reviewer.

  4. 4. Your record stays current

    Confirmed checks appear with dates and expiry reminders.

  1. 01

    Upload what you already have

    Upload the paperwork you already have, such as insurance, certificates, registrations or qualifications. You can upload them one at a time, in any order, and come back whenever you're ready.

  2. 02

    We check it against the record

    Where an official register or issuing body is available, we verify the information directly. Where this isn't possible, our team carefully reviews the paperwork you provide.

  3. 03

    A person reviews it

    If anything needs clarification, a trained reviewer checks the paperwork and explains exactly what is needed. Important decisions are made by people, not automated systems.

  4. 04

    You receive a clear decision

    Every check is marked as Confirmed, More information needed or Unable to verify. Whenever possible, we explain the reason in plain English.

  5. 05

    It appears on your Verification Record

    Confirmed checks appear on your public Verification Record together with the confirmation date. Items that haven't yet been verified simply remain unconfirmed.

The sort of things we check

You'll only ever be asked for what's relevant to your trade and where you work. If it doesn't apply to you, we won't ask for it.

  • Insurance

    Public liability insurance

  • Qualifications

    NVQ, diplomas and certificates

  • Trade registrations

    Scheme and register memberships

  • Business records

    Official company or tax records

  • Identity checks

    Photo ID and verification

  • Trading address

    Where the business operates from

What happens to what you send

  • Your paperwork stays private

    Nothing you send is published. Customers only ever see that an item was confirmed, and when.

  • Used once, for one thing

    Paperwork is only ever used to confirm the check you sent it for. Nothing else.

  • You can see everything

    Your Verification Centre shows the status of every item and exactly what, if anything, is outstanding.

  • No penalty for trying again

    If something isn't accepted first time, just send another. There's no limit, no fee and no black mark.

Why it's worth it

What this gives you

  • Checked by us, not claimed

    No business confirms its own details. We check them, against the official source wherever one exists.

  • Based on something real

    A tick means we've actually seen and checked the paperwork — not a claim, a review or a paid placement.

  • Kept up to date

    Expiry dates are tracked, so what you read today reflects what's valid today.

  • Honest about the gaps

    Anything not yet confirmed says so openly, so nothing is hidden by leaving it out.

What the ticks mean, and how to read a profile, is explained in full on one page.Verification explained

Expiry dates, reminders and what happens when something lapses are covered in full on one page.Ongoing monitoring

Next step

See it on a real profile

Open a Verification Record to see which items have been confirmed, and the date each one was checked.

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