Understanding the passport route to ACS approval
The passport route to ACS approval: passport schemes and how the passport route differs from the standard route.
You can apply for ACS approval using one of our accredited passport schemes. This is called the passport route to approval.
The passport route differs from the standard route. Read about how to apply for ACS approval using the different routes.
About passport schemes
Passport schemes:
- are delivered by UKAS-accredited certification bodies
- recognise other certifications (such as ISO 9001, British Standards codes of practice, or industry codes of practice)
- combine multiple standards with the ACS framework
- must be consistent with the ACS framework, including our sanctions and the self-assessment workbook
- must actively support and promote the ACS
Some of the benefits of using a passport scheme are that you can:
- gain multiple certifications through one assessment
- reduce your costs if you want to gain multiple certifications
- raise your performance, because passport schemes often apply standards that support your business’s continual improvement
- still have access to all standard route benefits
If your passport certificate expires or is withdrawn, we will withdraw your ACS approval.
How the passport route differs from the standard route
There are 2 routes to ACS approval: the standard route and the passport route. Both assess how well you meet the ACS standard.
You can choose the route that best suits your business. This will depend on your current certifications, business needs, and goals.
We have outlined some of the key differences between the standard route and the passport route below.
Assessment process
In the standard route, an ACS assessing body manages the assessment. Your assessment is specific to the ACS standard. You submit your ACS application form before your assessment.
In the passport route, a UKAS-accredited certification body manages the assessment. Your assessment will cover additional standards to the ACS standard. You submit your ACS application form after your assessment.
Assessors
In the standard route, your assessor must be trained and approved by us. You must change assessors every 4 years.
In the passport route, your assessor may be allowed to remain the same after 4 years. They only need to be endorsed by us.
Assessment fees
The fee you pay for your assessment will probably be lower for the standard route than the passport route. This is because the standard route assessment only covers the ACS standard, while the passport route covers multiple standards. But the passport route may be better value if you want to get multiple certifications.
Each assessing body sets its own fees.
We charge the same fees for both routes. See the fees you must pay us.
Improvement needs
In the standard route, your assessor may raise improvement needs either during or after your assessment. These could relate to any aspect of the ACS standard.
If we confirm you are eligible for approval, you will have 6 months to have your assessment and address any improvement needs in your assessment report. After you are approved, you will have 6 weeks to address any improvement needs from your annual assessment reports.
In the passport route, any improvement needs raised will be limited to the ACS terms and conditions. The time you have to address them will vary depending on the scheme.
Self-assessment
In the standard route, you must fill out an ACS self-assessment workbook as part of your application. In the passport route, this is optional but recommended.
Certification
If you are approved using the standard route, you will become an SIA approved contractor.
If you are approved using the passport route, you will become an SIA approved contractor and you will also get other certifications.