The MTCs set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of members of Self-Certified Schemes, helping to create a more consistent approach across the sector.
The MTCs set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of members of Self-Certified Schemes, helping to create a more consistent approach across the sector.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has published updated mandatory technical competencies (MTCs), which came into effect on 1 July 2026.
The MTCs set out the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of members of Self-Certified Schemes. They sit alongside existing competence standards, frameworks and industry guidance, helping to create a more consistent approach across the sector.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was established under the Building Safety Act 2022, and is responsible for overseeing building safety and standards in England. Part of its role includes setting the standards that self-certification schemes, also known as competent person schemes, must meet in England and Wales.
Self-certification schemes allow certificated individuals and businesses in England and Wales to certify their work complies with Building Regulations, without needing separate approval from local authority building control or a registered building control approver.
The schemes were introduced under the Building Act 1984 to help reduce the administrative burdens on local authorities while maintaining building standards. They also provide consumers with the confidence that certified tradespeople are both competent and accountable.
Since October 2023, the Building Regulations 2010 have required anyone carrying out design or building work to be competent. This means having the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours necessary to complete the work in line with the regulations.
Organisations carrying out such work must have the corresponding organisational capability. This includes having policies, procedures, systems and resources in place to manage the competence of individuals working for them.
Competence is not just about technical ability. It also includes behaviour, judgement, supervision and the ability to evidence that work has been carried out properly. The technical requirements within this broader definition are reflected in the mandatory technical competencies.
The MTCs set the standards that installers must meet when carrying out and certifying regulated building work. They focus on specific tasks such as describing what a competent installer must know in order to carry out and certify a particular type of work to the standard the regulations require.
The updated MTCs are available through the BSI Built Environment Competence Hub and users will need to register for a free account to access these documents: https://competence.bsigroup.com/
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