Is RESTEC Certification Recognised? Roofing Certification Explained

Recognised roofing certification in the UK comes in three kinds, and each one proves something different. A qualification such as an NVQ proves you're a competent roofer. Manufacturer certification proves you've been trained to install a particular system and can offer its guarantee. Independent product certification, such as a BBA certificate, proves the system itself has been tested. RESTEC certification is the second kind: manufacturer approval on RESTEC's liquid roofing systems.

Here's how the three fit together, and what clients and main contractors check for.

What roofing certification do clients actually recognise?

Type	What it proves	Who issues it	Who asks for it
Trade qualification (NVQ)	General competence as a roofer	Awarding bodies, through approved centres	Main contractors and bigger sites, usually alongside a CSCS card
Manufacturer certification	You're trained to install a specific system	The system manufacturer	Homeowners wanting a guarantee; specifiers naming a system
Product certification (BBA, ETA)	The system has been independently assessed	Independent bodies	Architects, specifiers and commercial clients

The strongest position is to have all three in play: a qualified roofer, trained by the manufacturer, installing a certified system.

Is RESTEC certification recognised?

Yes, as manufacturer certification. When you complete a RESTEC training day you receive an attendance certificate and a personal Trainer ID card. That Trainer ID is what lets you offer RESTEC's 20-year materials guarantee on qualifying roofs you install and register. Only trained installers can offer it, so it's something a homeowner can check and an untrained competitor can't match.

For specification and commercial work, the Flexitec Platinum upgrade course covers a system that's BBA and ETA approved and only available to trained Platinum installers. That puts you in the third column of the table above as well.

RESTEC certification isn't an NVQ, and it doesn't replace one if a site asks for a CSCS card. Plenty of the roofers we train already hold an NVQ and come to us to add a system they can guarantee.

What about NVQs and trade associations?

For liquid-applied roofing, the trade association is the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), which runs routes to an NVQ in liquid-applied membrane roofing for new entrants and experienced installers. The CITB and the NFRC are good places to check current qualification routes and funding. Programmes and rules change, so check the details with them directly.

An NVQ route typically takes months, because it's assessed on real work. Manufacturer certification takes a day. They do different jobs, and most established liquid roofers end up with both.

Which RESTEC course gives you which certification?

• Flexitec (1 day, from £120 + VAT): certified Flexitec installer, Trainer ID, 20-year materials guarantee eligibility.
• RESTEC & VELUX (1 day, from £150 + VAT): as Flexitec, plus VELUX flat roofing certification.
• Flexitec Platinum (1 day, from £200 + VAT): Platinum installer certification on a BBA and ETA approved system.
• Roof coatings (half day): Restec Certified Coatings Installer status and eligibility to offer a 10-year RESGUARD materials guarantee.

How do customers check you're certified?

Show them your Trainer ID card and register every qualifying roof after installation, because the guarantee depends on it. If a customer or main contractor wants to confirm your training, the training team can help on 01352 748 600.

Getting certified

We run training days at 22 centres across the UK, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. See the upcoming training days to book, or find your nearest centre on the locations page.