Question 1

What is the difference between certification and accreditation?

Accepted Answer

Certification means your organisation has been independently assessed against a defined standard and issued a formal certificate. Accreditation is the formal recognition that a certification body itself is competent to carry out assessments — typically granted by a national body like UKAS. NAS operates as an independent certification body aligned with ISO/IEC 17021 principles, assessing organisations and issuing formal certificates based on documented evidence.

Question 2

Do I need certification to work on construction sites in the UK?

Accepted Answer

There is no legal requirement to hold a specific certification. However, most principal contractors, housing associations, councils, and NHS trusts require evidence of compliance before awarding work. NAS certification provides that evidence — independently assessed and publicly verifiable, with real assessor review of your actual documents.

Question 3

How much does NAS certification cost?

Accepted Answer

NAS Basic is £349/year, NAS Bronze is £749/year, NAS Silver is £950/year, and NAS Gold is £1,150/year. Pricing is flat — never scaled by headcount or turnover. Loyalty discounts apply from year 2 (5% rising to 20% by year 5).

Question 4

How long does NAS certification take?

Accepted Answer

Most NAS assessments complete within 3-5 working days of evidence submission. The full process from application to certificate typically takes 1-3 weeks.

Question 5

What is ISO 17021 and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

ISO/IEC 17021 is the international standard governing bodies that certify management systems. It requires independent assessors, separation of assessment and decision-making, and evidence-based decisions. NAS operates its certification scheme in alignment with these principles.

Question 6

How long is NAS certification valid?

Accepted Answer

NAS certification is valid for one year and is renewed annually. The annual renewal cycle ensures your compliance is kept current. Loyalty discounts apply from year 2.