What is a Part P certificate?
By Azzeddine Kebbi, NAPIT-registered electrician and director of Kebbi Electrical Services · Updated 10 November 2026
A “Part P certificate” usually means the Building Regulations Compliance Certificate you get after notifiable electrical work, such as a new circuit or a new consumer unit. A registered electrician arranges it for you. Here is what it covers and why you need it.
What Part P is
Part P is the part of the Building Regulations for England that covers electrical safety in homes. It has applied since 1 January 2005. Wales has similar rules, with some differences.
Which jobs need it
- Adding a new circuit, for example for a shower, cooker or EV charger.
- Replacing a consumer unit (fuse board).
- Adding to or altering a circuit in a bathroom or shower room, close to the bath or shower.
Smaller jobs, such as replacing a socket or light fitting like for like, are not notifiable, but they must still be done safely.
The two documents you should get
Electrical certificate
From your electrician: an Electrical Installation Certificate for bigger jobs, or a Minor Works Certificate for small ones.
Building Regulations Compliance Certificate
Sent by the electrician’s scheme (such as NAPIT) once the job has been notified to building control.
How to get one
- Use an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, such as NAPIT. They can self-certify the work.
- They notify building control through their scheme, so you do not have to.
- If you use someone who is not registered, you must apply to your local council building control before the work starts, and pay their fee.
Common questions
The other paperwork explained: Electrical Installation Certificate and Minor Works Certificate.
Is a Part P certificate a legal requirement?
Notifiable electrical work in a home in England must comply with Part P and be notified to building control. The compliance certificate is the proof that this was done.
Who issues a Part P certificate?
The electrician’s competent person scheme, such as NAPIT, issues the Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. The electrician gives you the electrical certificate for the work.
Do I need a Part P certificate to sell my house?
Buyers’ solicitors usually ask for certificates for notifiable electrical work done since 2005. Missing paperwork can delay a sale.
I have lost my Part P certificate. What can I do?
Contact the scheme the electrician was registered with, or your local council building control. They can usually find the record and send a copy.
What if work was done without a certificate?
You can ask your council about regularisation, or have an electrician inspect it. An EICR shows the condition of the installation but is not a Building Regulations certificate.
Need notifiable work done?
We are NAPIT registered, so we certify our work and notify building control for you. See our consumer unit upgrades and electrical installations.