Central Approval – A Complete Guide for Construction Companies
For construction companies looking to undertake larger and more complex projects, central approval for responsibility (sentral godkjenning for ansvarsrett) is often a key term. This is a quality scheme that confirms the seriousness and competence of the enterprise, and which can be crucial for winning tenders and building trust with clients and municipalities. But what does central approval entail, who needs it, and how does one apply? This guide provides a complete overview.
What is central approval for responsibility?
Central approval for responsibility is a public approval scheme administered by the Norwegian Directorate for Building Quality (DiBK). The scheme is voluntary, but many municipalities and clients require enterprises that are to hold responsibility in building cases to be centrally approved. The purpose of the scheme is to:
- Ensure quality in building projects.
- Simplify building application processing for municipalities.
- Provide clients with assurance that the enterprise has the necessary competence and systems in place.
- Promote professionalism in the construction industry.
A centrally approved enterprise has documented that it possesses the professional competence, experience, and a functional quality assurance system required to perform tasks within specific professional areas and project classes in building cases.
Who needs central approval?
Central approval is relevant for enterprises that intend to assume responsibility in building cases according to the Planning and Building Act (PBL) and the Building Application Regulations (SAK10). This applies to various roles in the construction process, such as:
- Designers: Architects, consulting engineers for structures, HVAC, electrical, etc.
- Executors: Contractors, craftsmen in construction, civil engineering, plumbing, electrical, etc.
- Controllers: Enterprises performing independent control.
Although the scheme is voluntary, central approval will often be a competitive advantage and, in practice, a requirement to be awarded contracts in many projects, especially public tenders and larger private projects.
Benefits of central approval
Investing in central approval offers a range of benefits for your construction company:
- Increased trust and credibility: Signals professionalism and quality to customers, partners, and authorities.
- Simpler building applications: Municipalities can process building applications faster when they know that responsible enterprises are centrally approved.
- Competitive advantage: Gives you an edge in tender processes and when selecting subcontractors.
- Quality assurance: The requirement for a functional quality assurance system helps raise the internal standard of the company.
- Access to larger projects: Many larger projects require central approval.
Application process for central approval
Applications for central approval are submitted to DiBK. The process requires thorough documentation of:
- Professional competence: Education and certifications for key personnel.
- Experience: Relevant practical experience from previous projects.
- Quality assurance system: Documentation that the company has a system for managing and controlling the quality of its work.
- Financial solidity: Confirmation that the enterprise is financially stable.
The application must specify the professional areas and project classes for which the company seeks approval. This is a detailed process that can be complex, and many choose to use professional assistance.
Project classes and professional areas
Central approval is divided into different professional areas (e.g., architecture, structures, fire, HVAC, electrical, building, civil engineering) and three project classes (TK1, TK2, TK3). The project classes reflect the complexity and difficulty of the projects:
- Project class 1 (TK1): Simple projects, e.g., minor extensions, garages.
- Project class 2 (TK2): Medium-complex projects, e.g., apartment blocks, office buildings.
- Project class 3 (TK3): Very complex projects, e.g., hospitals, large industrial buildings.
Your construction company must apply for approval for the professional areas and project classes relevant to the projects you wish to carry out.
Komplett HMS AS helps you with central approval
The application process for central approval can be time-consuming and complicated. Komplett HMS AS has 10 years of experience guiding and assisting construction companies through the entire process. Our consulting services include:
- Review of your company's competence and systems.
- Guidance in preparing necessary documentation.
- Assistance with completing and submitting the application to DiBK.
- Advice on which professional areas and project classes are most appropriate for your business.
We ensure that your application is complete and correct, which increases the chances of a quick and successful approval.
Maintenance of central approval
Central approval is valid for three years. Before the expiry date, the company must apply for renewal. It is important to maintain a functional quality assurance system and document relevant experience during the approval period to ensure a smooth renewal.
Do you want to strengthen your construction company's market position and secure access to exciting projects? Let Komplett HMS AS help you with central approval. Contact us at kundeservice@kompletthms.no or call us at 46 66 64 67. We are located at Kanalveien 107, 5068 Bergen, and our organization number is 918 899 197.
HSE requirements as part of central approval
A functional quality assurance system is a key requirement for obtaining and maintaining central approval. An important part of this is documented HSE training for all employees. The Norwegian Directorate for Building Quality (DiBK) expects enterprises to be able to document:
- HSE course for general manager – Legally mandated training according to the Working Environment Act §3-5
- HSE course for employees – Basic HSE training for all employees
- Safety delegate training – For businesses with 10+ employees, safety delegate course is required
- Industry-specific courses – Such as fall protection, user course scaffolding and scaffolding builder course
Komplett HMS offers all these courses 100% online, making it easy to keep training up-to-date for the entire organization – regardless of project location.
Frequently asked questions about central approval
Is central approval mandatory?
No, the scheme is voluntary. However, in practice, it is often a requirement to win tenders, especially in public projects. Many clients prefer centrally approved enterprises because it simplifies documentation requirements.
How long does the application process take?
Processing time at DiBK varies, but you should expect up to several weeks from the submission of a complete application. Good preparation of documentation can significantly shorten the process.
What does central approval cost?
DiBK charges a fee for processing the application. In addition, there are costs for preparing the necessary documentation. Komplett HMS AS offers competitive prices for advice and assistance throughout the process.
Can sole proprietorships apply for central approval?
Yes, sole proprietorships can apply for central approval as long as the competence and system requirements are met. It is the requirements for professional competence, experience, and quality assurance that determine this, not the company form.
What happens if the approval is revoked?
If the enterprise no longer meets the conditions, DiBK can revoke the approval. This can happen due to serious deviations in the quality assurance system, lack of competence, or breach of regulations. The enterprise then loses the ability to use central approval in new projects.