How to check an electrical certificate
Start by checking the certificate reference, property address, inspection date, contractor details and outcome. The certificate should clearly identify the property, the person or company issuing it and whether the inspection was satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
If the certificate has been filed with TESC, you can search the EICR Register using the reference number or by property details. This helps provide a separate online record rather than relying only on a PDF attachment.
Warning signs to look for
Be cautious with certificates that have missing contractor details, no report reference, unclear property information, obvious editing marks, inconsistent dates or a result that does not match the observations listed in the report.
A very cheap or unusually quick inspection is not proof of a bad report, but it can raise questions if the certificate contains little detail or the inspection appears to have skipped normal testing.
What if the certificate is not found?
Not every electrical certificate is filed with TESC. If no record is found, contact the contractor, landlord, agent or duty holder and ask for the original report, invoice, inspection date and contractor details.
You can also search for a registered provider if a new EICR is required.