Trade Certifications and Registrations You May Need
Which jobs legally need a registered or qualified person, such as gas and some electrical work, and how to check before you list a service.
Most everyday home services, from cleaning to gardening, do not require a licence. A handful of trades do. Taking on regulated work without the right registration is not just a technical slip: it can put customers at risk, void their insurance, and expose you to prosecution or civil claims.
Use this guide as an orientation. Requirements are set in law and by industry bodies, and they change, so always confirm with the relevant organisation or gov.uk before you list a service.
Why this matters on a marketplace
Customers choosing a provider are comparing profiles quickly. If you list a service you are not qualified for, you risk disappointing a customer, damaging your reviews and breaking the law. The safest approach is to list only work you are properly entitled and equipped to do, and to be upfront about what you refer on.
Gas work
Anyone carrying out work on gas appliances or pipework in domestic premises generally needs to be on the Gas Safe Register, and registered for the specific type of work. It is illegal to carry out such work without registration. If you only do general handyman jobs, you should not touch gas appliances, even for something that seems minor, such as disconnecting a cooker.
Electrical work
Domestic electrical work is subject to building regulations, and some work must be notified to building control or carried out through a registered competent person scheme. Smaller jobs such as replacing a socket faceplate are treated differently from new circuits or work in certain locations such as bathrooms.
If you are not formally qualified, be cautious. Many handymen restrict themselves to jobs like changing a lampshade or fitting a plug-in item, and refer anything else. Schemes and qualification routes exist for electricians; find the current list through gov.uk and the relevant trade bodies.
Other work that may carry requirements
| Area | Why it may matter |
|---|---|
| Plumbing and heating (non-gas) | Water regulations and, for some work, competent person schemes |
| Asbestos | Disturbing it can be a criminal offence and a health hazard |
| Working at height | Health and safety duties; training may be advisable |
| Waste carrying | Carrying commercial waste may require a waste carrier registration |
| Pest control | Certain products and methods require training or certification |
| Beauty and hair treatments | Local authority registration and licensing may apply; some treatments carry stricter rules |
| Driving and moving | Vehicle weight and licence categories; insurance for goods in transit |
| Tattoo, piercing and similar | Usually licensed by the local council |
This table is illustrative, not comprehensive. Your local council's website and gov.uk are the best places to check what applies in your area.
Qualifications that are not mandatory but help
Many roles do not require a licence but benefit from recognised training:
- First aid certificate, which is a useful addition to a profile
- Manual handling training for movers and cleaners lifting heavy items
- Safe use of ladders and access equipment
- Specialist product or technique courses in beauty and hair
- Cleaning industry training in chemicals and health and safety
Mention these in your profile factually. See writing a profile bio that gets bookings.
How to check requirements for a job
- Search gov.uk for the activity plus "regulations" or "registration".
- Ask the trade body relevant to the work.
- Check with your local council, especially for beauty and waste-related work.
- Ask your insurer. Policies often require relevant qualifications.
- If in doubt, do not do the work. Refer it to a registered professional.
Presenting credentials honestly
If you hold a registration, show it and be ready to share your registration number for the customer to verify on the official register. Never claim membership of a scheme you have left or never joined. Customers can and do check.
On Compito, identity verification is separate from trade qualifications, so do not assume a verified identity implies a particular qualification. The trust and safety pages explain how verification works.
Saying no gracefully
Declining a job outside your competence is a sign of professionalism. A simple message works well:
"Thanks for the request. That job needs a registered engineer, so I would not be comfortable doing it. I can help with the surrounding tasks if that would be useful."
Often customers appreciate the honesty and book you for what you can legitimately do.
Frequently asked questions
Can a handyman do small electrical jobs?
Some simple tasks are generally treated differently from notifiable work, but the boundary matters. Check the current building regulations guidance on gov.uk and only do work you are competent and entitled to do.
Do I need a licence to be a cleaner?
Cleaning generally does not require a licence. However, if you carry waste or use certain chemicals, other rules may apply. Insurance and customer expectations may also require specific training.
What if a customer asks me to do regulated work anyway?
Politely decline and refer them to a registered professional. The legal and safety risks fall on you as well as on them.