Search for the company on the BAFE register at bafe.org.uk, by name, BAFE registration number or postcode, and check which SP203-1 modules it holds: Design, Installation, Commissioning/Handover and Maintenance. A company can be registered for some modules and not others, so make sure its modules cover the work you’re buying.
What BAFE SP203-1 is
BAFE is the independent register of competent fire safety service providers. Its SP203-1 scheme covers fire detection and fire alarm systems. Companies on it are audited by a certification body that is accredited by UKAS and licensed by BAFE; there are five for SP203-1: BSI, Independent European Certification, NICEIC (Certsure), NSI and SSAIB.
Since version 8 of the scheme (2023), each module needs a nominated Lead Individual with heightened competence requirements, including a Level 3 qualification covering BS 5839-1 by 1 November 2025, or the module is suspended.
Why the modules matter
| Module | What it covers | You need it for |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Designing a system to BS 5839-1 for your building and fire risk assessment | Any new system, extension or major change |
| Installation | Installing the system to the design | Any new system or extension |
| Commissioning/Handover | Testing, proving and handing the system over with documentation | Any new system or extension |
| Maintenance | Inspection, servicing and repair | Ongoing servicing of an existing system |
If you’re buying a new fire alarm, look for a company registered for all the modules it’s carrying out. If you’re only buying servicing, the Maintenance module is the one that matters.
How to check a company, step by step
Ask for the registration number
And the name of the certification body. A registered company will tell you straight away.
Search the BAFE register
At bafe.org.uk, search by company name, BAFE registration number, postcode, region or service.
Check the modules
Make sure the modules listed cover the work on your quote.
Check the name matches
The registered company should be the one quoting and invoicing you, not a similar-sounding trading name.
Expect a certificate
When the work is finished, a BAFE Registered Organisation issues a BAFE Certificate of Compliance for the modules it carried out, with a unique number, normally within 30 days.
BAFE: how to find a registered company
Wording to watch for
- “BAFE approved” or “BAFE accredited”: BAFE doesn’t approve or accredit companies. The correct term is “BAFE Registered Organisation”.
- “Working towards BAFE”: means not registered yet.
- “BAFE-trained engineers”: individual training isn’t the same as the company being registered and audited.
- No number: a registered company has a registration number and can tell you its certification body.
NSI Fire Gold and Fire Silver
Companies certificated by NSI for BAFE SP203-1 hold NSI Fire Silver or NSI Fire Gold. Both require the same BAFE SP203-1 technical standard; Gold adds ISO 9001 quality management certification.
Four questions to ask before you buy
Ask any installer these four questions. For transparency, here are our own answers.
Are you BAFE SP203-1 certified for the work?
Yes. We're BAFE SP203-1 Registered Organisation No. 303674 for all four modules — Design, Installation, Commissioning/Handover and Maintenance — third-party certificated by NSI. You can check any installer on the BAFE register, including us.
Will the design comply with BS 5839?
Yes. Non-domestic systems are designed to BS 5839-1:2025 and homes and HMOs to BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020, at the category your fire risk assessment sets. Any variation from the standard is agreed with you and written down.
Are design, installation, commissioning and certification included?
Yes, from one company. On completion you receive certificates of design, installation and commissioning, an operation and maintenance manual, as-fitted drawings, a wireless signal report for wireless systems, an on-site logbook, acceptance and agreed variations certificates, and a framed zone plan mounted beside the panel. See the full paperwork list.
What ongoing testing and maintenance do you offer?
Inspection and servicing about every six months to BS 5839-1:2025, a servicing certificate and logbook entry each visit, fault call-outs, and a 24/7 support line for contracted customers. How our servicing works.
Our details
Nova Security Systems S.E. Ltd is BAFE SP203-1 Registered Organisation No. 303674 for Design, Installation, Commissioning/Handover and Maintenance, third-party certificated by NSI (NSI Fire Silver). Check us on the register, or see all our accreditations.
Questions
Is BAFE registration a legal requirement?
No, but the Fire Safety Order expects responsible persons to use competent people, and third-party certification such as BAFE SP203-1 is one of the clearest ways to show competence. Insurers and fire risk assessors often ask for it.
Can I check a BAFE certificate number online?
The BAFE register lets you check the company. For a question about a particular certificate, contact the certification body named on it, or BAFE.
Sources
- BAFE: how can I find a BAFE registered company?
- BAFE: SP203-1 certification bodies
- BAFE: SP203-1 scheme FAQs
- BAFE: update to SP203-1 version 8.0.1
- NSI: fire safety certification
This information is general guidance, not advice for any particular building, and standards and guidance change. Get advice from a competent person for your premises. See our website terms and disclaimer.