You’ve made the smart decision to go for PAS 2030 certification to access the growing energy efficiency and retrofit market. You’ve invested time and resources, and the audit date is in the diary. The last thing you need is a costly failure because of an avoidable mistake.

At TradeCert Solutions, we’ve guided countless installers through the PAS 2030 process. We’ve seen the same pitfalls trip up even the most competent tradespeople. Here are the 5 most common reasons for audit failure and, crucially, how you can avoid them.

1. Incomplete or “Template” Documentation

The Problem: Using generic, off-the-shelf Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), or quality management system documents that don’t accurately reflect your specific company, processes, and installations.
The Auditor’s View: This shows a “tick-box” mentality and a lack of genuine integration of the standard into your business. They will see right through it.
How to Avoid It: Your documentation must be living, breathing reflection of your business. Every policy, procedure, and RAMS must be tailored, reviewed regularly, and followed on-site. We specialise in creating bespoke documentation that truly represents your way of working.

2. Lack of Evidence for Competency

The Problem: Not being able to provide robust, documented evidence that your installers are competent for the specific measures they are installing. This includes technical qualifications, in-house training records, and ongoing competency assessments.
The Auditor’s View: If you can’t prove your team is competent, the quality and safety of the installation are immediately in question. This is a fundamental failure.
How to Avoid It: Create a detailed Training and Competency Matrix for every operative. Meticulously record all training sessions, qualifications, and regular assessments. Keep certificates on file and ensure training is specific to the measures you are certified for.

3. Poor Control of Calibrated Equipment

The Problem: Equipment used to verify installation quality (e.g., pressure gauges, airflow meters, thermometers) either isn’t calibrated, is out of calibration, or there’s no log tracking its calibration status.
The Auditor’s View: Uncalibrated equipment means your installation checks and verifications are unreliable. The entire data-backed aspect of the standard collapses.
How to Avoid It: Maintain a Calibration Register. List every piece of equipment, its unique ID, calibration date, next due date, and certificate number. Plan ahead and send equipment for calibration well before it expires.

4. Non-Conformities Not Managed Properly

The Problem: When a problem is found (on-site or in the office), there is no clear process for logging it, investigating the root cause, implementing a corrective action, and checking that the action was effective.
The Auditor’s View: Mistakes happen. The standard doesn’t expect perfection, but it does demand a systematic approach to fixing problems. A lack of this process shows a non-conforming system.
How to Avoid It: Implement a simple but effective Non-Conformance and Corrective Action Report (NC/CAR) process. Train your team on how to use it. The key is to show you are proactive about finding and fixing issues.

5. Ineffective Internal Audits

The Problem: Conducting internal audits that are too shallow, or only checking easy things. Often, the audits are performed by someone without the right training and without documenting the findings properly.
The Auditor’s View: Weak internal audits mean you aren’t properly checking your own system. It suggests you aren’t serious about continuous improvement.
How to Avoid It: Train a dedicated person (or use an external expert) to conduct thorough, impartial audits against the PAS 2030 standard. Follow a strict schedule, document all findings (good and bad), and most importantly, act on the results.

Don’t Leave Your PAS 2030 Audit to Chance

The certification process is rigorous for a reason. By understanding these common pitfalls, you can prepare more effectively. Partnering with an expert who has been through the process countless times can save you from the cost, delay, and frustration of a failed audit.

At TradeCert Solutions, our PAS 2030 Readiness package is specifically designed to identify and fix these gaps before the auditor arrives.