Understanding your Certificate of Compliance
A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a legal document issued by a registered, qualified tradesperson confirming that a specific installation or system meets the safety standards required by South African law. This article explains what CoCs are, which trades issue them, and how to access yours through TruePro.
What is a Certificate of Compliance?
A CoC is proof that the work carried out on your property meets the relevant national or municipal safety standard. It is issued only by a qualified, registered professional — not a general contractor. The certificate is linked to the specific installation, not the person who owns the property, so if you sell your home the CoC transfers with it and the new owner can verify the work was done correctly.
In South Africa, CoCs are most commonly required when selling a property, when applying for a bond, or when renewing insurance. Some municipalities also require them after major works.
Which trades issue Certificates of Compliance?
The following trades are legally authorised to issue CoCs in South Africa:
- Electricians — an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (ECOC) is required for all electrical installations and must be issued by a registered electrician under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Plumbers — a Plumbing Certificate of Compliance (PCOC) or Water Installation Certificate is required for all new or altered water and drainage installations, as mandated by SANS 10252 and local bylaws.
- Gas installers — a Gas Certificate of Compliance is required for all gas installations and must be issued by a registered LP Gas installer under the OHS Act.
- Beetle and damp inspectors — while not always called a "CoC," these inspectors issue certificates that are often required for property transfers.
Not all trades issue CoCs. A painter, tiler, or general builder does not issue a compliance certificate — their work is not governed by the same statutory requirements.
How do I get my CoC through TruePro?
When a TruePro-verified pro completes work that requires a certificate, they upload the CoC directly to your job. You can download it from your job detail page:
- Open the job from your My jobs dashboard.
- Scroll to the Documents section.
- Click Download next to the compliance certificate.
Store the downloaded certificate safely — you will need it if you sell your property or make an insurance claim. TruePro also keeps a copy attached to the job record, but we recommend keeping your own copy as well.
What if the pro has not uploaded a certificate?
If the work is complete but a CoC has not been uploaded, do not confirm completion yet. Message the tradesperson through the platform and request that they upload the certificate before you confirm completion.
If the tradesperson refuses or is unresponsive, report an issue. A verified tradesperson who is required by law to issue a CoC but fails to do so is in breach of the job agreement. TruePro admin will review the situation and may withhold payment release until the certificate is provided.
Can I request a CoC from a previous job?
If you have an existing CoC from a previous job on TruePro, you can access it from the relevant job's detail page at any time — even after the job is closed. If you need a CoC from work done before you used TruePro, you will need to contact the original tradesperson directly or commission a new inspection.