Professional Competence Certificate

Professional competence certificates are the documentary proof of suitability for regulated activities in public procurement. When a contracting authority sets selection criteria requiring that a bidder holds a specific professional registration, licence, or qualification, the professional competence certificate is the means by which the bidder proves it meets that requirement. These certificates are particularly common in regulated sectors such as engineering, architecture, legal services, healthcare, financial services, and construction.

What is a professional competence certificate?

Article 58(1)(a) and Annex XI of Directive 2014/24/EU govern suitability to pursue professional activity. Contracting authorities may require evidence of registration in a professional or trade register kept in the supplier's country of establishment, where national law requires registration for the type of activity being procured.

Professional competence certificates come in several forms depending on the sector and jurisdiction.

Professional register certificates. In regulated professions such as architecture (for example, RIBA membership in the UK, membership of the Chambre des Architectes in Belgium, or the Architektenkammer in Germany), engineering, medicine, law, and accountancy, a certificate of current registration confirms the supplier or its key personnel are authorised to practise.

Trade and contractor registers. In construction and infrastructure, many member states operate mandatory contractor registers. Italy's SOA (Societa Organismo di Attestazione) certification system certifies construction contractors by category and value of work. Germany's Handwerksrolle and trade association memberships serve a similar function. France's RGE (Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement) certification is required for energy renovation works.

Regulatory authorisations. In financial services, healthcare, security services, and other regulated sectors, an operating licence or regulatory authorisation from the competent national authority (such as an FCA authorisation in the UK or a BaFin authorisation in Germany) serves as a professional competence certificate.

Vocational qualifications. For individual key personnel, professional competence certificates may include vocational qualifications, degree certificates from recognised institutions, professional development records, or operator licences (for example, CSCS cards in UK construction, or HGV licences for transport contracts).

The eCertis database lists the professional and trade registers and the certificates they issue, categorised by country and sector, helping cross-border bidders identify the correct document to produce.

Why professional competence certificates matter for bidders

Unlike financial or fiscal compliance certificates which have rolling renewal cycles, professional competence certificates are typically obtained once and maintained through continuing professional development (CPD) requirements and periodic re-registration. However, their status can lapse if CPD obligations are not met, membership fees are unpaid, or a disciplinary finding triggers suspension.

Active procurement teams should maintain a register of all professional certifications held by the company and key personnel, with renewal dates and CPD status tracked. Losing a professional registration mid-contract can trigger contract termination clauses and may constitute a discretionary exclusion ground under Article 57(4)(d) of Directive 2014/24/EU (serious professional misconduct).

Example

A Greek structural engineering firm bids for a Norwegian bridge design contract. The Norwegian authority requires evidence that the lead engineers hold relevant structural engineering qualifications recognised in Norway. The Greek firm provides certificates of membership from the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE/TCG) for its three lead engineers, along with their degree certificates. It also provides a declaration that the qualifications are equivalent to Norwegian requirements under EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

My professional qualification is from an EU member state; will it be automatically recognised in other member states?

Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications establishes a system for mutual recognition of regulated professional qualifications across the EU. For fully harmonised professions (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, architects, engineers with specified qualifications), automatic recognition applies. For other professions, a host state may require a compensatory aptitude test or adaptation period. In the procurement context, contracting authorities should accept qualifications that have been formally recognised under Directive 2005/36/EC.

What if there is no equivalent professional register in my country for the activity being procured?

If your country does not require registration in a particular professional register for the activity in question, you should submit equivalent evidence of legal and professional standing, such as a declaration from the relevant competent authority or professional body in your country, as permitted under Article 60(2) of Directive 2014/24/EU.

Do subcontractors' qualifications count toward the main contractor's selection criteria?

Under Article 63 of Directive 2014/24/EU, a supplier may rely on a subcontractor's technical capacity to meet selection criteria, provided the subcontractor will actually perform the work for which their qualifications are relied upon. The contracting authority may require the subcontractor to submit a separate ESPD Response and relevant professional competence certificates.