Register of Craftsmen and Craftswomen

What is the Register of Craftsmen and Craftswomen?

The purpose of the Register of Craftsmen and Craftswomen ('the register') is to maintain a list of individuals who have provided to the department evidence that they have completed an apprenticeship and achieved a level of technical qualification in their relevant trade.

Do I need to be on the register?

Registration is a requirement for any person wishing to:

work on government contracts
verify their status regarding a work permit application

Being on the register can also be a useful means of verification to members of the public that you have completed an apprenticeship and achieved a level of qualification in your trade.

What trades does the register cover?

The register applies to the following trades:

Carpenter / Joiner
Mason / Bricklayer
Plasterer
Slater/Tiler (Roofing)
Plumber
Plumbing and heating engineer
Electrician
Painter and decorator
Wall / Floor Tiler
Gas fitter
Scaffolder

The department may also add trades to the list from time to time.

Do I qualify to be entered on to the register?

Individuals are qualified to be registered in respect of a trade if they can provide evidence of either:

having served an apprenticeship and attaining the technical qualifications for that trade
having attained the technical qualifications relating to their trade and having such periods of employment within their trade for at least the equivalent time period of an apprenticeship.

What evidence will I need to produce?

All trades require evidence of completion of an apprenticeship, confirmed by supplying copies of your apprenticeship agreements.

If you have not served a formal apprenticeship you will need to provide detailed evidence of your employment and training history which you consider to be equivalent to having served an apprenticeship. This will need to be in the form of written evidence, on official headed paper from Employers; Architects; Clerk of Works; or other industry professionals.

In addition, all applicants must provide evidence to demonstrate the attainment of the technical certification for their relevant trade, this is amended from time to time

How do I apply?

You can download an application form, visit the Job Centre in Douglasor call +44 1624 687156.

In order to register, individuals should return an application form with copies of the evidence required, a countersigned passport sized photograph and the fee of £25 per category to:

Department of Economic Development
Job Centre
Nivison House
31 Prospect Hill
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 1ET

How much does registration cost?

A fee of £25 is payable for each category of registration.

How long will I stay on the register?

Registrations will last for 5 years from the date of approval.

I was previously registered with the Scheme for the Certification of Craftsmen, how do I get on the new Register?

Individuals who have previously been registered under the Scheme for the Certification of Craftsmen 1990 ('the scheme') shall be entitled upon application to be entered in the Register in respect of any trade for which they were entered in the scheme.

You should apply using the renewal application form, submitting an up to date passport sized photograph and the relevant fee.

Application forms are also available upon request from the Job Centre, or by phoning +44 1624 687156.

I have lost my card, how do I get a replacement?

You will need to complete a renewal application form, submitting an up to date passport sized photograph and the relevant fee.

Application forms are also available upon request from the Job Centre, or by phoning +44 1624 687156.

What do I get to show I am on the register?

If your application is successful, you will be issued with a card confirming your details, category of registration and carrying your photograph.

Your details (name, registration number and trade) will also be entered onto a searchable database.

What happens if my application is refused?

If your application is refused, we will write to you and set out the reasons for refusal. You will be given the opportunity to provide further information or evidence to support your application.

If you are not able to provide further evidence, you have the right to appeal the decision to refuse registration. Any such appeal should be made in writing within 10 working days of the original decision and must set out the full reasons why you consider that the original decision was incorrect.

How do I check if someone is on the register?

A searchable register is available on the Isle of Man government website.

The register is also available upon request for inspection free of charge by the public at: