Certified Professional (CP) services support building code review and permit coordination in participating BC municipalities. The process is available for eligible projects under the requirements of the local CP program.
What does a Certified Professional do?
The CP program provides an alternative process for demonstrating building-code compliance in participating jurisdictions. It involves defined responsibilities for a qualified architect or engineer with additional CP credentials. Vancouver publishes its own program requirements; another municipality may use a different submission process or may not offer the program.
A CP does not replace the architect, structural engineer, mechanical engineer or other professionals responsible for their designs. The authority still makes the permit decision. The value of early CP involvement is a coordinated approach to code issues, submissions, field reviews and the evidence needed for occupancy.
When should an owner engage a CP?
Early CP involvement allows the project team to review occupancy, building size, access and construction requirements before completing the permit drawings. The appointment establishes the CP’s responsibilities and the coordination required with the other registered professionals.
Where staged permits are available, each stage has its own submission requirements and prerequisites. The permit strategy identifies the information and approvals required before excavation, construction or occupancy can proceed.
Information for a CP services proposal
- The property address, proposed use and description of new work or alterations.
- Current architectural drawings, survey information and available records for an existing building.
- The proposed design team and responsibility for each professional discipline.
- A realistic permit and construction sequence, including any proposed phased occupancy.
- Known departures from prescriptive requirements and previous discussions with the authority.
How does CP coordination support occupancy?
Occupancy coordination includes the completion of field reviews, testing, deficiency responses and professional assurance documents. A register maintained during construction identifies outstanding items, the responsible parties and the records required for closeout.
Noven’s Nelson Towers assignment in Burnaby included CP services, building code consulting and integrated systems testing for two towers and a low-rise building over a shared parkade.
Is the CP program available across Canada?
The Certified Professional program is available in participating BC municipalities. Projects elsewhere in Canada follow the permit process and professional requirements of their jurisdiction. Noven provides building code and permit consulting with services defined for the location and scope of the project.
Noven’s services
For related project support, see our Certified Professional (CP) Services. Request a proposal for your project.
Related Insights
- Code Compliance Drawings: A Clearer Building Permit Submission
- BCBC and VBBL Consulting: Choosing the Right Code Basis
Technical references
References reviewed October 23, 2026. Project requirements depend on the applicable code edition, jurisdiction and scope of work.