The process of achieving Type approval can vary in complexity depending upon which type approval route is chosen, but there are principally two groups of approvals certified by different Government Agencies:
VCA:
The VCA will be responsible for all approvals certified under:-
- European whole Vehicle Type Approval - ECWVTA
- National Small Series Type Approval – NSSTA
- European Small Series Type Approval – ECSSTA (Car only)
- N1 enhancements scheme
VOSA:
- Individual Vehicle Approval – IVA
Certech can engage and operate the entire process for our clients, for a typical type approval there may be up to 35 key stages in completing the approval notwithstanding the maintenance of the approval afterwards. However for the purpose of illustration CERTECH’ approach to a typical EC or National approval will follow the simplified process flow chart shown below:-

|
There are no shortcuts to obtaining type approval.
The chosen method - whole, National or IVA, will influence the complexity of the process - each method has it's place or pro’s and con’s, none of which are simple or straightforward. |