Frequently asked questions

The Federation of Damp is an independent training and standards body for damp, mould and waterproofing professionals across the UK. We set a clear standard for how damp should be diagnosed and reported, deliver certified training against it, and maintain a public register of vetted members.

Independently assured by City & Guilds and CPD

We are deliberately independent. The Federation of Damp is not owned by, funded by or tied to any manufacturer, product or supplier, and that is by design. It is what lets us set standards around correct diagnosis rather than product sales.

Where it matters most, our training is externally quality-assured: selected Federation of Damp certification courses are independently City & Guilds Assured, and our damp surveyor training is CPD certified. So the credibility behind our certification comes from recognised, independent organisations, not from ourselves.

Our training is suited to:

• Property surveyors looking to specialise in damp assessment
• Contractors and tradespeople wanting formal damp and waterproofing certification
• Property and housing professionals enhancing their knowledge
• Anyone starting a career in damp surveying

We offer a range of certifications, including:

• Federation of Damp Certified Surveyor (FODCS)
• Damp Proofing Technician (FODCT)
• Underground Waterproofing Surveyor (FODWS)
• Waterproofing Installation (FODWT)

Plus thermal imaging, mould assessment, ventilation and leak detection courses. View all courses.

Selected courses are independently City & Guilds Assured

Yes, selected courses are. Our FODCS Certified Surveyor course (online and classroom) and our FODCT Damp Proofing Technician course are independently City & Guilds Assured, and the surveyor training is also CPD certified.

City & Guilds is the UK's leading skills certification organisation, so "Assured" means these courses have been independently reviewed against their quality benchmarks. In practice, it means a professional who certifies with us earns an externally quality-assured credential, rather than a self-issued one. Each course page shows whether that course is City & Guilds Assured.

You can sign up for any course directly through our website, or contact us and a member of the team will be in touch.

Both. We offer online theory courses you can complete remotely at your own pace, and in-person practical training for hands-on certifications. Each course page states its format clearly.

It varies by course. Most online modules take around 10 to 15 hours and can be done at your own pace. In-person training days usually run from 9am to 4pm.

Yes. Once you pass the final assessment, you receive your Federation of Damp certificate for that course.

Membership gives you:

• Recognised certification and current member status
• A listing on our public Find a Specialist register
• Use of the Federation of Damp member badge on your site and quotes
• Industry resources and updates
• Networking with other professionals
• Opportunities to win work from homeowners and housing providers who check the register

To join, you:

• Complete Federation of Damp certification, or hold a recognised equivalent qualification and pass our assessment
• Submit your application with the required checks (competence, insurance and business status)
• Complete your membership payment

Apply for membership or read how we vet members.

Yes. Once you are a current member, you receive official branding to display on your website, marketing and business documents. The badge links back to your live listing, so clients can verify your membership is current.

Book a professional damp survey. A verified Federation of Damp member can inspect the property, identify the true cause and provide a clear report with appropriate recommendations. Request a specialist.

Common signs include:

• Black mould or condensation on walls and ceilings
• Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint
• Damp or musty odours
• Cold or wet patches on walls
• Crumbling plaster or tide marks

A proper survey is the only way to confirm the type and cause.

Use our Find a Specialist register. Enter your location to find a current, verified member near you.

Check our public register. A live listing confirms the specialist is a current, vetted member who is insured and accountable to Federation of Damp standards today. A training certificate alone does not, since it only shows someone completed a course at some point. If they are not on the register, they are not a current member.

We provide course materials and study guides, email and phone support, and online tutorials and Q&A sessions to help you through your training.

You can reach us by:

• Email: info@federationofdamp.co.uk
• Phone: 0808 501 4090
• Post: Basepoint Cressex Enterprise Centre, Lincoln Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 3RL