How to check a designer on QuARTS

QuARTS (Qualification and Registration Tracking System) is the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing's register of qualified building practitioners. The public search is free, and you don't need an account.

Open the QuARTS public search

What the register shows

The Building Code sets what the public register must contain: (Div. C, 3.2.6.1)

• Design firms: name, BCIN, business address, classes of registration, and the name and BCIN of each person who reviews and takes responsibility for the firm's designs
• Other (independent) designers: name, BCIN and classes
• Building officials: name, number, the municipality or principal authority that appointed them, and their classes (Div. C, 3.1.6.1)

Everyone with an active registration appears. You can search by BCIN, name, registration type, class, principal authority or location.

How to verify a designer

1. Find the BCIN on the drawings. Permit drawings must show the designer's name, BCIN, a responsibility statement and a signature. (Div. C, 3.2.4.7.(1)(d) and 3.2.5.6.(1)(c))
2. Search the BCIN on QuARTS and confirm the name matches.
3. Check the status is active. Registration has to be renewed every year.
4. Check the class fits the building. A House designer can't design a small commercial building. Small Buildings or higher is needed for that.
5. For a firm, check that the person who signed is listed as one of the firm's qualified people.

What QuARTS doesn't tell you

• Insurance. Firms must carry it, but the register doesn't show it. Ask for a certificate if it matters to you.
• Work history and quality. A BCIN shows qualification, not experience.
• Architects and engineers. They're licensed by the Ontario Association of Architects and Professional Engineers Ontario, not by QuARTS.

Related: What is a BCIN? · How to get your BCIN