Approval Process

A full description of the Approval Process is contained in the tScheme document tSd0244 - Required Assessment Procedures, which is available in the library, under the "supporting documents" section. This document is required reading for Trust Service Providers (TSPs) seeking tScheme approval for their service(s). It will also provide other readers with an overall understanding of the process: including general observers, relying parties or users of trust services, potential Members, or those wishing to become tScheme-recognised assessors.

tScheme approval is granted to an individual service as operated by a particular service provider. The types of service that may be considered for a Grant of tScheme Approval are currently as follows: Certificate, Electronic Identity, Community and tScheme-Ready.

STAGE ONE

• The TSP prepares an outline "Specification of Service Subject to Assessment" (S3A). This provides a high-level description of the service to be submitted for approval, and lists the relevant Approval Profiles for the type of service approval sought. A more detailed version of the S3A will br required later, which will then form the basis of the contract between the TSP and the tScheme-recognised assessor. A Model Specification is available in the library, in the "supporting documents" section, entitled 'Model S3A' (document ref. tSd0230).
  
  
• The TSP selects a tScheme-recognised assessor (for list click here), accredited for the performance of assessments using the tScheme Approval Profiles.
  
  
• At this stage the TSP must apply to tScheme for a grant of Registered Applicant status, which will require the signing of a contract binding the TSP to an agreed timetable for assessment and approval of the service - and to the tScheme Code of Conduct.
  
  

  The tScheme Registered Applicant sign. It will be displayed in relation to a specific service, and when clicked on, will take you to a tScheme page with further information on that service including the type of approval sought and the timetable agreed for completion of the approval process. For more information on Registered Applicants click here

STAGE TWO

• The TSP contracts, independently of tScheme, with the selected assessor (click for list) for the performance of the detailed assessment.
  
  
• The assessor reviews the evidence provided by the TSP against the criteria defined in the appropriate tScheme Profiles, and reviews service delivery.
  
  
• The assessor issues an assessment Report to the TSP.
  
  
• Following a successful assessment, the TSP submits the assessor's report to tScheme with a formal application for service Approval.
  
  
• The tScheme Approvals Committee reviews the Report and decides whether to grant Approval; and confirms the appropriate Approved Service Mark to be granted; this will require the signing of a contract binding the TSP to tScheme conditions of approval and to the Code of Conduct. Only when the contract is signed is the Approval Fee paid. For a detailed breakdown of these fees click here.
  
  

  Only tScheme Approved Services can display the tScheme Approved Service Mark that is appropriate to the specific service. Like the Registered Applicant sign, the user can click on it and be taken to a page on the tScheme website containing detailed information on that service and confirming the type of service approval that tScheme has granted. More information on this can be found in our Directory section