Frequently asked questions

Answer to question 1:

No. CCMC’s evaluation services are voluntary and the proponent of the product or system should determine whether or not the service would be of value. This can be accomplished by reviewing the web site or by contacting and discussing the particular situation with CCMC staff.

Answer to question 2:

Generally the answer is no but there can be exceptions. The CCMC has strict laboratory recognition and sample selection guidelines that any potential lab must comply with. Additionally, only after having reviewed and evaluated the product does the CCMC indicate in writing to the proponent what testing would be required for a specific product.

Answer to question 3:

The CCMC would review any product’s acceptance from another country to determine its relevance in Canada and may use some of the data and other information in doing its own evaluation. The CCMC is a member of the World Federation of Technical Assessment Organisations, an international group of countries that evaluate construction products. There is also an understanding that several other countries would also review Canada’s evaluation of a specific product for relevance in their evaluation process.

Answer to question 4:

An evaluation report is CCMC’s technical opinion on the compliance of a product or system to a code, primarily the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). It applies mainly to innovative products for which there are no specific standards that have been referenced in the code. The product is evaluated as an “alternative” solution.

An evaluation listing is a technical statement indicating that a product complies with a specific standard. This service is specific only to products that have standards.

Answer to question 5:

A certified listing is one that is based entirely on the product’s certification by a recognized certification body. In this case, the CCMC would not “evaluate” the product or specify testing as they would do for other listed products.

Answer to question 6:

The CCMC does not provide this type of opinion. Each opinion is product-specific and is to the NBC requirements. Readers may compare different reports and listings with each other and draw their own conclusions on the technical data, usages and limitations.

Answer to question 7:

The time frame varies depending on whether it is a listing or a report and on who is controlling the activity.

For reports, it is generally between 12 to 24 months from the date of the initial application to a final accepted report. Some reports have been done in less than 12 months. To understand the time frame, please see the evaluation process page. Two of the biggest time-consuming areas are technical guide preparation (generally a minimum of six months and in most case more) and actual product testing.

For listings, the time frame is much shorter since the testing requirements are specified in the applicable standard.

Answer to question 8:

While much of the time is due to the CCMC preparation and required review and oversight of processes, there are some things that a client can do to help shorten the process. These are:

• Before you apply, read about and understand the CCMC process in general terms and where your input will be required
• Ensure that the application package sent to the CCMC is complete
• Respond promptly to any requests from the CCMC for additional technical information
• Provide requested information in an organized way to facilitate easy review
• Promptly make arrangements with the required testing lab(s) and forward resulting documentation to CCMC immediately
• Pay invoices in a timely manner
• Stay in regular contact with your assigned evaluation officer.