Surveys
An initial survey is carried out before the certificate is issued, and a renewal survey when it expires.
Validity
The ICIHM is valid for a maximum of 5 years, so the renewal survey takes place at five-year intervals.
Interim and full-term certificate
The five-year (full-term) certificate is not issued straight away. The RO first issues an interim certificate valid for a maximum of 6 months; the RO authorizes local surveyors to issue the interim. The RO head office then issues the full-term certificate, valid for five years.