Inspection and Test Plans (ITP) in construction: what to include, with an example

An Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) sets out, before work starts, which inspections and tests will be carried out on a package, when, by whom, against what standard, and what record will prove it. It turns “we’ll check it” into a plan everyone can follow.

Why ITPs matter

• They catch defects before work is covered up, when fixing is cheap
• They make responsibilities clear between contractor, subcontractor and client
• They produce the records needed for handover, warranties, payment applications and, on higher-risk buildings, Gateway 3

What to include in an ITP

• Activity: the stage of work, such as set-out, installation or pre-close inspection
• Reference: the drawing, specification clause, standard or manufacturer’s instruction it’s checked against
• Acceptance criteria: what “right” looks like, ideally measurable (spacing, gaps, product, fixings)
• Inspection type: hold point, witness point or review
• Responsibility: who inspects (subcontractor, main contractor QA, client’s inspector)
• Frequency: every item, every floor or a sample
• Record: the form, checklist or test certificate that proves it, for example a Field View checklist with photos

Hold points, witness points and review points

• Hold point (H): work must stop until the inspection is done and accepted. Use these where work is about to be hidden.
• Witness point (W): the inspector is invited to attend, but work can continue if they don’t.
• Review point (R): documents are reviewed, such as product data or test certificates.

Example: fire stopping ITP (extract)

• 1. Product approval (R): fire strategy and spec checked; product data and installer competence approved before start. Record: approved submittal.
• 2. Services complete (H): M&E confirms all services through the wall are installed before sealing starts. Record: hand-back sign-off.
• 3. Installation (W): product, depth and annular gaps checked against manufacturer’s detail. Record: photo per penetration.
• 4. Labelling (H): each penetration labelled with ID, product, installer and date. Record: penetration register entry.
• 5. Pre-close inspection (H): QA inspects and accepts before boarding or ceilings. Record: Field View inspection with photos.

Step 2 is often missing. Our sample NCR shows what happens when services go in after the fire stopper has left.

Tips for ITPs that actually get used

• Keep them short: one page per package is usually enough
• Build them into the digital forms the site team already uses
• Agree hold points with the programme so inspections don’t cause delays
• Review pass rates monthly and tighten the ITP where defects repeat

If you don’t have someone to write ITPs or attend hold points full time, an outsourced QA service can set them up and inspect on call.

Need QA evidence you can rely on? Construction QA sets up your records, inspects at hold points anywhere in the UK and reports monthly or on request. See sample reports or book a visit.