We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Departments, agencies and public bodies

News stories, speeches, letters and notices

Detailed guidance, regulations and rules

Reports, analysis and official statistics

Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports

Sets out the minimum standards that providers must meet to be listed as a private sector coronavirus (COVID-19) testing provider.

All coronavirus (COVID-19) testing services must meet certain minimum standards set by the government. Private sector testing providers must also complete a declaration stating that their tests meet these standards.

The government has published guidance on the minimum standards that private providers of COVID-19 testing services must meet when offering:

See the relevant attachment above to read the minimum standards that apply.

There is separate guidance for prospective providers on how to become a private provider of COVID-19 testing and get added to the GOV.UK list for the testing service you offer.

The guidance on this page is for private providers of COVID-19 testing. If you’re a member of the public looking for a provider, see the lists of providers and read our guidance on finding and choosing a private COVID-19 test provider.

Updated to reflect end of international travel testing.

Updated information around self-isolation and contact tracing.

Removed references to day 8. Removed day 2 lateral flow tests and test to release for international travel pages.

Revised further to reflect travel testing changes coming into force from 7 January.

Revised minimum standards for providers on day 2 lateral flow tests for international arrivals, to reflect travel testing changes coming into force from 7 January.

Revised minimum standards for private providers of COVID-19 to reflect travel testing changes coming into force from 30 November.

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.