TER - Technical Evaluation Report Explained
A TER or Technical Evaluation Report, is an engineering evaluation based on testing and/or rational analysis for the performance of a building product or component. In the case of Engineering Express, we are evaluating the structural aspects of a product only.
The authority for a qualified engineer to create a technical evaluation report is given in both the International and Florida Building Codes by an approved source (section 2.2). Numerous other codes are utilized in the creation of a TER which are listed on each corresponding evaluation report.
Click image to see TER in our Plan Store
How is a Technical Evaluation Report Used In Permitting?
In Florida, there are only 8 building product categories that require a product evaluation.
> Beyond these 8 categories in Florida, Engineers (using evaluation reports) are a code-compliant method for product certification.
> In Florida, those evaluations can even be a TER under the Local Product Approval method (for a site-specific location).
> Outside Florida, Evaluation Reports are the code-accepted method for building product approval per the IBC (see below).
See this article from our Knowledge Base for more about Florida Approval Requirements.
TER’s contain performance limitations of the product being evaluated.
These TER’s have limiting values which another design professional must compare and approve to their site specific design.
TER’s don’t themselves approve any site-specific use. They only list the limiting design parameters of the product being evaluated.
As An Example
Think of a TER like a warning on a ladder that says the ladder only holds 300lb. the TER doesn’t say who can use the ladder, only that the ladder can only hold that weight. Someone else would need to determine who can and can’t use the ladder based on each person’s weight.
The permit applicant would need the sealed TER along with the design professional’s plans and other documentation needed for each situation & jurisdiction to obtain the permit. Engineering Express provides the sealed report for permit and can be contracted separately for a site-specific evaluation to adapt the TER to a specific location.
About ICC & Florida Building Product Certification Requirements
The approval process across the US is governed by provisions within the International Building Code:
– (IBC, 2021 – 2024 in 104) in Section 104.11 (Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment)
– And Section 1703 (Approvals).
Florida Administrative Code 61G15-36 defines Product Evaluation Documents as:
(2) Product Evaluation Documents. Engineering documents that define procedures, materials, devices, fabrication, and methods of construction and installation of a product, or standardized group of products, through product evaluation or rational analysis, with the objective of obtaining approval from the authority having jurisdiction of that product for installation. Product evaluation documents shall be generic and do not include documents prepared for a site specific project.
These sections allow building officials to approve innovative or alternative building materials, designs, and methods when they are shown—through technical evidence and evaluation—to be equivalent to what is prescribed in the code.
In Florida (2023 FBC), similar sections exist – FBC 104.11. and 1703 (Approvals)
These sections allow engineers to evaluate building products using approved methods as an approved evaluation report.
Why An Original Engineer Seal Is Required on Technical Evaluation Reports
Since these evaluation documents are not issued by an accredited evaluation entity such as ICC or Miami Dade Product Control, among others, each document must bear the original signature and raised seal of the evaluating professional engineer.
Engineering Express provides hundreds of TER’s and Master Plans in our Online Plan Store.
We create these for the product manufacturers so their installers can easily obtain sealed copies to obtain their building permit.
Contact your local building official BEFORE ordering any engineering to determine what exactly is needed for permit.
Related Articles
Product Approvals Are Not Always Required – Here’s Why
When is a Miami Dade Product Approval Required?
How do I Quickly Get a Certified TER or Master Plan?
Can a Plan Reviewer or Building Inspector Deny The Use of a TER or Master Plan?
What do I do if a TER isn’t enough for a permit?
Last Update: June 26, 2025
