United Kingdom · guide · 16 September 2026
CAR assessment status codes — A, N, NA and O explained
Every Compliance Assessment Report (CAR) marks each sub-criterion with a status code: A (assessed), N (not assessed), NA (not applicable), or O (ongoing). These codes tell you what the Environment Agency checked during this assessment — not whether your site is compliant overall. This note explains how to read them. Source: EA assessing and scoring guidance (OGL v3.0).
Free CAR check · £19.99 Full CARBrief · £49.99 Permit + CAR Review — sourced reading only; not EA advocacy or permit drafting.
Where status codes appear on the form
A CAR groups permit conditions into high-level areas (permitted activities, infrastructure, general management, incident management, emissions, amenity, monitoring/records, resource efficiency). Under each area, the form lists sub-criteria — individual checks the EA can mark as assessed or not. Each sub-criterion carries a single-letter status code in the column next to it.
Non-compliances are recorded under the sub-criteria that best describe them. If a sub-criterion is marked N (not assessed), the EA did not check it on this occasion — so no finding appears there even if an issue exists elsewhere on site.
The four status codes
- A — Assessed. The EA checked this sub-criterion during the compliance assessment. If a breach was found, the non-compliance, required actions, and any CCS score appear here.
- N — Not assessed. This sub-criterion was not evaluated on this visit, audit, or desktop review. N does not mean compliant — it means the EA did not look at that area this time. A future assessment may mark it A and record findings.
- NA — Not applicable. This sub-criterion does not apply to your permit or site as configured. For example, an emissions sub-criterion may be NA if your permitted activities do not generate that emission type.
- O — Ongoing. The assessment of this sub-criterion is not yet complete. The EA may be waiting for monitoring data, laboratory results, or written evidence. The CAR may note that scoring or findings will follow when the assessment closes.
Status codes vs compliance outcome
Status codes describe what was checked, not whether you passed. A sub-criterion marked A with no non-compliance recorded means the EA assessed it and found no breach on this occasion. A sub-criterion marked A with a recorded non-compliance means a breach was found — see our guides on C2, C3, and CCS scores for how findings are scored.
The overall compliance picture comes from the non-compliances, actions, and scores on the CAR — not from counting how many sub-criteria show A. A CAR where most areas are N simply reflects a targeted assessment that focused on specific sub-criteria.
Common misreads
- Treating N as “passed”. Not assessed is not the same as compliant. The EA may assess that sub-criterion on a later visit.
- Assuming every sub-criterion should be A. Targeted inspections, desktop reviews, and follow-up checks often assess only relevant sub-criteria. Many NA and N codes are normal.
- Ignoring O items. Ongoing sub-criteria may later produce scores or non-compliances when the assessment closes. Check whether the CAR states a follow-up date or requests further evidence.
- Confusing CAR status with Public Register compliance rating. Your year-end compliance band (A–F) on Public Register Online reflects accumulated CCS scores — a separate figure from the per-sub-criterion A/N/NA/O codes on an individual CAR.
What CARBrief extracts from status codes
We read the CAR as published and organise scored non-compliances, linked permit conditions, action deadlines, and page references. We note which sub-criteria were assessed (A) and carry findings, and flag ongoing (O) items where the form states assessment is incomplete. We do not re-score the EA's assessment, invent findings for N sub-criteria, or tell you how to respond. That is sourced reading — not advice.
Questions
What does A mean on a CAR form?
A means assessed. The Environment Agency checked that sub-criterion during this compliance assessment. If a non-compliance is recorded, it appears under an assessed sub-criterion.
What does N mean on a CAR?
N means not assessed. That sub-criterion was not checked during this assessment. A blank or N does not mean compliant — it means the EA did not evaluate that area on this visit or review.
What does O mean on a CAR form?
O means ongoing. The EA is still evaluating that sub-criterion — for example waiting for monitoring data or evidence. The CAR may be updated or followed up when the assessment is complete.
Will CARBrief tell me which sub-criteria to fix?
No. We organise the CAR into a sourced reading so you can see what the EA assessed, what was found, and what actions are stated. We do not design remediation plans or advise on technical fixes. Instruct an environmental consultant if you need remediation advice.
Is this legal advice?
No. This guide and the CARBrief sourced reading are informational only. The EA CAR remains the legal record. If you need advice, instruct a solicitor or environmental consultant.
Who runs CARBrief?
Ellis Greensitt, sole trader, trading as CARBrief. English law. See terms and privacy. Email hello@carbrief.co.uk. No telephone.
Informational guide only. Sources: EA — assessing and scoring environmental permit compliance; EA public register guidance. Public sector information reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Last reviewed 16 September 2026. CARBrief is not the Environment Agency.