When must the registration fee be paid?

The EDGE certification process involves specific steps and fees, including a registration fee, to formally enter a project into the certification system. The EDGE Certification Protocol outlines the timing of the registration fee: "The registration fee must be paid prior to registration of the project in the EDGE system. This fee is required to activate the project in the EDGE App, allowing the Client to begin the self-assessment process and proceed toward certification" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 2.1: Registration). Option B, prior to registration, directly matches this requirement, as payment is a prerequisite for starting the certification process. Option A (prior to site audit) is incorrect, as the site audit occurs later, at the post-construction stage: "The site audit takes place after practical completion, well after registration, so the registration fee is not tied to this stage" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.4: Post-Construction Requirements). Option C (after the registration) is also incorrect, as payment must precede registration: "Registration cannot be completed without payment of the registration fee, ensuring the project is officially entered into the system" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.1: Project Preparation). Option D (after certification has been awarded) is wrong, as certification occurs at the end of the process, after registration and audits: "Certification fees may be paid after certification, but the registration fee is required at the outset, before any assessment begins" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.3: Certification Decision). The EDGE User Guide further clarifies: "Paying the registration fee prior to registration ensures that the project is formally recognized by the EDGE system, enabling access to the software and certification resources" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.1: Project Preparation). Thus, the registration fee must be paid prior to registration (Option B).