Q & A of the Day – What qualifications do I need to be a sole-trading electrician?

Question: My goal is to become a sole trading, self-certifying domestic electrician, dealing with all types of electrical problems - e.g. fitting additional sockets and lights all the way to full re-wires, testing, fault finding and inspections (all domestic). I have (City & Guilds) C&G Levels 1, 2 and 3 and plenty of experience.

Can I trade if I do C&G 2391 and Part P with no governing body associations?

If I am with a governing body, do I need to have C&G 2391 and Part P, or do they come with registration?

Do I need public liability and/or PI insurance, or does registration cover that?

Do I need Health and Safety certificates to work in someone else's home?

As whoever answers my question can see, I'm a bit in the dark about the legal side of what is needed, and also the most financially beneficial way for me to start working for myself. A detailed answer would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: You do not need a 2391 or Part P qualification to work as an electrician. If you do not register with a scheme provider you will need to notify domestic electrical work directly to your Building Control at your council BEFORE you can commence any work. Building Control, in turn, will ask whether you are competent and whether you hold any formal qualification to the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671:2008).

However, if you register with a scheme provider, you will have to provide evidence of a 17th Edition qualification, and be able to demonstrate that you can initially verify and complete certification for electrical work. You will also need to provide two domestic installation jobs that you have already installed.

You will need to have public liability insurance as part of our scheme requirements.

If you go to our website at www.niceic.com there is further information provided regarding these issues.

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