This post covers some frequently asked questions from people considering becoming an ECS Registered Electrician.
Over 6500 ECS cardholders have become an ECS Registered Electrician following the launch of the new status.
Operated via the ECS card scheme, the new status is available to all ECS Installation and Maintenance Electrician cardholders in Northern Ireland, England and Wales who are qualified in the current (17th) edition of the BS7671 Wiring Regulations.
It has been introduced by the JIB to raise standards across the industry and recognise electricians who are qualified to NVQ Level 3 and the current British Standard for electrical installation.
For a cardholder, becoming a Registered Electrician means they can get a well-deserved endorsement for their professionalism and skills, stand out amongst their peers and get a valuable boost to their status and credibility across the industry.
For electrical contractors, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that their electrical workforce is up-to-date on the latest industry technology developments and is committed to maintaining this level of professionalism.
For those who are unsure about whether to become an ECS Registered Electrician, here are some frequently asked questions:
I already hold a gold card, how do I apply to be a Registered Electrician?
If you already hold a current ECS gold card as either an Installation or Maintenance Electrician and hold a formal JIB recognised qualification on BS7671, you can login to MyECS and follow the links to add the Registered Electrician status to your existing record.
If your ECS Installation or Maintenance Electrician gold card has expired, you will need to meet all the normal renewal requirements and hold a formal JIB recognised qualification on BS7671. You will be given the opportunity to include the Registered Electrician status during the renewal application process.
Sign up for Registered Electrician is not yet available if you have a QS card from the ECA or NICEIC.
I’m not a gold cardholder – how can I become a Registered Electrician?
To become a Registered Electrician you must first meet the full qualification requirements for either an Installation or Maintenance Electrician ECS card. You will then also need to hold a formal JIB recognised qualification for BS7671.
The ECS website gives full details on the criteria you’ll need to meet if you wish to become an Installation Electrician or Maintenance Electrician.
How does Registered Electrician fit in with the existing Competent Persons Schemes?
It’s complementary to existing Approved Contractor and Competent Person Schemes, which certify the quality of a company that undertakes electrical installations. The ECS Registered Electrician is a demonstration that the individual’s qualifications are up to date and at the standard expected. We liken this to two sides of the same coin, with the Approved Contractor scheme certifying the company and the ECS scheme for the individual.
How much does it cost?
There is no ongoing subscription fee to become a Registered Electrician and add this status to an existing card.
Once you have met all the requirements to be recognised as a Registered Electrician, your online MyECS account will be automatically updated and your new card will be visible in MyECS and the Employer Portal.
Once you sign up you can also view your card via the MyECS Virtual Card App – at no cost.
The app is available for Android and Apple phones; Windows phone users will be able to log into their MyECS account using a web browser.
If you would like a physical ECS card showing your Registered Electrician status, you can order one at the time you sign up. This is only available as a one-off opportunity at initial registration for existing cardholders and will cost a special discounted rate of £12 (£10 +VAT).
The standard fees for card renewal, replacement and initial card application still apply.
Clients that are using ECS Check can also view your electronic ECS card, if your employer has allocated you to a particular contract.
For more information on ECS Registered Electrician click here.