New entry requirements for joining a Competent Person Scheme from September 2021 

From 1st September 2021, new rules came into force for electricians looking to join a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) such as NICEIC or NAPIT. These changes are designed to raise competency standards in the industry and ensure all registered c ontractors meet a consistent benchmark of qualifications and experience. 

If you’re already registered with a CPS, there’s no need to worry—your existing membership continues to be honoured under the rules you joined with. But for new entrants, the bar has been raised. 

Who sets the standards? 

The new requirements stem from the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS), managed by the EAS Management Committee, of which both NICEIC and NAPIT are members. The EAS sets the minimum qualification and experience thresholds that electricians must meet to join a CPS. 

By tightening entry standards, the industry is aiming to: 

• Improve electrical safety in domestic properties. 

• Ensure consistent levels of knowledge and competence. 

• Increase trust in registered electricians. 

What are the new requirements? 

To join a CPS after September 2021, you’ll need: 

• A recognised qualification route in line with the EAS Qualifications Guide. 

• At least two years’ professional electrical experience, either as a self-employed contractor or working under another firm. 

This experience requirement has always been part of the rules, but the acceptable qualification pathways are now n arrower and more clearly defined. For many, this means completing a recognised route such as the Level 2 Electrician Course and Level 3 Electrician Course, followed by the NVQ and AM2 assessment. 

If you have experience but don’t meet the qualification framework, you may need to complete the “Experienced Worker Route” to bring your training in line with the new requirements. 

Common questions from new entrants 

I’m training this year and already have two years’ experience. Can I still join a CPS? 

Yes, but you must ensure your qualifications align with the new EAS-approved list. If not, you may need to complete the Experienced Worker Route before applying. 

I’ve just started training and don’t yet have two years’ experience. What happens when I do? 

Once you’ve built up the required experience, you’ll need to ensure your qualifications meet the updated requirements. If they don’t, again, the Experienced Worker Route will bridge the gap. 

I’ve already completed my training and I’m qualified. Does this stop me working? 

No. You can still undertake minor works (such as extensions or alterations to existing circuits) without CPS registration. For notifiable work, you’ll need to have it signed off via local building control until you meet the CPS requirements. 

I’m already registered with NAPIT or NICEIC. Do I need new qualifications at reassessment? 

No. These rules apply only to new entrants from September 2021 onwards. Existing memberships remain valid under the conditions you originally joined with. 

Why this matters for the industry 

The tightening of CPS entry requirements is part of a broader push to raise standards in the electrical sector. With the industry facing ongoing skills shortages, these changes are designed to build trust in competent, well-trained contractors and to safeguard consumers. 

For those entering the trade, structured qualifications such as C&G 2365, along with a strong grounding in safety and compliance from modules like Environmental 5 and Environmental 6, will form the foundation of a successful career pathway. 

1 – What is a Competent Person Scheme (CPS) in the electrical industry?

A Competent Person Scheme (CPS) in the UK electrical industry is a government-authorised certification program that allows qualified electricians and contractors to self-certify their work as compliant with Building Regulations (Part P for electrical installations in dwellings), eliminating the need for local authority notifications or inspections. Schemes like NICEIC and NAPIT verify competence through assessments, ensuring safety standards under BS 7671 Wiring Regulations. This streamlines processes for notifiable work (e.g., new circuits, consumer unit changes) while providing consumer protection via warranties and registers. Elec Training prepares learners for CPS entry, enabling self-certification for domestic and commercial installs. 

2 – When did the new CPS entry requirements come into effect?

The new CPS entry requirements came into effect on 1 September 2021, as outlined in the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) update, mandating Level 3 NVQ qualifications for new applicants instead of short courses like Domestic Electrical Installer (DEI). This change aimed to raise competency standards, with no further major updates as of October 2025. Elec Training adjusted its programs accordingly to meet these criteria. 

3 – Who sets and manages the CPS qualification standards?

The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) Management Committee sets and manages CPS qualification standards, comprising representatives from scheme operators like NICEIC and NAPIT, industry bodies (e.g., IET), and government oversight via the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). DLUHC authorises schemes to ensure consistency. Elec Training aligns its courses with EAS guidelines for s eamless CPS applications. 

4 – What qualifications are now required to join a CPS?

To join a CPS, applicants need a Level 3 NVQ/SVQ in Installing Electrotechnical Systems (e.g., City & Guilds 2357), the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (2382), and relevant experience—short courses like DEI no longer suffice since September 2021. Additional requirements include insurance and assessments. Elec Training’s NVQ pathways fulfill these for CPS eligibility. 

5 – How much professional experience do I need before applying?

Applicants need at least 2 years of professional electrical experience (e.g., as a mate or improver) before applying, demonstrated via portfolio or employer references, alongside qualifications. This ensures competence for self-certification. Elec Training supports portfolio building during training. 

6 – What is the Experienced Worker Route and who is it for?

The Experienced Worker Route (EWR), or Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA, City & Guilds 2346), is a fast-track qualification for those with 3-5+ years of industry experience without formal Level 3 NVQ, involving a skills scan, portfolio, and AM2 assessment to achieve ECS Gold Card eligibility. It’s for time-served workers, career changers, or those with outdated quals. Elec Training offers EWA preparation for CPS entry. 

7 – Do the new rules affect electricians already registered with NICEIC or NAPIT?

No, the new rules do not retroactively affect existing NICEIC or NAPIT members—their registrations remain valid without upgrades, as changes apply only to new applicants since September 2021. Reassessments follow standard cycles. Elec Training confirms this for its alumni. 

8 – Can I still carry out electrical work without being in a CPS?

Yes, you can carry out electrical work without CPS membership, but for notifiable domestic work (e.g., new circuits), you must notify building control directly (£200-£350 per job) or use third-party certification—non-notifiable tasks like like-for-like replacements don’t require it. Competence is key under Electricity at Work Regulations. Elec Training stresses CPS for efficiency. 

9 – Will I need to upgrade my qualifications when I reach reassessment if I’m already a member?

No, existing members do not need qualification upgrades at reassessment—standard audits, CPD (e.g., 18th Edition refresh), and work samples suffice, without retroactive Level 3 NVQ mandates. Focus remains on ongoing competence. Elec Training’s CPD ensures smooth renewals. 

10 – Why were CPS entry requirements changed in the first place?

Requirements changed in September 2021 to raise industry competency standards, close the skills gap (100k needed by 2032), ensure safer installations amid rising demand from net-zero projects, and align with EAS for consistent quality—preventing unqualified “cowboys” from self-certifying. Elec Training supports this for better public safety.