EAS changes to competence requirements for periodic inspection & testing and low carbon technologies

The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) has been updated and now includes additional requirements related to periodic inspection & testing and the installation of low carbon technologies. These changes will affect all certified electrical businesses, including ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association) Members, operating within these areas under their certification.

The EAS now requires qualified supervisors and employed persons that carry out periodic inspection and testing under their certification, to:

• hold core technical competence and qualifications, including a level 3 award in the Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations. 
• have a minimum two years’ evidence of relevant experience.
• show evidence of ongoing continuing professional development (CPD).

Businesses certified by NICEIC and Certsure will be asked about this requirement during their next assessment visit. If they do not yet meet the standard, it will be recorded in their assessment report. However, they will have until 1 October 2026 to achieve the relevant qualifications.

As part of this EAS update, there are also four new low carbon installation work categories that have been added:

• EV charging equipment installation.
• Solar PV systems installation.
• Electrical energy storage systems (EESS) installation.
• Micro wind turbine installation.

Qualified supervisors and employed persons responsible for and undertaking such work under their certification are required to be competent. From 1 October 2026 this includes holding the relevant qualifications.

The term 'employed persons' is defined in the EAS and includes directly employed staff, subcontractors, temporary and agency workers, and self-employed individuals or sole traders undertaking electrotechnical work.

These changes follow recommendations made in the post-Grenfell review which called for more consistency in competence standards across the built environment.

Suitable Qualifications

The EAS qualifications guide lists suitable level 3 qualifications that can be undertaken to meet these new requirements.

ECA Members are eligible for a 10 percent discount on NICEIC courses. The qualifications are City & Guilds or EAL accredited and meet the EAS requirements. Click here to learn more. 

ECA support services

ECA Members can demonstrate how they are achieving these requirements with the use of ECA’s free web-based tool, eCOMS.  The free, bespoke software for Members helps to support in meeting certification scheme requirements and staying compliant with CPD obligations.

ECA has also produced a guidance note which provides details on all the changes of the recent update of the EAS. The full EAS October 2024 document is also available to download here. 

ECA Members have access to a free helpline for advice and support on education & skills queries.