FAQs

The Experienced Worker Assessment is for learners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland only. If you are based in Scotland, the ‘Crediting Electrotechnical Competence’ Scheme is for candidates who hold existing relevant electrical apprenticeship qualifications to SCQF Level 6/7 and are currently employed and working in the electrical installation field. Both UK and Non-UK qualifications can be accepted.

The scheme is for when these candidates want to obtain industry-recognised qualification, allowing them to qualify for SJIB grading. It enables individuals to have their existing qualifications assessed against the standards set out in the current SVQ in Electrical Installation at SCQF Level 7.

Once qualified, candidates can then apply for an SJIB grade card as an electrician.

Find out more on the SECTT website

To be eligible for the Experienced Worker Assessment you must hold at least a relevant Level 2 qualification as shown in the Skills Scan.

This applies to both the Domestic Electrician EWA and the Installation/Maintenance EWA route (the latter requirement was introduced in September 2023 when the V2 of the Installation/Maintenance apprenticeship standard was introduced).

If you do not hold one of the qualifications listed in the Skills Scan, you will not be eligible to register for the EWA. Training providers must seek advice/approval from TESP if the candidate wishes to enrol with a qualification that is not listed.

Please refer to our FAQ sections on Eligibility for more information.

Non-UK Qualifications: Any candidates with non-UK qualifications must undertaken an Ecctis mapping. Non-UK qualifications cannot be accepted without this. Please refer to our FAQ section on Overseas Qualifications for more information.

Short specialist qualifications in isolation do not meet the Level 2 entry criteria – a full technical certificate is required. The list of accepted qualifications is available within the Skills Scan document.

Once enrolled on the EWA, those candidates with Inspection & Testing or BS7671 can use these towards the additional requirements of the qualification, but they cannot be accepted towards the Level 2 technical certificate entry requirement.

Training providers must seek advice/approval from TESP if the candidate wishes to enrol with a qualification that is not listed in the Skills Scan.

The Skills Scan is a first step self-assessment designed to help you determine your eligibility for the Experienced Worker Assessment by reviewing the depth of knowledge, skill and experience that is required to complete the assessment. It’s designed to help you avoid wasting money and struggling to complete qualification or the assessment process if this is not quite the right pathway for you.

The Skills Scan asks for details of any relevant technical qualifications you hold. These can be used to show that you have the required electrical knowledge to take the EWA, through Recognition of Prior Learning. You must hold a minimum Level 2 electrical technical certificate from the list in the Skills Scan. The training provider will need to verify your certificate(s) and will also carry out a documented or recorded technical discussion to confirm that your knowledge is up to date. Where there are gaps, the training provider may recommend you undertake further formal training before taking EWA.

The Skills Scan also asks about your practical experience. This is because you will need to provide performance evidence in the EWA. If you are not working across the full scope of activity required, you may find it difficult to provide the range of evidence that will be required.  The EWA must be completed within an 18 month period.

The EWA is designed for practising electricians and requires evidence of at least 5 years (for Installation / Maintenance Electrician) or 3 years (for Domestic Electrician) experience – this cannot include any time spent in education or training. Evidence of work you have completed can help to demonstrate your eligibility for the EWA but cannot be credited against the performance units.

If you feel that the Skills Scan shows that EWA is the right route for you once you have completed the document, you should contact an EWA training provider. The provider will verify in detail the information you have provided.

The discussion will be documented or recorded and forms part of the auditable evidence that will be checked  as part of the quality assurance processes.

This will depend on how readily you can generate the performance evidence that is required and whether you need to undertake any training to gain the required elements such as BS 7671:2018. The EWA must be completed within 18 months. We estimate most learners will take anywhere between 6 and 18 months. Most of the time spent will involve portfolio building and on-site assessment of your current work. You should ensure that the work you are undertaking will provide you with the breadth required before you enrol on the EWA.

If you don’t hold BS 7671 and either the Initial Verification unit (for the Installation Electrician EWA) or the full Inspection & Testing qualification (for the Domestic Electrician EWA), these are taught and assessed as if they were taken separately outside of the Experienced Worker Assessment.

The AM2E Assessment (Installation Electrician route) or AM2ED Assessment (Domestic Electrician route), which is separate to the Experienced Worker Qualification,  is the industry assessment of competence which mirrors the end assessment in the industry apprenticeship. It is a practical assessment taken under controlled conditions  in a NET-licensed centre. This can only be booked after the Experienced Worker qualification is achieved.

At least one performance assessment must take place while you are carrying out work onsite with the assessor physically present. You will also need time to complete portfolio work, but this can be done inside or outside of work hours. As each candidate’s experience will differ, we are unable to provide an estimate of time required off the job.

You will have usually attend an approved centre to undertake the following, if you don’t already hold these:

• Installation Electrician EWA: BS 7671:2018 and Initial Verification
• Domestic Electrician EWA: BS 7671:2018 and full Inspection & Testing qualification

You will also need to complete the AM2E (for Installation Electrician) or AM2ED (for Domestic Electrician) Assessment, which is separate to the Experienced Worker Qualification. This is a practical assessment where you will have to attend a NET-licensed centre.

Each training provider will set their own price for delivery of the Experienced Worker Assessment process and you should check their website for details, TESP does not have any influence in this area.

Some training providers will include the cost for the AM2E or AM2ED in their overall price, others may not. The training provider should provide you with clear, written information.

The Installation & Maintenance Electrician EWA is available from City and Guilds and EAL recognised centres who offer this qualification.

The Domestic Electrician EWA is available from EAL centres currently and will be available from City & Guilds training centres later this year.

You can find training provider links in our Find an EWA Provider section and can search by regional or national providers.

If you aren’t currently working as an electrician, you will not be able to complete the EWA’s practical assessments. The EWA is targeted at practising electricians, and the performance assessments have to be based on current, authenticated activity. You may have evidence from past work that will confirm that you’re a suitable candidate for EWA, but you’d still need to be working now in order to generate up to date evidence across the range of activity required.

Unfortunately, there are no exemptions from the performance units within EWA.

If you are working in the industry but the Experienced Worker Assessment isn’t right for you at this time due to gaps in your knowledge or experience, don’t give up! It may be you just need a more time or experience in certain areas before you’re ready to apply.

It’s always recommended you complete a relevant industry-approved Level 3 route, recognised by employers.

The Installation & Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship or Domestic Electrician Apprenticeship may be an option. There’s no age restriction or financial contribution from you, you don’t have to start at the beginning and prior knowledge and qualifications can be recognised to reduce the duration of the apprenticeship.

Otherwise the NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Buildings, Structures and the Environment) can be taken whether you’re employed or self-employed. If you do not already hold a Level 3 qualification and can cover the scope of work required, you may be eligible for government funding: Free Courses for Jobs – Skills for Life

An apprenticeship can be taken by a learner of any age to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviour required by an electrician. The duration of an apprenticeship can be reduced if the learner has relevant prior experience and knowledge. To be eligible for an apprenticeship, the learner must require at least 12 month’s training with 20% off-the-job learning within the learner’s usual working hours.

Recognition of Prior Learning will reduce the level of funding required for the apprenticeship.

Small employers (who do not pay apprenticeship levy contributions) share the costs of apprenticeship training with government and pay only 5% of the total funding required, spread over the duration of the apprenticeship. For example, a two-year apprenticeship would cost the employer a maximum of £450 over the two-year period, including the cost of end-point assessment and any technical training or assessment required with the provider.

Large employers fund apprenticeships through their existing levy contributions.

Otherwise, the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Buildings, Structures and the Environment) can be used to assess performance in the workplace. This will require full funding by the either the learner or employer unless the learner qualifies for funding under the Skills for Life programme: Free Courses for Jobs – Skills for Life

You cannot take the Experienced Worker qualification without the AM2E in order to join a Competent Persons Scheme.

The EWA is a process which encompasses both the qualification, the additional requirements and the end assessment.

There are six Level 3 Performance Units to be assessed before you can gain the Installation Electrician Experienced Worker qualification:

• Apply Health, Safety and Environmental Considerations
• Organise and Oversee the Electrical Work Environment
• Apply Design and Installation Practices and Procedures
• Terminate and Connect Conductors
• Inspect, Test and Commission Electrical Systems
• Apply Fault Diagnosis and Rectification

To pass these units, you must provide evidence from one or more sites where you are working to demonstrate you can fully meet the performance requirements of each unit.

Only performance evidence after you have registered on EWA can be counted towards the performance requirement. Previous work evidence can help demonstrate your eligibility for EWA but cannot be used as evidence towards the performance unit assessments.

You’ll be assessed via a range of methods and an assessor will need to observe you at work on at least one occasion during the evidence gathering process. At least one assessment must be carried out live and in person, with both the candidate and assessor physically present in the same location.

You will also need to complete awards in  BS 7671:2018 and Initial Verification  if you don’t already have these qualifications.

Once you are registered on the Installation Electrician EWA programme you can apply for an ECS Experienced Worker card which is valid for 18 months.

The best way to apply for the ECS EWA card is to ask your training provider to apply for the card on your behalf. Alternatively, you can apply directly to the JIB yourself by making an application with your training documentation and existing underpinning knowledge certificates.

Once you successfully complete the AM2E assessment, you can apply for an ECS Installation Electrician Gold Card. You will still also need to hold a valid ECS Health, Safety & Environmental test as part of the application process. For more information please visit the ECS website.

The Initial Verification qualification and up to date knowledge is a requirement of the Installation Electrician EWA.

If learners have an existing Initial Verification qualification this may be used to meet the EWA requirements with no need to repeat.

The training provider should verify that skills and knowledge are up to date as part of their initial discussion and skills scan interview in order to credit the Electrical Inspection and Testing qualification against the EWA requirements.

The Initial Verification unit is there because the EWA has been designed in parity with the Installation / Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship, so those on either route are both qualifying to the same industry standard. If the apprenticeship content changes, the EWA will be updated in line with this.

There are five Level 3 Performance Units to be assessed before you can gain the Domestic Electrician Experienced Worker qualification (EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical in Dwellings Experienced Worker Qualification 610/2859/9):

• Apply Design and Installation Practices including Termination and Connection of Conductors in Dwellings
• Plan and Oversee Electrical Work Activities in Dwellings
• Apply Health, Safety and Environmental Considerations in Dwellings
• Apply Fault Diagnosis and Rectification in Dwellings
• Inspect, Test, Report and Commission Electrical Systems in Dwellings

To pass these units, you must provide evidence from one or more sites where you are working to demonstrate you can fully meet the performance requirements of each unit.

Only performance evidence after you have registered on EWA can be counted towards the performance requirement. Previous work evidence can help demonstrate your eligibility for EWA but cannot be used as evidence towards the performance unit assessments.

You’ll be assessed via a range of methods and an assessor will need to observe you at work on at least one occasion during the evidence gathering process. At least one assessment must be carried out live and in person, with both the candidate and assessor physically present in the same location.

You will also need to complete awards in BS 7671:2018 and full Inspection and Testing covering Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection if you don’t already have these qualifications.

You cannot take the Experienced Worker qualification without the AM2ED in order to join a Competent Persons Scheme.

The EWA is a process which encompasses both the qualification, the additional requirements and the end assessment.

Once you are registered on the Domestic Electrician EWA programme you can apply for an ECS Experienced Worker card which is valid for 18 months.

The best way to apply for the ECS EWA card is to ask your training provider to apply for the card on your behalf. Alternatively, you can apply directly to the JIB yourself by making an application with your training documentation and existing underpinning knowledge certificates.

Once you successfully complete the AM2ED assessment, you can apply for an ECS Domestic Electrician Gold Card. You will still also need to hold a valid ECS Health, Safety & Environmental test as part of the application process. For more information please visit the ECS website.

Yes – the full I&T qualification covering Initial Verification and Periodic Testing is a requirement of the Domestic EWA

If learners have an existing Inspection & Testing qualification, this may be used to meet the EWA requirements with no need to repeat.

The training provider should verify that skills and knowledge are up to date as part of their initial discussion and skills scan interview in order to credit the Electrical Inspection and Testing qualification against the EWA requirements.

The Inspection & Testing qualification is there because the EWA has been designed in parity with the Domestic Electrician apprenticeship, so those on either route are both qualifying to the same industry standard. If the apprenticeship content changes, the EWA will be updated in line with this.

The core principle of any EWA is that it mirrors the performance units of the related apprenticeship standard. This ensures parity of occupational competence for apprentices and experienced workers.

Metal containment is part of the Domestic Electrician apprenticeship standard. Therefore it must be included within the EWA, and competence will be verified at the End Point Assessment. The employer group responsible for developing the apprenticeship standard asked for metal containment to be part of the apprenticeship due to the rapidly increasing prevalence of equipment such as inverters that require containment to support the cable installation. It was widely supported as a key skill of a Domestic Electrician in the apprenticeship consultations.

It is important that all performance evidence is genuine work and not de facto simulation. If potential candidates do not have sufficient experience and proficiency with metal containment this should be identified on the Skills Scan. Candidates should not be registered until they have addressed any experience / training gaps on the Skills Scan.

To be eligible for the assessment you must be working as a practising electrician and have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working across the range of activity set out in the Skills Scan.

The 5 years cannot include time you have spent in training, either full- or part-time, for example college-based technical certificates. It means 5 years working solely as an electrician and not in training.

If the candidate has spent time working in the industry before embarking on training, this can be taken into account, but the training provider will need to take a holistic view on what they have done. A discussion should readily confirm whether someone has a solid base of appropriate work experience and is in a position to provide the range of evidence that will be required.

This is incorrect – historical Level 2 qualifications from any point in time can be accepted providing they are listed within the Skills Scan or approval has been obtained from TESP:

Domestic Electrician Skills Scan

Installation & Maintenance Electrician Skills Scan

No, the entry requirement is for a minimum Level 2 electrical technical qualification which provides a broad foundation of knowledge and scientific principles. Accepted qualifications are listed in the Skills Scan for the respective EWA routes:

• Domestic Electrician Skills Scan information
• Installation & Maintenance Electrician Skills Scan Information

Training providers must seek advice/approval from TESP if the candidate wishes to enrol with a qualification that is not listed.

The Installation Electrician Experienced Worker Assessment is for practising electricians who have been working in the industry for at least 5 years (not including time spent in full or part time training) but have not formally completed an industry apprenticeship or equivalent Level 3 NVQ qualification.

You will need to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and competence to the standard of the Level 3 electrotechnical apprenticeship and hold at least a recognised Level 2 electrical technical qualification. The Skills Scan at the start of the process will help you to self assess whether this is the right route for you and whether you will be able to meet EWA requirements, before you make any formal or financial commitment.

It’s suitable for both self-employed and employed electricians who have worked for a number of years but have never gained full, formal recognition of their skills or experience.

The qualification is not suitable for new entrants to the electrotechnical industry, apprentices, or those who have completed an electrotechnical technical qualification with less than five years’ relevant experience as a practising electrician. It is not a short cut. You will be required to demonstrate equivalent knowledge to that covered in the apprenticeship, complete the same performance assessments and pass the same end Assessment of Competence.

The Installation Electrician EWA is an assessment process against the industry standard – it is not a short cut to qualified status. To be eligible for the assessment you must be working as a practising electrician and have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working across the range of activity set out in the Skills Scan.

The 5 years cannot include time you have spent in training, either full- or part-time, for example college-based technical certificates. It means 5 years working solely as an electrician and not in training.

Your experience will be verified by a training provider before you can be accepted onto the EWA.

If you’re unsure about whether you are eligible based on your experience, please contact TESP for advice.

This is incorrect – historical Level 2 qualifications from any point in time can be accepted providing they are listed within the Skills Scan or approval has been obtained from TESP:

Domestic Electrician Skills Scan

Installation & Maintenance Electrician Skills Scan

No, the entry requirement is for a minimum Level 2 electrical technical qualification which provides a broad foundation of knowledge and scientific principles. Accepted qualifications are listed in the Skills Scan for the respective EWA routes:

• Domestic Electrician Skills Scan information
• Installation & Maintenance Electrician Skills Scan Information

Training providers must seek advice/approval from TESP if the candidate wishes to enrol with a qualification that is not listed.

The Domestic Electrician Experienced Worker Assessment is for practising electricians who have been working in the industry for at least 3 years (not including time spent in full or part time training) but have not formally completed an industry apprenticeship or equivalent Level 3 NVQ qualification.

You will need to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and competence to the standard of the Level 3 Domestic Electrician apprenticeship and hold at least a recognised L2 electrical technical qualification. The Skills Scan at the start of the process will help you to self assess whether this is the right route for you and whether you will be able to meet EWA requirements, before you make any formal or financial commitment.

It’s suitable for both self-employed and employed electricians who have worked for a number of years but have never gained full, formal recognition of their skills or experience.

The qualification is not suitable for new entrants to the electrotechnical industry, apprentices, or those who have completed an electrotechnical technical qualification with less than three years’ relevant experience as a practising electrician. It is not a short cut. You will be required to demonstrate equivalent knowledge to that covered in the apprenticeship, complete the same performance assessments and pass the same end Assessment of Competence.

The Domestic Electrician EWA is an assessment process against the industry standard – it is not a short cut to qualified status. To be eligible for the assessment you must be working as a practising domestic electrician and have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working across the range of activity set out in the Skills Scan.

The 3 years cannot include time you have spent in training, either full- or part-time, for example college-based technical certificates. It means 3 years working solely as an electrician and not in training.

Your experience will be verified by a training provider before you can be accepted onto the EWA.

If you’re unsure about whether you are eligible based on your experience, please contact TESP for advice.

Short specialist qualifications in isolation do not meet the Level 2 entry criteria – a full technical certificate is required. The list of accepted qualifications is available within the Skills Scan document.

Once enrolled on the EWA, those candidates with Inspection & Testing or BS7671 can use these towards the additional requirements of the qualification, but they cannot be accepted towards the Level 2 technical certificate entry requirement.

Training providers must seek advice/approval from TESP if the candidate wishes to enrol with a qualification that is not listed in the Skills Scan.

The AM2E is a practical assessment where you have to carry out a series of tasks covering safe isolation, installation, fault finding and inspection and testing, which are then marked by an assessor. It mirrors the AM2S assessment which is taken by apprentices at the end of their training programme. You can find out full details about each section of the AM2E and the tasks you’ll need to carry out on the NET website.

If you are completing the Installation Electrician Experienced Worker Assessment and have already passed the AM2, you will only have to undertake a supplementary AM2E unit rather than the whole assessment.

The unit to be completed depends on when the original AM2 was passed:

• Before April 2010: Testing and Safe Isolation supplementary unit
• After April 2010: Containment and Safe Isolation supplementary unit

Some assessments in 2010 were carried out after the April changeover, but as part of NET’s checks during the application process it will be confirmed which unit you will need to carry out.

Find out more about the AM2E on the NET website:

• Full AM2E assessment
• Supplementary AM2E Units

The AM2E is available from NET’s network of licensed centres – visit the NET website to view the centre locations.

The AM2E should be booked via NET but this cannot be done until you have achieved the Experienced Worker qualification. You will need to provide the qualification certificate as evidence as part of the booking process.

The AM2ED is a practical assessment where you have to carry out a series of tasks covering safe isolation, installation, fault finding and inspection and testing, which are then marked by an assessor. It mirrors the AM2D assessment which is taken by domestic electrician apprentices at the end of their training programme. You can find out full details about each section of the AM2ED and the tasks you’ll need to carry out on the NET website.

The AM2ED should be booked via NET but this cannot be done until you have achieved the Domestic Electrician Experienced Worker qualification. You will need to provide the qualification certificate as evidence as part of the booking process.

The practical performance assessments within the EWA qualification must relate to current work carried out in the UK so it can be properly verified and assessed on-site. Any previous overseas work experience cannot be used as credit towards or exemption from the EWA practical assessments.

Previous experience can, however, be taken into account in terms of the years of experience as a practising electrician, which is required in order to be eligible to register on the EWA. You will need:

• 5 years’ experience for Installation Electrician EWA or
• 3 years’ experience for the Domestic Electrician EWA.

More information on the non-UK qualifications process for ECS cards can be found on the ECS website.

In general, an overseas qualified and experienced person would go through the Ecctis (UK ENIC) electrotechnical mapping* (which maps against the knowledge units of the apprenticeship qualification), complete a documented or recorded technical discussion with the training provider to confirm that they have knowledge and work experience across the range of activity required, and then would need to be working in the UK to provide evidence for the practical assessments. Past evidence from overseas work cannot be accepted.

*please note the electrotechnical mapping and NOT the general mapping must be undertaken 

We have developed a new service with the qualifications recognition body Ecctis or UK ENIC (formally known as UK Naric), that will map non-UK electrical qualifications against the specific knowledge requirements of the Experienced Worker Assessment.

The service will provide you with an ‘Industry Skills Statement’ – find out more on the Ecctis website. Please ensure that you select the Electrotechnical or Domestic Electrician mapping, not a general mapping statement.

Training providers cannot accept any non UK qualifications without this mapping.

There will be no exemptions from the practical performance elements – even if you have significant practical experiences of working overseas, you will still need to be working in the UK to complete the practical elements of the EWA.

To gain an ECS card with non-UK qualifications, you will need to complete one of two routes:

Installation Electrician
The Installation Electrician Experienced Worker Assessment, which includes:

• BS7671:2018 (18th edition) Requirements for Electrical Installations
• A Level 3 award in the Initial Verification of Electrical Installations
• The UK Industry Assessment of Occupational Competence (AM2E), provided by National Electrotechnical Training

Domestic Electrician
The Domestic Electrician Experienced Worker Assessment, which includes:

• BS7671:2018 (18th edition) Requirements for Electrical Installations
• A full Inspection and Testing qualification covering Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection
• The UK Industry Assessment of Occupational Competence (AM2ED), provided by National Electrotechnical Training

You will also need to complete the ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment.

Yes, EWA candidates can take these qualifications because they are experienced workers undertaking a structured assessment programme to prove occupational competence.

The notice from the awarding organisations on periodic inspection and testing qualifications does not impact apprentices or learners registered on EWA routes.

Learners registered on Installation/Maintenance EWA can take the Initial Verification unit or the combined Initial Verification/Periodic Inspection qualification. Learners registered on Domestic EWA will require a qualification covering both Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection

This qualification can be offered by accredited C&G and EAL centres who meet the requirements. Please contact your awarding organisation to find out more.

TESP will only promote centres who apply to TESP for inclusion on the provider list and who meet TESP requirements in terms of accurate website messaging and promotion.

The Skills Scan is designed to help assess the learner’s eligibility for the Experienced Worker Qualification by reviewing their knowledge and skills against the EWA requirement. Providers must review the Skills Scan with the candidate and verify the information provided by them. This must include verifying any technical certificates and a recorded or documented technical discussion.

This is an auditable part of the Awarding Organisation’s quality assurance processes and the Skills Scan and supporting records must be retained by the training provider for quality audit purposes. The technical discussions must be conducted by occupationally competent staff. Please contact your awarding organisation for further guidance on this.

If employed, explore the option of an apprenticeship with the employer. Many employers remain unaware the apprenticeship is available to learners of any age, and that prior experience, knowledge and skill reduces the duration and cost. Otherwise direct the learner to relevant technical training depending on the gaps in knowledge, or sensitively explain that a greater breadth and/or depth of work experience would help develop the skills required and produce valid evidence for work-based assessment.

To download the approved industry training routes to help advise potential customers please visit the Electrical Careers website.