Help and FAQs
Answers to some commonly-asked questions
>> Help and FAQ's for operatives living in Scotland
How do I know if I am eligible for an ECS card?
Where can I book an ECS H&S test?
Why do I have to take the ECS Health & Safety test?
What are the approved exemptions to the ECS H&S test?
How much does an ECS card cost?
How long is a card valid for?
What if I lose or damage my card?
What occupations are covered by ECS?
What are the benefits of holding an ECS card?
How do I apply to be graded or regraded?
I did my training prior to 1996. Can I get an ECS card?
I did my training outside of the UK. Can I get an ECS card?
I do not qualify for a skilled ECS card. Is there any other route available to me?
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Can I get my money back if my application is not approved?
How long will it take to process my application?
How can I check on or track the status of my application?
Who can I speak to for help with queries?
How do I know if I am eligible for an ECS card?
Eligibility information and requirements for the suite of ECS cards are printed on the ECS Card Application Form and on the 'card types' area of this site. Further information can be obtained on the ECS section of the JIB website - www.jib.org.uk or by phone: 0844 847 5098 .
Where can I book an ECS H&S test?
Please enquire directly with your preferred provider. A list of providers can be found on the ECS H&S test page.
Why do I have to take the ECS Health & Safety test?
The ECS card scheme matches the requirements of the CSCS scheme that all participants hold an up-to-date health & safety qualification. This is designed to prevent accidents and promote safety and quality of work. However, those who already hold an approved up-to-date Health & Safety qualification will not be required to take the ECS H&S assessment – (see next bullet)
What are the approved exemptions to the ECS H&S test?
Persons currently in possession of the following certificates will be exempted from the assessment for three years from the required date of assessment (the renewal date of the ECS card). Please note: At the next renewal date you will be required to sit the ECS H&S assessment unless you have passed a further exempted course (see list below)
Certificates obtained during a five-year period prior to the required date of assessment:
- NVQ Level 3 (Installing and Commissioning Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment)*
- NEBOSH Health and Safety Diploma Part 1
- NEBOSH Certificate
- Woodland Grange Diploma in HS Management (Leading to MSc)
Certificates obtained during a two-year period prior to the required date of assessment:
- Unite (Amicus section)/ECA Working Safely Together in the Electrotechnical Industry (JIB preferred course)
- SELECT Safe Working in the Electrotechnical Industry (SJIB preferred Course)
- Woodland Grange Diploma in HS Management (leading to Tech. SP)
- Any of the IOSH accredited courses listed below from JIB-acknowledged providers (Note: Providers MUST obtain written acknowledgement from JIB that their course is deemed suitable for JIB purposes).
- All ECA IOSH training satisfies JIB requirements
- Working Safely Together
- Working Safely
- Managing Safely
- Managing Safely in Construction
- CCNSG Safety Passport
- IOSH - SPA Passport Core Day
- British Safety Council Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health
- British Safety Council Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health
- Construction skills (CITB) Site Management Safety Training Scheme Certificate
- Construction skills (CITB) Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme Certificate
- FAS - Southern Ireland
- CSR Safety Passport - Northern Ireland (3 years)
How much does an ECS card cost?
- The card fee is £25.00, which includes VAT. Full fees and payment information can be found on page 14 of the application form.
- If you need to obtain an ECS Health & Safety certificate, there is a separate charge to sit the assessment (usually £35.00). Please contact an ECS H&S Assessment provider directly to enquire.
How long is a card valid for?
An ECS card is valid for 3 years. At this point it must be renewed, and the holder will have to sit a subsequent Health & Safety assessment in order to obtain an up-to-date H&S certificate.
What if I lose or damage my card?
- ECS Cards (non-domestic) can be reissued on payment of the appropriate fee.
- Download a renewal form or call 0844 847 5098 to order a replacement card. For lost or damaged ECS domestic cards, please call 020 8302 0031.
What occupations are covered by ECS?
The ECS scheme certifies a range of occupations across the commercial and industrial and domestic sectors and includes specialist areas such as Fire, Security, Highways, Domestic, Managerial, Site Visitors and many more. To see the range of cards available, visit the 'Apply for a Card' area.
What are the benefits of holding an ECS card?
- Identifies that the holder is formally licensed to carry out UK electrotechnical work in the area or occupation identified by the card, or to a particular level, and displays any additional qualifications or affiliations relevant to that individual.
- A valid identity card to show employers and gain access to a construction site or a property
- Certification schemes including ECS, are government and industry backed
- Displays an individuals’ qualification and training credentials
- Proves competency in both electrical work and in Health and Safety
- Recognises the high skill levels required by those working with electricity
- Participation in a certification card scheme is a compulsory requirement by many construction employers and may become a legal requirement in the future
How do I apply to be graded or regraded?
Apply in the normal way via the Application Form, remembering to complete Section 5 which asks you if you want your card to display details of your grade. Eligibility criteria apply.
I did my training prior to 1996. Can I get an ECS card?
If you trained as an electrician prior to 1996 you may be eligible to apply via the ‘Industry Accreditation’ route if you are able to supply the appropriate evidence documentation.
This process is strictly based on the ability of the candidate to submit of a portfolio containing copies of the appropriate qualification certificates in addition to bona fide references from current and/or past employers.
Candidates applying in this way will also be required to hold or obtain a current ECS Health & Safety Certificate, or recognised exemption.
Documents required:
- A copy of the candidates Apprenticeship Deeds or Completion Certificate – and -
- Employer references: [requires detail]
- Passport photo etc.
- City and Guilds 2360 Parts 1 and 2 achieved before 1996 – copy certificate/s – and -
- AM2 test (passed) certificate
- Employer references [requires detail]
- Passport photo etc.
I did my training outside of the UK. Can I get an ECS card?
Overseas-trained electeotechnical personnel should first have their qualifications evaluated against UK standards in order to be able to apply for an ECS card. You will generally find that your qualifications and training will be recognised as fulfilling the ECS and Grading standards, particularly if these are supported by a current or recent licence or employment references.
Anyone trained overseas should contact the organisation known as UK Naric in order to have their qualifications evaluated; Overseas-trained operatives must also hold:
- The current BS7671 IEE Wiring Regulations* – and -
- A current ECS Health & Safety Certificate (or recognised exemption)
UK Naric
W: www.naric.org.uk
Tel: 0870 990 4088
Naric will issue the individual with a qualification translation document that indicates the corresponding appropriate UK qualification held by that person. Candidates can then apply for an ECS card based on their UK qualification or level, by downloading an application form and applying in the normal way for the appropriate card, attaching a copy of the documentation from UK Naric.
*Note: The current version of the IEE Wiring Regulations is BS7671: 2008 - 17th edition. Training in BS7671: 2008 is typically provided by a 3 or 4 day course through colleges or training providers nationwide. The BS7671: 2008 qualification is certificated through two national Awarding bodies: EAL (EMTA Awards Ltd) and City and Guilds
> View ECS H&S test information
I do not qualify for a skilled ECS card. Is there any other route available to me?
Individuals who do not meet the application criteria for an ECS card may qualify for ECS Conditional Electrician status.
In order to be eligible to apply in this way, candidates must:
- Have a proven work record for the past 10 years
- Work directly for an electrical company who are willing to sponsor you
- Your employers must be able to supply you with a detailed reference confirming your training, experience and the number of years you have worked with them.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
No. We will not be able to provide refunds of fees paid.
Can I get my money back if my application is not approved?
No. Once paid, fees are non-refundable. For this reason we recommend that applicants ensure they meet the application criteria and enclose all documentation as required when submitting an application.
How long will it take to process my application?
ECS Cards are normally issued approximately 4 weeks from the date of receipt of a satisfactory application, where the candidate has supplied a fully completed application form together with all the necessary supporting paperwork and evidence documentation.
How can I check on or track the status of my application?
Once you have received confirmation that that your application form has been received by the ECS administration team, you can track the progress of your application online by clicking here.
Who can I speak to for help with queries?
Call our ECS team on 0844 847 5098.
