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Take a look at our latest news on the ECS and other updates relating to your certification..

ECS News

ECS Annual Review 2025 Collaborating on Standards

17 February 26

The ECS Annual Review 2025 is now available, highlighting our vital work in raising industry standards and improving competence in the electrotechnical industry.

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CSCS Smart Check reaches 60 million scans

05 February 26

The verification platform CSCS Smart Check has recorded its 60 millionth scan - reflecting its growing use by employers and contractors to support workforce verification and Building Safety Act compliance. 
 

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Underpinning Knowledge Tests approved as entry route to the ECS Experienced Worker card

16 January 26

The ECS Steering Committee has approved the EAL Electrical Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding Tests as an eligibility route for the Experienced Worker card for electricians with substantial industry experience. 

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Emergency Lighting Qualification Recognised as CPD for Electricians and Fire Technicians

16 January 26

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has confirmed the recognition of the EAL Level 3 Award in the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Emergency Lighting Systems as an approved CPD qualification for Electricians and Fire & Emergency Systems (FESS) Technicians. 
 

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Latest Articles


The ECS Card and the 18th Edition

Information on the 18th Edition qualification recognised by the JIB and ECS, and how existing cardholders can update their cards.

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ECS Titles Explained...

How does the ECS Registered Electrician relate to the JIB Approved Electrician and the Installation Electrician titles? They all appear on the new ECS Registered Electrician card. In this article we explain what all these titles mean...

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The Professionals

The next edition of the BS7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) will be incorporated into the ECS to demonstrate that gold card holders really do represent the ‘gold standard’ in the industry.

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What does the ECS card represent?

"Can't I just pay for a card?" Unfortunately not! Take a look at our article that explains more about the ECS card represents and the process that sits behind each application

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How do I become qualified as an Electrician?

Read more about what the industry classes as 'qualified' and the different routes to become an electrician whether you're just leaving school, changing career or have experience and need to qualify as an electrician…

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Registered Electricians Need 18th Edition for ECS Card Renewal

18th Edition Needed From Jan 1st 2020

From 1st January 2020, when Registered Electricians renew their card they must hold the BS7671:2018 (18th Edition) qualification.

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Enhancements to ECS Applications

Two new enhancements have been added the Employer Portal and MyECS to support ECS card applications.
The enhancements will allow early card applications before the ECS HS&E assessment is passed and the introduction of a new review screen before a card order is finalised.

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New Experienced Worker Assessment

A new assessment process to recognise existing skills and experience has been launched by the electrotechnical industry. 
The ‘Experienced Worker Assessment’ (EWA) accredits occupational competence for people who have been working as an electrician for typically over five years but haven’t been able to complete an apprenticeship or achieve an equivalent Level 3 vocational qualification. 

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ECS Check helps J Brand guarantee quality on site

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New Structure sets the bar high for Network Infrastructure Industry

The Network Infrastructure industry has developed a new Occupational Qualification Structure leading to Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Card recognition.

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Registered Electrician status for military personnel

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has announced that Defence Awarding Organisation electrical military qualifications for the Corps of Royal Engineers will form a route to an Installation Electrician occupation and ECS Registered Electrician status.

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Phil Wilbraham appointed Chair of ECS Steering Committee

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is delighted to appoint Phil Wilbraham, formerly of Heathrow Airport Limited, as the new Chair of its Steering Committee. Mr Wilbraham replaces Newell McGuiness, who took on the role of Chair in 2018.

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Renew your ECS Card and highlight your competency level

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is urging ECS Card holders to renew their cards in order to show their competency level on site. 

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Take your ECS HSE Awareness Assessment Online Now

Online Assessments available at home or at work, and at any time!

Simply login to your MyECS account or use the Employer Portal to set up remote assessments for your staff or learners. 

A short video showing how to undertake assessments online can be found here.

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NEW ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment – Building a Safer Future

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has announced that from 5th April 2021 the ECS Health, Safety and Environmental (HS&E) assessment is being extended to 50 questions, with a pass mark of 43, which will greater focus on fire safety in buildings and specific questions on fire stopping and compartmentalisation.

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FESS Operative Card – How do I book a FESS Assessment?

FESS Operative Card – How do I book a FESS Assessment? 


There are four sector disciplines recognised:

  • Fire 

  • Fire and Emergency Lighting 

  • Security 

  • Fire and Security 

To set up an online assessment to be taken remotely, please call 01322 661622. 

If you are an Employer and you are already using the Employer Portal, you can activate these FESS Assessments on your account by emailing guidance.portal@ecscard.org.uk. Please let us know your JIB or Employer Portal number if known, and which assessments are relevant to your workforce.  

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Simpler process for applying for your ECS card

Upgrades to the ECS system have been made to make applying for and renewing ECS cards quicker, simpler, more automated and clearer than ever before. Find out more about: 

  • How to make an ECS application 
  • Automatic detection and reading of qualifications and certificates uploaded 
  • More links into awarding organisations for checking qualifications in real-time 
  • More visibility and control of your record 
  • Help and guidance at each step of the process 

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Low Carbon and Green Skills - Updating your CPD Record

The UK’s renewed focus to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 will encourage a move towards low carbon technology which is creating a whole host of new opportunities for the electrotechnical sector.

These new opportunities mean that the role of the qualified electrician is changing and now is the time to make sure you have the skills and qualifications required to demonstrate your competence as an installer.

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ECS Check system now available in Northern Ireland

ECS Check system now available in Northern Ireland
 
The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme’s ECS Check system is now operational and approved as a pilot that meets the Licence to Practise (LtP) requirements on government public sector construction contracts in Northern Ireland.

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ECS Card expiry dates extended

If your ECS Card is due to expire in March, April, May or June 2020, the original expiration date has now been automatically extended.
 

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Fire, Emergency and Security Systems industry unite to promote sector skills

The Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) industry has introduced a new Occupational Qualification Structure leading to Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Card recognition, aimed at promoting high standards and skills.

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