All ECS card occupations have their own qualification requirements.
Listed on this page are the ECS occupations and details of what is needed to apply for them.
Click on any ECS card category and title below to find out more and how to apply:
The Apprentice ECS card is for students undertaking any electrical/electronic advanced apprenticeship.
It allows apprentices to be formally recognised and work on site to gain valuable industry experience in support of their training. The cards are issued under the strict understanding that a formal industry training programme is being undertaken and that all work the apprentice carries out is under supervision.
The apprentice should be JIB-registered by their training provider to get the full benefit from industry registration. JIB registration includes an initial ECS card, staged apprentice cards to show progression and the final Gold card at the successful completion of the apprenticeship. The JIB training requirements are listed in the JIB Handbook.
Apprentices registered with the JIB will have JIB Registered printed on their ECS card.
Potential apprentices will usually start their employment via a recognised training provider or through local contacts with an employer. Some companies may offer trial periods of work to potential apprentices to ensure that they understand the reality of working on site, the expectations of the company and allow the company to gain a better understanding of the individual and their work ethic.
The ECS Pre-apprentice card is designed to support the employer and potential apprentice in achieving a successful probationary period before the full apprentice registration is made by the training provider.
Training providers registered with the JIB are able to make apprentice registrations at any time once the formal apprenticeship agreement is in place.
The application for the ECS Pre-apprentice card must be made by the employer in writing stating that they have a defined pre-apprentice probationary policy in place. The employer must have access to the ECS Employer Portal in order to complete the application if granted.
Before the employer applies for the ECS Pre-apprentice card they must ensure that the potential apprentice has been provided with a suitable induction and has undertaken and passed the ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness Assessment.
The ECS Pre-apprentice card is valid for 12 months and cannot be renewed.
The JIB may refuse to allow applications for the ECS Pre-apprentice card if there is any doubt that the card will be used as it is intended.
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The Trainee Electrician ECS card is for trainees that are not undertaking an apprenticeship but are following a formal JIB industry training programme that will lead to an ECS Gold Card.
This card is issued under the strict understanding that a formal industry training programme is being undertaken and that all work the trainee carries out is under supervision.
The trainee should be JIB-registered by their training provider to get the full benefit from industry registration and includes the initial ECS trainee card. The JIB training requirements are listed in the JIB Handbook.
This card is only available via a training providers who are registered with the JIB. Please ask your training provider to contact ECS.
The ECS Industry Placement Card has been designed for electrotechnical students to attend formal work placements and courses such as T Levels, degree sandwich courses and other activities which involve work experience requirements on a site or project. This card is valid for three years.
The Industry Placement card is available for T Level students in the following disciplines:
The Installation Electrician ECS gold card is for Level 3 competency based (NVQ) skilled individuals who work unsupervised on the installation, commissioning and maintenance of low voltage electrical and electronic equipment and appliances in a consumer's electrical installation.
The gold card shows that the cardholder has completed a formal industry regulated competency based qualification, which includes technical theory with practical and competency assessments.
The Maintenance Electrician ECS gold card is for operatives working on electrotechnical installations, plant and equipment to ensure their safe and continued operation. It shows that the operative has completed a formal industry regulated competency based qualification, which includes technical theory with practical and competency assessments.
To apply for this card you must have JIB recognised UK competency based qualification (electrotechnical Level 3 NVQ or a formal UK electrotechnical apprenticeship) and hold a formal BS7671 qualification in the current edition of the wiring regulations in force when your application is made.
From 1st January 2019 applicants for this card will need to hold BS7671:2018 and also to signup to become a Registered Electrician.
If you trained outside the UK you must demonstrate the same qualification standard as UK trained electricians. For details visit the non-UK qualifications page.
If you are not qualified to the UK Level 3 NVQ, or cannot provide certificates to prove your qualifications, you have two options:
New requirements are in place for Electrical Labourer card applications and renewals - see below for full details.
Download an information sheet on these changes
The Electrical Labourer ECS card is for people working in the electrical industry in a supportive role to assist electricians and other qualified staff with the installation of cables and other unskilled work, under supervision. They are to assist but not carry out any craft work that an electrician carries out.
A labourer has a specific job role within the JIB grading structure.
In some situations this card may be issued if you cannot meet the qualification requirements of other cards such as Installation Electrician. If you hold a Labourer card, you can upgrade to an ECS gold card once you have gained further qualifications.
The Electrical Fitter’s ECS card is for skilled operatives who work unsupervised to assemble, install and maintain equipment associated with low voltage electrical systems and their electromechanical and electronic parts - such as machines, drive mechanisms, protective components, controls, regulator equipment and signals.
If you hold an ECITB NVQ Level 3 as shown in the criteria below, you can have the ACE (Assuring Competence in Engineering Construction) logo shown on your card.
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The Experienced Worker card (with a brown stripe) is for applicants that have a JIB recognised level 3 technical certificate, but do not yet have a full industry qualification such as NVQ Level 3.
This card will only be valid for 18 months and cannot be renewed. This is to reflect that fact that the card is only issued to people who need to to complete the formal industry qualification meet the requirements of an ECS gold card and plan to do this within the next 18 months.
You will need to qualify to NVQ 3 level during the life of this card if you wish to upgrade to a gold card - this can be done via the Experienced Worker Assessment
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The Experienced Worker card (with a gold stripe) is for people who are registered with a training provider to complete the JIB Mature Candidate Assessment or the Experienced Worker Assessment.
This card is only issued to people who are completing the formal industry qualification to meet the requirements of an ECS gold card and is only available through the training provider the applicant has signed up with.
This card will only be valid for 18 months and cannot be renewed.
The Auto Electrician card is for those who carry out work to the electrical systems on automotive vehicles, to NVQ Level 3 standard. This work typically includes the maintenance, repair, adjustments and installation of electrical and electronic components independent of the motor vehicle, including related elementary mechanical adjustments.
Applicants should be skilled worker in the automotive industry who are capable of carrying out the work unsupervised and in a competent manner.
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The Electrical Winder’s ECS card is designed for skilled operatives who work unsupervised in the assembly, installation, testing and maintenance of electrical machines and equipment that use electrical winding as an integral part of its construction.
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The ECS Distribution Networks Electrician card is for operatives who are working in the supply distribution sector. Typically operatives will be working for a contractor installing, commissioning and testing high voltage electrical networks above and below ground, at sites during their construction or refurbishment.
There is now a qualification requrement for all applications for this card regardless of who you may currently or have previously worked for.
If you do not have the formal qualifications below you will need to apply for an ECS Cable and Jointing card.
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This card is for Household Appliance Electricians who install, commission, maintain and repair electrical household appliances. The appliances may be brown and white goods, or specialist equipment designed by a manufacturer for a specific purpose. Duties also include the demonstration of appliances to ensure their appropriate use by customers and clients.
The Marine Electrician ECS gold card is for skilled operatives who install and maintain electrotechnical equipment in boats, ships, underwater craft, offshore platforms and drilling equipment.
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This card is for skilled Radio/Television Electricians who work unsupervised to install, commission, maintain and repair radio and television receiving and/or transmitting equipment.
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The Wireman / Panel Builder ECS card is for operatives that install the internal cabling or equipment into panels designed to provide a power distribution or control function for a specific installation. The operative may also be involved in the pre-delivery inspection and testing of a control panel or the commissioning of a panel once installed on site by an Installation Electrician.
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The ECS Instruments Mechanic card is designed for skilled operatives working in measurement and control systems for plant and industrial production lines - specifically the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of electromechanic, electronic or pneumatic measurement, control and regulation devices used in process engineering.
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The ECS Site Support Occupation card is for people working for an electrical contractor in a role where they are supporting the administration of a contract and need access to a building or site under construction.
You can apply for this card if your occupation involves supporting a contract such as: Design Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, Commissioning Engineer, IR Specialist, H&S Specialist, Site Contract Administrator, CAD Engineer, Compliance Auditor.
Please ensure you start a Managers application (and not a Craft application) in the ECS Employer Portal or in MyECS if you are applying for this card.
New requirements are in place for ECS Manager card applications and renewals - see below for full details.
The following management occupations are available:
This card is for operatives who work unsupervised to install and maintain integrated building controls that manage the environmental services within a building, for the comfort of its users.
Typical work covered by this card includes the installation, commissioning, repair and maintenance of electromechanical, electronic or pneumatic measurement, control and regulation devices used in the building controls industry.
Qualifications that are needed for this card range from the industry NVQ level 3, to specialist courses managed and run by the BCIA.
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The Building Controls Integrator’s role is to support the commission process of building energy management systems, including setting up, programming and end user training in the operating of the installed systems.
This card is suitable for technical staff that need to support the installation of building control systems, but are not likely to require the full scope of the industry apprenticeship to carry out their role.
This Building Controls Related Discipline card is to provide a progression route for people working in the Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) sector.
A Building Controls Associate will typically be in a support role as part of a team of Building Controls Engineers.
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The network infrastructure apprentice card recognises the level 3 Network Infrastructure Apprenticeship Standard (the Network Cable Installer Apprenticeship) is being completed.
The apprentice must be completing the network infrastructure apprenticeship standard that leads to the network infrastructure endpoint assessment.
The Network Infrastructure Trainee is for new entrants to the network infrastructure industry and are on an industry training programme (not an apprenticeship) can apply for a network infrastructure trainee ECS Card.
A trainee is supervised through their training programme and complete under pinning knowledge and performance assessments prior to their final network infrastructure endpoint assessment.
The Network Infrastructure Installation Assistant ECS card is for people working in the Network Infrastructure industry in a supportive role to assist other qualified staff with the installation of cables and other work under supervision.
The ECS Network Infrastructure Installer Level 3 card is for people who are qualified to the industry recognised level 3 qualification, and are installing and maintaining structured cabling systems for datacomms systems.
There are two Network Infrastructure Installer cards to recognise copper and fibre network infrastructure qualifications.
The ECS Network Infrastructure Installer card is for data network installers that are qualified to the recognised industry Level 3 Network Infrastructure qualification and are installing, commissioning and maintaining all aspects of copper and fibre structured cabling for network infrastructure systems.
The ECS Network Infrastructure Advanced Installer card is for data network installers that are qualified to the recognised industry Level 3 Network Infrastructure qualification and are installing, commissioning and maintaining all aspects of copper and fibre structured cabling for datacomms systems.
The ECS Network Infrastructure Supervisor card is for those who have experience in Network Infrastructure and are capable of designing, commissioning and modifying networks. A Network Infrastructure Supervisor will demonstrate supervisory experience and knowledge of emerging technologies, and be able to demonstrate knowledge of all necessary network installation and wiring regulations.
A Network Infrastructure Manager is typically responsible for complex infrastructure projects with a focus on pure project management activities. The role will include the management of customer relationships, through routine briefings and project meetings and the workforce, to complete the project, and includes monitoring and maintaining project progress with effective risk management and issue resolution.
A Network Infrastructure Designer is responsible for the design of networking solutions in all types of structured cabling solutions, including complex network infrastructure projects. Structured cabling designs may consist of inside and outside plant and equipment, copper and fibre-optic cables with active and passive network components.
The Cabling card (white with green stripe) is for individuals who assist in the installation and laying all types of cables as part of a cable.
This card is for workers that have completed a formal industry regulated qualification, which includes safety, theory and practical training for the installations of cables.
ECS LV Cabling cards (white with green stripe) available:
The Cabling card (white with gold stripe) is for VQ Level 3 skilled individuals who work unsupervised and have experience as part of a cable gang laying all types of cables, embrace the proper handling and cleating of the cable together with acceptable spacings and clipping placing requirements.
This card is for skilled workers that have completed a formal industry regulated competency-based qualification, which includes technical theory with practical and competency assessments.
ECS LV Cabling cards (white with gold stripe) available:
The LV Jointing green stripe cards are available to those operatives who are working in the industry in a jointing occupation but have not yet completed the NVQ Level 3 qualification.
The Assessment of Occupational Competence in LV Cable Jointing (administered by NET) is a requirement for initial applications of the LV Jointer card. More information on the occupational competence assessment for cable jointing can be found on the NET website here.
ECS LV Jointing cards (white with green stripe) available:
The Jointing gold card is for NVQ Level 3 skilled individuals who work unsupervised and have experience jointing all types of cable up to 11kv including those which are set up to an including the maximum voltages specified within the IET Regulations and should be familiar with these Regulations.
The gold card shows the cardholder has completed a formal industry regulated competency-based qualification, which includes technical theory with practical and competency assessments. Those obtaining a LV Jointer gold card will have also undertaken an occupational competence assessment for cable jointing administered by NET.
To find out more about and how to book the NET Assessment of Occupational Competence in LV Cable Jointing, please email NET directly at info@netservices.org.uk
Bespoke Electrical Training are providing the NVQ Level 3 Power Supply and Distribution Cabling qualification for both Cable Installation and Cable Jointing pathways.
A green stripe Jointing card may also be provided to those operatives who are working in the industry in a jointing occupation but have not yet completed the NVQ Level 3 qualification. The occupational competence assessment for cable jointing administered by NET is required for all initial applications for LV Jointer.
ECS LV Jointing cards (white with gold stripe) available:
The ECS Telecommunications Fitter card is designed for skilled operatives who carry out the installation, commissioning, repair and maintenance of telecommunications equipment.
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The Telecommunications Field Operative or Rigger card is available for those who have qualified at a Level 2 as a Telecoms Field Operative or Wireless Communications Rigger through the relevant apprenticeship routes or equivalent.
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The ECS Digital Support Operative card is designed for those with a working knowledge and understanding of digital technologies to a Level 2 standard applying digital technologies across organisations in a number of areas such as digital communications, digital literacy, network systems, software and digital applications.
This occupation is focused on the effective delivery and control of the IT and/or telecommunications infrastructure to provide internal and external support for as necessary, the provision of necessary intelligence and information gathering or supporting digital organisational development.
There are a number of disciplines and qualification routes relevant to these cards which include:
The ECS Digital Support card is designed for those with knowledge and understanding of digital technologies across organisations in a number of areas such as digital communications, network systems, software and digital applications at a Level 3 and above industry standard. This occupation is focused on the effective delivery, likely as part of a team, on the IT and/or telecommunications infrastructure to provide internal and external support.
A Digital Support Technician (Gold Hatched) has the knowledge and understanding to provide the organisation with the necessary intelligence and information for digital organisational development.
There are a number of disciplines and qualification routes relevant to these cards which include:
The ECS Digital Support card is designed for those applying digital technologies across organisations in a number of areas such as digital communications, network systems, software and digital applications at a Level 3 and above industry standard. This occupation is focused on the effective delivery and control of the IT and/or telecommunications infrastructure to provide internal and external support as necessary.
Digital Support Technicians work with autonomy, influence, and contribute fully to the work of teams, potentially with supervisory responsibilities, to provide the provision ofthe necessary intelligence and information gathering or supporting digital organisational development.
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The ECS Network Security Technician card is designed for those providing first line cyber security support and to apply an understanding of cyber security to protect organisations, systems, information, personal data and people from attacks and unauthorised access at a Level 3 and above industry standard.
Network Security Technicians work with autonomy, influence, and contribute fully to the work of teams, potentially with supervisory responsibilities, to provide mitigation against risks arising from network and intrusion security threats.
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The ECS Digital Network Engineer card is for those who manage, build, maintain virtual and physical networks and offer technical support as necessary across nework, data and telecoms environments. A Digital Network Engineer will be expected to interpret technical information, understand organisational requirements and expectations, deliver a legislatively compliant solution for both hardware and software issues.
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The ECS Digital Support Manager card is for those digital and technology solutions professionals providing technology enabled solutions across a range of areas including software, business and systems analysis, cyber security, data analysis and network infrastructure. Individuals will be expected to undertake necessary project management following a systematic methodology for technology solutions projects and may manage a team of support and development staff for this purpose.
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Academically Qualified Person (AQP) ECS occupation provides registration for operatives and managers who have further education or Degree electrotechnical engineering qualifications that do not fit the standard industry recognised electrotechnical occupations.
The card indicates the particular specialism and qualification of the cardholder.
The categories available for the Academically Qualified Person (AQP) ECS card are:
Related Discipline ECS cards are for those working in specialised electrotechnical disciplines, but do not carry out any electrical installation work. Their work is typically aligned to or in support of the electrical industry but is not already covered by a core ECS card.
The ECS Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card recognises the cardholder’s professional status through their registration with an electrotechncial professional institute.
The Professionally Qualified Person card is only available to members a professional institute. There are more than 20 organisations recognised under ECS.
Members of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) will have the IET logo added to their card.
The Portable Appliance Testing ECS card is to show that the holder has successfully met the sector qualification requirements of understanding the testing of electrical equipment that is plugged in to the electrical installation. Typically this will be portable equipment but may also include hand held, stationary and built-in equipment.
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Related Discipline ECS cards are for those working in specialised electrotechnical disciplines, but do not carry out any electrical installation work. Their work is typically aligned to or in support of the electrical industry but is not already covered by a core ECS card.
The ECS Related Discipline cards available are:
If you already hold a Related Discipline card: From 1st January 2021 you will need to meet the new requirements set out below. You will also need to transfer to one of the new occupations listed above. Download our guidance on which card you should transfer to based on your existing card.
The ECS Lecturer and ECS Work-based Assessor cards are for qualified college lecturers and work-based assessors to recognise teaching and assessment qualifications.
This ECS occupation provides a method of identifying the industry and teaching qualification of the staff directly involved in training and assessing of apprentices and other trainees within the Electrotechnical industry.
These ECS occupations can be added, individually or together, to a new ECS card or to an existing ECS Gold card as additional occupation/s.
This card is for lecturers and work-based assessor working for a training provider that hold formal teaching and/ or assessor qualifications and have their training provider’s endorsement.
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You must apply directly to CEDIA for this card…
The Home Technology Integrator ECS card allows custom installers of home technology, such as whole house AV systems, to access construction sites where a CSCS card is required.
The card recognises the specific training that Home Technology Integrators have taken with CEDIA approved qualifications.
CEDIA members have their membership recognised on the cards.
You must apply directly to Gate Safe for this card…
This card is for Gate Safe installers that have met the safety training requirements of the Gate Installers Safety training programme. It shows that the holder has met the basic training requirements to understand the hazards involved in powered gate installations, and how to carry out an appropriate risk assessment to help reduce their danger.
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You must apply directly to the HEA for this card…
The ECS HERS (Highway Electrical Registration Scheme) card is managed Highway Electrical Association (HEA)
The scheme embraces the need to address the specialist H&S requirements needed for those working on Highway electrical systems
You must apply directly to the ISCVE for this card…
This card recognises the membership requirements for the ISCVE (Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers).
Sound and Audio Visual engineers must be able to demonstrate that they have specialist knowledge and experience through their ISCVE membership to be eligible for this card.
ISCVE members have their membership recognised on the reverse of their card.
You must apply directly to MPBA for this card…
This card is for staff of Modular and Portable Buildings Association (MPBA) members who have successfully completed the MPBA PDI training programme - the bespoke industry training and assessment programme for temporary buildings.
The card demonstrates that the cardholder has a basic knowledge of electrical safety for the pre-delivery inspection of modular and portable buildings and can identify potential electrical safety issues that need to be investigated further.
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You must apply directly via SLEAT for this card…
The Society of Laundry Engineers & Allied Trades (SLEAT) has developed a bespoke industry electrical safety training and assessment programme for staff involved in the commissioning and maintenance of industrial laundry systems.
The ECS issues this Related Discipline card for all operatives that have successfully completed this training programme.
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You must apply directly via Society of Light and Lighting for this card…
SLL Lighting Professional card recognises the membership requirements for the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL).
Lighting engineers must be able to demonstrate that they have specialist knowledge and experience through their SLL membership to be eligible for this card and have successfully met the qualification criteria for the card below.
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Please Note: ECS Datacoms cards are being replaced by the Network Infrastructure cards.
However, this ECS card is being retained, and will continue to be available, for current cardholders and new applicants that have completed the industry sector apprenticeship and hold the qualifications listed in the Eligibility and Requirements section below.
If you do not have the exact qualifications for this card you will need to meet the requirements of a Network Infrastructure card.
Please Note: ECS Datacomms cards are being replaced by the Network Infrastructure cards.
However, this ECS card is being retained, and will continue to be available, for current cardholders and new applicants that have completed the industry sector apprenticeship and hold the qualifications listed in the Eligibility and Requirements section below.
If you do not have the exact qualifications for this card you will need to meet the requirements of a Network Infrastructure card.
For more details please see the Network Infrastructure information page.
The Emergency & Security Systems Installer ECS card was for operatives that held specialist manufacturer training and/or industry-recognised level 2 qualifications in the installation of emergency and security systems.
Please Note:
If you are applying for your first ECS card please check to make sure that you have the correct qualification for the card before you make an application.
Existing ECS card holders may have new or additional qualification requirements that will need to be met before their card can be renewed.
Please check you have the correct qualifications for the ECS card that you are applying for.
Please Note: ECS Emergency & Security Systems cards are being replaced by the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) cards.
However, this ECS card is being retained, and will continue to be available, for current cardholders and new applicants that have completed the industry sector apprenticeship and hold the qualifications listed in the Eligibility and Requirements section below.
If you do not have the exact qualifications for this card you will need to meet the requirements of a Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) card.
If you hold the level 3 Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) Apprenticeship Standard you should apply for the FESS Systems Technician gold ECS card. For more details please see the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) information page.
The ECS Emergency & Security Systems Maintenance card was for operatives that hold specialist manufacturer training and/or industry recognised level 2 qualifications in the maintaining of emergency and security systems.
Please Note:
The qualifications for some ECS cards are changing. If you are applying for your first ECS card please check to make sure that you have the correct qualification for the card before you make an application.
Existing ECS card holders may have new or additional qualification requirements that will need to be met before their card can be renewed.
Please check you have the correct qualifications for the ECS card that you are applying for.
Please Note: ECS Emergency & Security Systems cards are being replaced by the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) cards.
However, this ECS card is being retained, and will continue to be available, for current cardholders and new applicants that have completed the industry sector apprenticeship and hold the qualifications listed in the Eligibility and Requirements section below.
If you do not have the exact qualifications for this card you will need to meet the requirements of a Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) card.
If you hold the level 3 Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) Apprenticeship Standard you should apply for the FESS Systems Technician gold ECS card. For more details please see the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) information page.
The Security & Emergency Systems Maintenance (Level 3) ECS card is for operatives who have gained the industry level 3 qualification and are diagnosing, maintaining and repairing security & emergency systems.
Working at this level typically involves carrying out the following duties unsupervised:
Please Note: ECS Emergency & Security Systems cards are being replaced by the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) cards.
However, this ECS card is being retained, and will continue to be available, for current cardholders and new applicants that have completed the industry sector apprenticeship and hold the qualifications listed in the Eligibility and Requirements section below.
If you do not have the exact qualifications for this card you will need to meet the requirements of a Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) card.
For more details please see the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) information page.
The Emergency & Security Systems Commissioning ECS card is for operatives who have gained the industry level 3 qualification and are diagnosing, maintaining and commissioning security and emergency systems.
Working at this level typically involves carrying out the following duties unsupervised:
The Emergency & Security Systems Surveyor ECS card is for operatives who have gained the industry level 3 qualification and are carrying out site surveys for the installation of emergency and security systems.
Working at this level typically involves carrying out the following duties unsupervised:
Please Note: ECS Fire Detection and Alarm System cards are being replaced by the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) cards.
This card is no longer available. For more details please see the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) information page.
The Fire Systems Technician ECS card wass for operatives that had gained the industry level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in the Fire Systems Technician pathway.
Working at this level typically involves carrying out the following duties unsupervised:
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Commissioning ECS card was for operatives that hold specialist manufacturer training and/or industry recognised level 2 qualifications in commissioning fire detection and alarm systems.
Please Note:
The qualifications for some ECS cards are changing. If you are applying for your first ECS card please check to make sure that you have the correct qualification for the card before you make an application.
ECS card holders may have new or additional qualification requirements that will need to be met before their card can be renewed.
Please check you have the correct qualifications for the ECS card that you are applying for.
Please Note: ECS Fire Detection and Alarm System cards are being replaced by the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) cards.
This card is no longer available. For more details please see the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) information page.
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Commissioning ECS card was for operatives that have gained the industry level 3 qualification in commissioning.
Working at this level typically involves carrying out the following duties unsupervised:
Please Note: ECS Fire Detection and Alarm System cards are being replaced by the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) cards.
This card is no longer available. For more details please see the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) information page.
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Designer ECS card was for operatives that have gained the industry level 3 qualification in design.
Working at this level typically involves carrying out the following duties unsupervised:
The ECS Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Installer card was for operatives that hold specialist manufacturer training and/or industry recognised level 2 qualifications in the installation of fire detection and alarm systems.
Please Note:
The qualifications for some ECS cards are changing. If you are applying for your first ECS card please check to make sure that you have the correct qualification for the card before you make an application.
ECS card holders may have new or additional qualification requirements that will need to be met before their card can be renewed.
Please check you have the correct qualifications for the ECS card that you are applying for.
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Maintenance ECS card was for operatives that hold specialist manufacturer training and/or industry recognised level 2 qualifications in the maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems.
Please Note:
The qualifications for some ECS cards are changing. If you are applying for your first ECS card please check to make sure that you have the correct qualification for the card before you make an application.
ECS card holders may have new or additional qualification requirements that will need to be met before their card can be renewed.
Please check you have the correct qualifications for the ECS card that you are applying for.
Please Note: ECS Fire Detection and Alarm System cards are being replaced by the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) cards.
This card is no longer available. If you hold the level 3 Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) Apprenticeship Standard you should apply for the FESS Systems Technician gold ECS card. For more details please see the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) information page.
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Installer ECS card was for operatives that have gained the industry level 3 qualification in installation.
Working at this level typically requires the following knowledge and skills:
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Designer ECS card was for operatives that hold specialist manufacturer training and/or industry recognised level 2 qualifications in the design of fire detection and alarm systems.
Please Note:
The qualifications for some ECS cards are changing. If you are applying for your first ECS card please check to make sure that you have the correct qualification for the card before you make an application.
ECS card holders may have new or additional qualification requirements that will need to be met before their card can be renewed.
Please check you have the correct qualifications for the ECS card that you are applying for.
The ECS Site visitor card has now been withdrawn for new applications and cannot be renewed when it expires after 01/01/2019.
What's happening? The ECS Site Visitor card is being withdrawn, in alignment with the CSCS decision to withdraw the CSCS Site Visitor Card.
When? New applications for this card have been closed since August 2018. From 01 January 2019, any existing cardholders will not be able to renew their card.
Existing cards will be valid until their expiry date when a more suitable ECS card will need to be applied for if the cardholder will be working in an area of a construction site under development.
Please see “ECS Card Changes” for information about the changes to the scheme.
Until 31st December 2019 Qualified Supervisors registered with the NICEIC and ELECSA could apply for an ECS gold card and be recognised as an Approved Electrician (Installation Electrician). This card has now been withdrawn for all applications due to qualification changes that have been introduced to comply with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) requirements. Details about the changes can be found here.
In date ECS cards remain valid for cardholders while their company remains registered with the NICEIC or ELECSA and the cardholder remains the company QS.
This card has been replaced by the new Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) cards.
Existing FIA cardholders can continue to hold their ECS cards until it is due for renewal when they will need to transfer to a new FESS card.