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 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.
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.
This card is only available via a training providers who are registered with the JIB.
The ECS Work Experience Card has been designed to help non-employed electrotechnical students attend high quality work experience placements. It can also help learners compete successfully for apprenticeships after gaining meaningful experience in the work environment.
The ECS Work Experience card identifies the holder as taking part in an unpaid work placement in the electrical industry and allows them access to CSCS-controlled sites, with their designated employer, in order to gain on-site work experience.
Please note: There are no health and safety qualification exemptions allowed for this card, the ECS HS&E assessment must have been passed prior to this card being applied for by the training provider.
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The Installation Electrician ECS gold card is for NVQ Level 3 skilled individuals who work unsupervised on the installation, commissioning and maintenance of low voltage electrical and electronic devices 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.
To apply for this card you must have a JIB recognised UK competency based qualification (electrotechnical Level 3 NVQ or a formal UK electrotechnical apprenticeship) plus 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.
Please see the table below for full qualification requirements depending on when you trained. 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 Level 3 NVQ, or cannot provide certificates to prove your qualifications, you have three options:
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 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 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 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 JIB Mature Candidate 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.
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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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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 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 , 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:
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. The occupational competence assessment for cable jointing can be booked through the JTL website.
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. This NET Assessment of Occupational Competence in LV Cable Jointing can be booked through the JTL website.
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 Fire Systems Technician ECS card is for operatives that have 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 is 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.
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Commissioning ECS card is for operatives that have gained the industry level 3 qualification in commissioning.
Working at this level typically involves carrying out the following duties unsupervised:
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Designer ECS card is 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 is 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 is 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.
The Fire Detection & Alarm Systems Installer ECS card is 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 is 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 Emergency & Security Systems Installer ECS card is for operatives that hold specialist manufacturer training and/or industry-recognised level 2 qualifications in the installation 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.
The Emergency & Security Systems Installer (Level 3) ECS card is for operatives who have gained the industry NVQ level 3 qualification and are installing, commissioning and maintaining security and emergency systems.
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The ECS Emergency & Security Systems Maintenance card is 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.
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:
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:
The Trainee Datacomms Specialist card allows trainees to work on site to gain valuable industry experience during their training. The 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.
This card is for those who are undertaking training that leads to qualification as a Datacomms Specialist. The training should be no less than 2 years’ duration if the candidate has no previous industrial experience, but maybe shorter if the candidate a number of years industry or other relevant experience.
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The ECS Datacomms Specialist card is for operatives who are qualified to level 2 in a recognised datacomms qualification, and are installing and maintaining structured cabling systems for datacomms systems.
Work typically includes the installation of structured cabling, including UTP, STP, FTP, Co-AX, general common cables, single-mode fibre and multi-mode fibre cables with all necessary containment and associated connection units; installation of earthing and bonding cables. Also the fitting out enclosures with structured cable termination equipment (connection units, hubs, switches, routers, patch panels etc).
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The Datacomms Specialist (CNCI) card is for datacomms installers that are responsible for the installation, termination and commissioning of data network structured cabling and can demonstrate they have undertaken the Specialist Datacomms training programme required for the card.
The Datacomms Specialist is responsible for the installation, termination and commissioning of data network structured cabling, as part of a team or independently. The structured cabling must installed in accordance with national and international standards for both fibre-optic and copper cable data networks. The role requires a working knowledge of network pathways, use of containment, spaces and segregation for installation of cables, along with the safe termination and testing of structured cable termination equipment, connection units, hubs, switches, routers, patch panels and similar equipment.
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The ECS Advanced Datacomms Specialist card is for operatives that are qualified to Level 3 in a recognised datacomms qualification and are installing, commissioning and maintaining structured cabling systems for datacomms systems.
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The Advanced Datacomms Specialist card is for a senior members of a team with at least 3 years' post-qualification experience with direct responsibility for the installation, termination and commissioning of data network structured cabling, as part of a team or independently.
The structured cabling must installed in accordance with national and international standards for both fibre-optic and copper cable data networks.
This card is for datacomms installers that have previously held the ECS Datacomms Specialist (CNCI) card and can demonstrate that they have undertaken the CNCI refresher Specialist Datacomms training programme.
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The ECS Datacomms Technician card is for those who hold Advanced Datacomms Specialist in addition to 3 years' experience. They must be capable of designing, commissioning and modifying networks; can demonstrate supervisory experience and knowledge of emerging technologies, and be able to demonstrate knowledge of all necessary construction and wiring regulations.
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This card is for Datacomms Specialists and other datacomms coordinators who manage structured cabling installation teams, with at least three years’ experience and the required level 4 qualification.
The Datacomms Technician is expected to manage structured cabling installation teams including operational planning and leadership. This role includes conducting surveys for network infrastructure, project design and operational delivery management activities including the requirements for CDM, H&S documentation, quality assurance, customer liaison and final handover activities.
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The Datacomms Designer card is for those who have met the requirements of the Certified Network Infrastructure Design Professional (CNIDP) and have at least three years’ experience.
A Datacomms 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 Datacomms Designer will interpret customer requirements using the appropriate tools to produce compliant design solutions, in accordance with national and international standards. The role can also include the development of Bid Response documents, including clarification documents, qualification statements, costings and project delivery timelines.
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The Datacomms Engineer ECS card is for senior operatives who hold an ECS Datacomms Technician card and have 3 years' experience, or hold an appropriate higher qualification (Degree, HNC/HND etc.) in datacomms installation and commissioning network infrastructure.
Applicants must be suitably skilled to carry out the design, specification, estimation and documentation of large scale data or telecoms projects, and must be able to demonstrate extensive knowledge of appropriate European Directives and British, European and World standards.
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Applicants for the Datacomms Manager card must have met the requirements of the Certified Telecommunications Project Manager (CTPM) with at least 3 years’ experience.
A Datacomms Manager is typically responsible for complex infrastructure projects, particularly in the datacentre environment, 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.
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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:
The ECS Professionally Qualified Person (PQP) card recognises the cardholder’s professional status through their registration with Institute of Engineering and Technology (The IET).
This card displays the IET logo on the card.
The Professionally Qualified Person card is currently only available to members of the IET.
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 have not held this card before: please apply as per the requirements below. Initial card requirements will be changing later in the year and will be shown on this page when available.
If you already hold this card: once the new qualification is available you will not be able to renew it against the old criteria and will need to meet the new requirements. 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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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.
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 Fire Industry Association (FIA) for this card…
The FIA ECS card allows fire detection and fire alarm, designers, installers, commissioners and maintainers to access construction sites where a CSCS card is required.
The card recognises the specific training that Fire Detection and Alarm service technicians have taken with FIA Awarding Body approved qualifications.
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 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 the NICEIC or ELECSA for this card…
NICEIC and ELECSA can offer Qualified Supervisors the opportunity to apply for an ECS gold card and be recognised as an Approved Electrician (Installation Electrician) under the rules of the ECS.
The qualification requirements for the QS card are detailed on the scheme providers' websites.
This card is only valid while the company remains registered with the NICEIC or ELECSA and the cardholder remains the company QS.
Apply online at www.niceic.com/goldcard or www.elecsa.co.uk/goldcard, phone 03330 156 625 or email qsgoldcard@certsure.com
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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