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Competence revalidation to be introduced for certain ECS cards

29 September 26

From June 2027, the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) will introduce a new competence revalidation requirement for certain ECS cards. Most ECS cardholders will not be impacted but it may affect holders of cards within the following occupational groups: 

  • Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS)
  • Network Infrastructure 
  • LV Cabling and Jointing 

The measures align with post-Grenfell competence framework developments and expectations emerging from the Building Safety Act, the Building Safety Regulator and industry-led competence frameworks. Revalidation is being developed in consultation with the Sector Lead Groups, which are formed of employers, training providers and industry experts under the Industry Competence Committee. It will help workers demonstrate that they are maintaining current knowledge, skills and awareness throughout their careers, 

Why revalidation is being introduced

As the UK's leading competence and certification scheme for the electrotechnical industry, ECS currently supports more than 180,000 cardholders. Revalidation will reinforce trust in ECS cards for employers, clients and duty holders. As a CSCS Alliance scheme, ECS supports the industry-wide approach to ensuring that cards, carrying the CSCS logo, evidence recognised qualification and clearly defined routes to competence. As the industry evolves rapidly – with updated regulations, changing standards and new technologies – competence cannot be viewed as something achieved once and retained forever. 

The principle of maintaining current competence is already established within parts of ECS. For example, ECS Registered Electricians commit to ongoing professional development which includes keeping up to date with the current edition of BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations.

What cardholders affected by these changes need to do

A recognised qualification, certification or approved competence route, achieved within the past five years, will normally satisfy the revalidation requirement. ECS will provide flexible options which recognise different career pathways but ensure standards of knowledge and awareness remain consistent, such as:
  • Approved qualifications or certifications
  • Recognised continuing professional development (CPD)
  • Relevant ECS occupational awareness assessments
  • Other sector-specific routes agreed by industry working groups.

How the renewal process works  

From June 2027, individuals renewing ECS cards, in occupations where revalidation has been approved, will be required to demonstrate current competence through one of two routes:

Route 1: Recent Qualification Route

Achievement of an approved qualification, certification or validation route within the past five years.

Route 2: ECS Revalidation Route

  • Completion of an occupationally relevant ECS awareness/revalidation assessment.
  • Supported by relevant CPD and industry updates where applicable.
The five-year cycle reflects the pace of regulatory, standards and industry best-practice changes. 

ECS cards affected

Holders of cards within the following occupational groups may be affected:

Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS)

•    FESS Systems Technician (Gold hatched) 
•    FESS Systems Technician (Gold)
•    FESS Technical Manager
•    FESS Technical Auditor
Revalidation Options
Option 1 Completion of an approved FESS qualification within the past five years.
Option 2 Pass the ECS FESS Operative Assessment.

Examples of qualifications already referenced include:
•    FireQual Awards relating to Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
•    FIA Fundamentals qualifications
•    Other approved occupation-specific qualifications mapped and approved through the FESS Working Group. 

Network Infrastructure

•    Network Infrastructure Installer (Level 3)
•    Network Infrastructure Installer (Gold) 
•    Network Infrastructure Advanced Installer 
Revalidation Options
Option 1 Approved occupation qualification completed within the past five years.
Option 2 Completion of the ECS Network Infrastructure Awareness Assessment.

LV Cabling and Jointing

•    LV Assistant Jointer
•    LV Jointer
•    Leading Cable Hand
•    Cable Foreman
•    Cable Installation Supervisor
Revalidation Options
Option 1 Recognised occupational qualification achieved within the past five years.
Option 2 Completion of the ECS Cabling or LV Jointing Awareness Assessment.