New ECS Revalidation Requirements from 2027 will Strengthen Safety and Competence
29 July 25
From 01 January 2027, there will be significant changes for those at operative level or above who are renewing their Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) cards for occupations in FESS, Network Infrastructure and LV Cabling and Jointing.
New revalidation requirements will be introduced, in line with major sector reforms, enacted following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The Building Safety Act and accompanying regulations redefine accountability and place renewed emphasis on both individual and organisational responsibility.
The Industry Competence Committee (ICC), which advises the Building Safety Regulator, has outlined principles and developed guidelines to raise standards and maintain safety-critical competence. It has set clear expectations about ongoing learning, individual accountability and formal revalidation.
To meet these aims more than 1000 organisations have been working together in Sector Lead Groups to develop competence frameworks. This includes representatives from the electrotechnical industry such as LV Electrical, Fire and Security Systems and Network Infrastructure installation.
The recommendations and standards developed for each relevant industry group are now being embedded into ECS, through updated renewal criteria.
What this means for ECS card holders in FESS, Network Infrastructure and LV Cabling and Jointing occupations
From 01 January 2027, when renewing your ECS card you will need to have either:
a) Completed a recognised qualification in your occupational area within the past 5 years
or
b) Completed a role-specific knowledge and technical assessment e.g. Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS); Network Infrastructure, or LV Cabling and Jointing
Completing the qualification or assessment ensures that each professional demonstrates current, practical competence and has undertaken continuing professional development (CPD) to keep up to date with regulation changes and new technologies.
Reason for change
Revalidation supports the outcomes from Sector Lead Group 10 (previously called Working Group 2: Installers). The Group recognises that in a world of fast-changing standards and technologies – especially in electrical safety, fire protection, and data networks – competence is not static and must be actively maintained. It also strengthens the vital role of ECS cards n validating the ID and competence of individuals in roles which impact building design, installation, maintenance, and safety management.
How to meet the requirements
Current routes in FESS, Network Infrastructure and LV Cabling and Jointing occupations are already assessed by ECS to cover regulatory, best practice and technology updates, which means that for many there will be nothing additional to do. Others can take a short, targeted, online assessment to revalidate their knowledge – having completed a relevant form of CPD. Individuals will be contacted if any changes affect their renewal through 2026 and beyond.
Please ensure you upload any new qualifications or certificates into your MyECS as you complete them to record ongoing learning and CPD. This can then be verified for use by employers, clients and certification bodies and will help to better automate processes on your next card renewal.
The ECS revalidation requirement is not just a policy change, it’s a cultural shift. It reinforces the message that safety is everyone’s responsibility, and that professional competence must be a living, evolving standard. From 2027, ECS cardholders will continue to carry proof of their trade and ID along with credible assurance they are compliant with current practice and part of a safer future for the built environment.
Work to update revalidation requirements for LV Electrical occupations is ongoing and will be announced on completion.
These changes are being introduced to ensure that all ECS cardholders will continue to carry proof of their trade and ID along with credible assurance they are compliant with current practice and part of a safer future for the built environment.