How to Get an Electrician License in the UK
Becoming a licensed electrician in the UK involves several
stages, including educational training, gaining practical experience, and
obtaining relevant qualifications and certifications. Here's a step-by-step
guide on how to become a licensed electrician in the UK.
1. Educational Training
- Complete
GCSEs or Equivalent
- Basic
Education: Obtain a minimum of four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C),
including Maths, English, and Science. This provides the foundational
knowledge needed for further training.
- Enroll
in Electrical Courses
- Technical
College or Training Center: Enroll in a technical college or
accredited training center that offers electrical installation courses.
- Courses
to Consider:
- City
& Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and
Structures)
- City
& Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and
Structures)
- EAL
Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installation
2. Apprenticeship
- Find
an Apprenticeship
- Apprenticeship
Programs: Apply for an electrical apprenticeship, which combines
on-the-job training with classroom learning. This typically lasts for
four years and is a critical step in gaining practical experience.
- Employers
and Training Providers: Apprenticeships can be found through
employers, colleges, or training providers. Utilize resources like the
National Apprenticeship Service and local job centers to find
opportunities.
- Complete
the Apprenticeship
- Work
Experience: Gain hands-on experience working under the supervision of
experienced electricians. This involves various tasks, including wiring,
installing electrical systems, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical
faults.
- Attend
Classes: Attend regular classes as part of the apprenticeship to
build theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills.
3. Obtaining Qualifications
- NVQ
Level 3 in Electrical Installation
- National
Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3: After completing your
apprenticeship, obtain the NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation. This
is a key qualification required to become a fully qualified electrician.
- Portfolio
and Assessments: Compile a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your
competence in various electrical tasks. Assessments may include practical
exams and on-site performance evaluations.
- AM2
Assessment
- Achievement
Measurement 2 (AM2): Complete the AM2 assessment, a practical test
that evaluates your skill and competence in electrical installation. It
typically includes tasks such as wiring circuits, fault diagnosis, and
safe isolation procedures.
4. Certification and Licensing
- Join
a Competent Person Scheme
- Certification
Bodies: Apply to join a competent person scheme, which allows you to
self-certify electrical work. Prominent schemes include:
- NICEIC
(National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting)
- NAPIT
(National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers)
- ELECSA
(Part of the Certsure LLP group)
- STROMA
Certification
- Assessment
and Registration: Undergo an assessment by the certification body to
demonstrate your competence and compliance with safety regulations. Once
approved, you’ll be registered and can self-certify your work.
- Continuing
Professional Development (CPD)
- Ongoing
Training: Engage in continuing professional development to keep your
skills and knowledge up to date. This may include attending courses,
workshops, and training sessions on new technologies, standards, and
regulations.
- Additional
Certifications (Optional)
- Specialized
Certifications: Consider obtaining additional certifications for
specialized areas such as:
- Inspection
and Testing of Electrical Installations
- PAT
Testing (Portable Appliance Testing)
- Solar
PV Installation
- Electric
Vehicle (EV) Charger Installation
5. Insurance and Business Setup (If Self-Employed)
- Liability
Insurance
- Public
Liability Insurance: Obtain public liability insurance to protect
against claims of injury or property damage resulting from your work.
- Professional
Indemnity Insurance: If offering advice or consultancy services,
professional indemnity insurance is recommended.
- Business
Registration
- HMRC
Registration: If you plan to operate as a self-employed electrician
or run your own business, register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for
tax purposes.
- Company
Registration: Optionally, register your business with Companies House
if you wish to form a limited company.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed electrician in the UK involves
completing relevant educational courses, gaining practical experience through
an apprenticeship, obtaining necessary qualifications such as the NVQ Level 3
in Electrical Installation and the AM2 assessment, and joining a competent
person scheme like NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or STROMA Certification. Engaging in
continuing professional development and obtaining necessary insurance are also
crucial steps, especially for those planning to operate independently. Following
this pathway ensures that you are fully qualified to perform electrical work
safely and in compliance with industry standards and regulations.