Which Cards Do Electricians Need And Why?

The Card for Electricians

There are several cards used on construction sites, the most commonly known about is the CSCS card which demonstrates your competence to work at industry standards.  Almost any job on a construction site will require a valid CSCS card, however as an electrician it is the ECS card you will need as this is the only card that will allow you access to carry out electrical work on site.  An ECS card proves your electrical skills and is the only CSCS affiliated card for the electrical industry.

The ECS Card Explained

The ECS is known as the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme and is the occupational card scheme for UK Electrotechnical workers.  Whether you are a technically qualified manager or a trainee electrician, you will require a valid ECS card which proves your competence to industry standards.

There are currently in excess of 100,000 registered ECS card holders in the UK.  It is worth getting an ECS card even if you are not currently working on site.  It takes time to apply and around 4 weeks to receive your card and without an ECS card, you will be sent home which could cost you a job opportunity in the future.

The difference between a CSCS card and an ECS card

There is often confusion surrounding a CSCS card and an ECS card.  If you see an electrical site job advertised that asks for a CSCS card, it is the usually ECS card that you will need.  The ECS scheme is affiliated to and recognised by the CSCS as the equivalent competence card. Most job advertisements ask for a CSCS card on any construction related jobs, however a CSCS card on it's own will not allow you to carry out electrical work.

A CSCS card is proof that individuals can work safely on a construction site, however there are a number of other site occupations that require a different type of card.  All are of the same standard as the CSCS and are affiliated to it.  So there is no difference between a CSCS card and an ECS card in terms of site safety.

Which ECS card will I need?

Having confirmed that you need an ECS card as an electrician, you may well have heard electricians talking about the various types of cards they hold.

In England and Wales, the cards are known as ECS cards, in Scotland they are known as SJIB (Scottish Joint Industry Board.)  The cards are essentially the same, although you will need the appropriate card to work in these areas.

You may also have heard an ECS card being known as a JIB (Joint Industry Board) card. The JIB is the issuing authority on the ECS card, there is no additional card.

Finally,  for electrical installers there are two tiers to an ECS card, gold card (installation electrician) and white card (trainee or apprentice.) Which card you receive will be dependant on your qualifications or training.  It is important before applying that you meet the requirements for the card you are applying for.

Once issued, an ECS card is valid for 3 years after which it must be renewed and a Health and Safety assessment taken.

ECS Installation Electrician – Gold card

An ECS Installation Electrician card is issued to electricians who have demonstrated that they have completed a formal industry regulated competency based qualification which includes technical theory with practical and competency assessments.

As a general guide, the mandatory requirements are an NVQ level 3 in a recognised competency based qualification.  Additionally, new trainees to the electrical industry from the 1st September 2011 will have to compete the technical theory, practical and competency assessments of the Level 3 NVQ diploma in Installing Electrotechnical systems and equipment (building, structures and the environment.)

If your qualifications are more than 3 years old, you will also need a current recognised health and safety qualification or certificate and a formal BS7671 qualification.

There is also the opportunity to have your grade printed on your ECS card if you hold an appropriate NVQ Level 3 qualification and have relevant practical experience.

ECS Apprentice – white with red stripe

To be eligible for an ECS Apprentice card, applicants must be undertaking any electrical or Electrotechnical Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA.)

ECS Trainee Electrician – white with red stripe

Many students training with Trade Skills 4U for the first time will fall into this category. There are 3 levels to being a trainee electrician and the qualifications completed will determine which card you can get. 

Level 1: If you have completed your Level 2 Technical Certificate such as C&G 2330 L2, C&G 2365 L2, EAL equivalent then you will be at Level 1.

Level 2: If you have completed your Level 2 & 3 Technical Certificate such as C&G 2330 L2 & L3, C&G 2365 L2 &L3 or EAL equivalents then you will be at Level 2.

Level 3: If you have your Level 2 & Level 3 Tech Certs plus evidence of your Employer’s sponsorship then you will be at Level 3. In addition, evidence that you are working towards the AM2 and level NVQ 3  is required. 

Please note in the points above we have referred to the most recent qualifications that our students are likely to have completed, however on the ECS website it still refers to older equivalent qualifications such as C&G 2351 & 2360. 

You will also need an up to date recognised health and safety qualification or certificate.

Every card is different

It is important to read the application form carefully when applying for an ECS card.  Electricians have been disappointed when not issued with the correct card.  The only way to prove competence is by the verification of documents, so if the correct documentation is not sent, it could lead to a card being issued that you were not expecting.

Holding an ECS card proves your skill level and also means you are committed to setting the high standards required in the electrical industry.  All levels of ECS card demonstrate a high level of commitment and competency in electrical work and Health and Safety awareness.

It is only by demonstrating this commitment that construction sites will continue to become safer places to work in the future.