If you want to work on most UK sites as an electrician, you'll be asked for an ECS card. ECS is the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme, run by the JIB in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (and the SJIB in Scotland). The card shows your qualifications, your grade and that you know your health and safety.
Before you can get any ECS card, you need to pass the ECS Health, Safety & Environmental (HS&E) assessment, or hold an accepted exemption.
Which card do you need?
The card you apply for depends on where you are in your career:
- Apprentice: for those registered on an apprenticeship.
- Trainee or labourer cards: for those working on site while training or in support roles.
- Installation Electrician (the gold card): once you've completed your Level 3 qualifications, NVQ and AM2.
- Higher grades: Approved Electrician and above, with more experience and qualifications.
Check the full list on the ECS card types page, as requirements change.
About the HS&E assessment
- What it covers: health, safety and environmental standards for electrotechnical work, including fire safety in buildings.
- Where you take it: online through your MyECS account with remote invigilation (a private room, webcam and decent connection), or face to face at selected employers and training providers.
- How long it lasts: a pass is valid for two years. Apply for your card within that time or you'll need to resit.
- The CSCS test doesn't count: the ECS assessment is specific to electrical work, so a CITB/CSCS pass isn't accepted.
Source: ECS Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment. Book through ECS directly; ECS warns about third-party booking agents charging more.
Topics to revise
- Health and safety law and your duties (HASAWA, Electricity at Work Regulations)
- Safe isolation and working on or near live equipment
- Working at height, ladders and access equipment
- Manual handling and PPE
- Asbestos awareness and hazardous substances
- Fire safety, fire stopping and fire-rated materials
- Environmental duties: waste, recycling and pollution
- Accident reporting and first aid
How to pass first time
- Download the official revision material from the ECS preparation and revision page. It's what the questions are based on.
- Practise questions by topic until you consistently score well, then sit full timed mock tests.
- Read every question twice. Many wrong answers are "nearly right". Look for words like must, should and first.
- For an online test, check your webcam, room and connection the day before.
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Revise it with the ECS Health, Safety & Environmental course
Study notes, practice questions with explanations and mock exams, on your phone. Try it free for 14 days.