EV Car Charging Qualification Changes from September 2022: What 2921-31 Means for Your Career 

The UK’s transition to cleaner transport has super-charged demand for competent EV charge-point installers. Alongside that growth, the qualification f ramework changed in September 2022: the legacy City & Guilds 2919 routes were retired and replaced by C&G 2921-31: Design and Installation of Domestic & Small Commercial EV Charging Installations. If you’re planning your route into (or progression within) EV work, this guide explains what changed, why it matters, and how to position yourself—whether you’re already fully qualified or still building towards your NVQ Level 3 and AM2/AM2E. 

To help you plan fast, here are four useful reads that align with this topic and your long-term goals: 

• Practical steps for evidencing competence: Build your NVQ Level 3 electrical portfolio 

• Where demand is heading and how to ride it: Green-energy opportunities for electricians 

• Safety mindset that underpins every installation: Identifying electrical hazards at home 

• What learners say about delivery, tutors and outcomes: Elec Training reviews 

What changed in September 2022? 

Previously: 

• 2919-01 covered EV charging for commercial and domestic environments. 

• 2919-02 targeted domestic-only installations. 

Since September 2022: 

• Both 2919 pathways were retired. 

• They were superseded by 2921-31, a single qualification that covers domestic and small commercial installations. 

The practical implication is simple: there is no longer a “domestic-only” qualification. The new standard expects a higher baseline of electrical c ompetence at entry, then layers EV-specific design and installation principles on top. 

Why the higher entry bar matters 

Under the new framework, candidates are expected to be fully qualified electricians (or demonstrably equivalent) before enrolling. In practice, that usually means: 

• ECS Gold Card holder or 

• Completion of a Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Installation/Maintenance or 

• A completed electrotechnical apprenticeship with the final competence assessment (e.g., AM2/AM2E). 

This shift recognises that EV installations are not bolt-ons; they’re electrical design exercises. Load assessment, protective device selection, PME considerations, RCD type, cable routing, discrimination/coordination, and safe commissioning all rely on solid Level 3 competence plus current BS 7671 knowledge. 

If you’re still working towards full qualification, don’t be discouraged—map your route, build evidence, and strengthen your testing discipline. Our step-by-step guide to building your NVQ Level 3 electrical portfolio shows exactly what assessors look for and how to gather it efficiently. 

Are legacy 2919 certificates still valid? 

Yes. If you gained 2919-01 or 2919-02 before the change, those certificates remain valid and continue to evidence competence to employers. As with any scheme-specific requirement (for example, certain grant or registration bodies), always check their current acceptance lists before applying, but your 2919 achievement does not “expire” because 2921-31 replaced it. 

Do you “need” an EV qualification to install an EVCP? 

Legally, not in all circumstances—competence is the requirement, and that begins with being a qualified electrician working to BS 7671. That said, a formal EV qualification signals structured learning in EV-specific hazards and design choices (PME earthing arrangements and protective options, RCD types, DC leakage issues, dynamic load management, PEN-fault protection solutions, manufacturer commissioning workflows, etc.). It also reduces friction when tendering for frameworks or approaching principal contractors. 

If you’re pre-Gold Card but want to move towards EV work, you can still build skills-based experience in allied areas (inspection & testing, consumer unit upgrades, small commercial distribution, smart controls) while completing the qualification sequence that makes 2921-31 accessible. 

What 2921-31 focuses on (and how it differs in feel from 2919) 

While 2919 often mixed fundamental practice with EV-specific content, 2921-31 assumes you already have the fundamentals and concentrates on EV-centric design and compliance: 

• Surveys and design decisions: maximum demand, diversity, spare capacity, main earthing and bonding adequacy, and supply characteristics. 

• Earthing arrangements and protective measures: PME considerations; selection of protective devices and arrangements suited to the site and product. 

• RCD selection and DC leakage: Type A/B/S, integrated vs upstream, and compatibility with manufacturer requirements. 

• Load management: dynamic load control, CT clamps, communication with inverters/batteries where installed. 

• Cable selection and routing: environment, installation methods, mechanical protection, and IP ratings. 

• Commissioning and handover: verification tests, labelling, client instruction, and documentation that stands up to audit. 

Because the entry standard is higher, practical basics (safe isolation, containment, general installation technique) aren’t the teaching focus—2921-31 goes deeper on design, integration and compliance. 

Pathways depending on where you are right now 

A) I already hold NVQ Level 3 + AM2/AM2E (or an apprenticeship)

You’re exactly who 2921-31 was designed for. Ensure your 18th Edition knowledge is current and book onto the qualification. While you study, strengthen your domestic design habits (diversity, Zs/Ze checks, RCD discrimination) and refresh your inspection & testing workflow to speed up commissioning. 

B) I have a Level 3 Diploma but not the NVQ/AM2 yet

Priority one is to convert your diploma into full occupational competence. Use the guidance in Build your NVQ Level 3 electrical portfolio to plan the evidence breadth (install, test, fault-find a cross environments). As soon as you complete NVQ + AM2, you’ll meet the typical entry bar for 2921-31. 

C) I’m early-career (or returning) and building foundations

Focus on safe systems of work, neat installation practice, and testing discipline—the habits that make everything else easier. Our piece on identifying electrical hazards at home shows how to develop that safety lens. Parallel to site experience, keep your regs knowledge current so EV design choices feel natural when you reach 2921-31. 

D) I’m planning my next 2–3 years strategically

EV is a strong bet, but it’s one part of the wider energy transition. Combine EV with complementary skills—consumer-unit upgrades (SPDs/AFDDs where specified), periodic inspection (EICR), and small-scale renewables integration—to stay busy year-round. See Green-energy opportunities for electricians to align your CPD to demand. 

Safety and compliance: non-negotiables that win work 

Whichever route you’re on, EV work lives and dies on compliance clarity: 

• Survey thoroughly: confirm earthing arrangement, bonding, main switch rating, spare ways, existing RCD types, service head condition, and any remedials required before pricing. 

• Design with intent: choose protective devices and cable routes that serve both safety and usability. 

• Test methodically: continuity, insulation resistance (with manufacturer-appropriate methods), polarity, Zs/Ze, RCD trip times, functional tests on charge equipment, and—where applicable—verification of load management behaviour. 

• Document cleanly: installation certificates, schedules, labels, and a clear handover note. Duty-holders value paperwork they can understand and store. 

That attention to detail is what clients and principal contractors equate with “competent”—and it’s exactly what assessors look for when signing off portfolios and practical assessments. 

“Do I need to rush?”—and other FAQs 

I hold 2919-01/02. Do I need to “upgrade” to 2921-31? 
Not automatically. Your 2919 remains valid. Consider 2921-31 if a client, framework or new role calls for it, or if you want structured exposure to newer design expectations and manufacturer requirements. 

Will 2921-31 include practical training? 
Because entrants are expected to be fully qualified, the emphasis is on EV design and compliance rather than basic installation technique. Centres may include hands-on elements for commissioning and verification, but don’t expect “how to thread conduit” sessions—those skills should already be in your locker. 

Can I get started in EV work without waiting for 2921-31? 
If you’re early in your journey, target enabling work (consumer-unit upgrades, bonding upgrades, small distribution tasks) under supervision while you gather NVQ evidence. That way, by the time you reach the entry bar, you’ll already be fluent in the building blocks of EV design. 

How Elec Training supports your journey 

A successful transition into EV work isn’t just about one certificate; it’s about sequencing: building the right foundations, capturing portfolio evidence properly, then adding the specialist EV credential at the right time. With Elec Training you can: 

• Map your route to full competence using Build your NVQ Level 3 electrical portfolio. 

• Align CPD with market direction via Green-energy opportunities for electricians. 

• Strengthen your safety culture with Identifying electrical hazards at home. 

• Hear from real learners in our reviews and decide if our delivery style suits you. 

• Explore all programmes in one place at https://elec.training/ and keep an eye on EV course dates as you approach eligibility. 

EV charging is not an add-on—it’s applied electrical design. The move to 2921-31 formalised that by lifting the entry bar and consolidating content. If you’re already fully qualified, 2921-31 is your next logical step. If you’re still on the road to NVQ Level 3 and AM2/AM2E, use that time wisely: build a clean portfolio, sharpen your testing discipline, and absorb the safety mindset that makes EV design decisions second nature. With the right sequencing—and the right training partner in Elec Training—you’ll be ready to plug into a market that’s only getting bigger. 

FAQs on the C&G 2921-31 EV Charging Qualification in the UK 

Below is a comprehensive FAQ addressing your questions about the City & Guilds (C&G) 2921-31 qualification, based on current standards as of September 2025. Note: The 2921 series has evolved, with 2921-31 being the primary domestic/small commercial award, but related units like 2921-34 (Requirements for Design and Installation) are sometimes referenced interchangeably in provider materials. The qualification’s last registration date was 31 October 2024, with certifications valid until 31 October 2025—check with City & Guilds for any extensions or successors. 

1 – What is the new C&G 2921-31 qualification and how does it differ from the old 2919?

The C&G 2921-31 is a Level 3 Award in the Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations. It equips qualified electricians with the knowledge to safely design, install, inspect, test, commission, and maintain EV charging points (up to 22kW, single- and three-phase) in homes and small businesses, aligning with BS 7671 (18th Edition +A2:2022) and the IET Code of Practice (5th Edition). It’s a short CPD course (typically 2 days) aimed at upskilling for the growing EV infrastructure market. 

Key differences from the old C&G 2919 series (2919-01 for domestic/commercial and 2919-02 for domestic only): 

• Scope: 2921-31 combines domestic and small commercial into one qualification, eliminating the separate domestic-only 2919-02. It emphasizes updated standards like PEN-fault protection and prosumer integration. 

• Entry Requirements: Stricter—requires a Gold Card/ECS equivalent or Level 3 NVQ/apprenticeship, vs. more accessible entry for 2919 (e.g., Level 3 Diploma holders for 2919-01). 

• Content Updates: Reflects BS 7671:2018+A2 and IET 5th Edition, with new focus on smart charging, load management, and reduced unsafe practices. 2919 was based on earlier editions. 

• Assessment: Includes an online multiple-choice test and practical assignment, similar to 2919 but with enhanced emphasis on handover and commissioning. 

2 – When did the qualification change from 2919 to 2921-31 take effect?

The change took effect in September 2022, when the 2919 series was retired. Last registrations for 2919-01/02 were on 31 August 2022, with certifications continuing until later dates. The 2921-31 became the standard replacement from that point, developed to meet evolving industry needs like increased EV adoption and regulatory updates. 

3 – Are the older 2919-01 and 2919-02 EV charging qualifications still valid?

Yes, qualifications achieved under the 2919-01 and 2919-02 remain valid indefinitely with no expiry date, provided they were completed before the September 2022 retirement. They are still recognized by schemes like NICEIC, NAPIT, and OZEV for EV installations, as long as the holder maintains overall competency (e.g., via 18th Edition refresher). However, for new registrations or advanced roles, providers recommend transitioning to 2921-31 to align with current standards. In 2025, no phase-out has been announced, but check with certification bodies for OZEV grant eligibility. 

4 – What are the entry requirements for enrolling on 2921-31?

Entry requirements are: 

• A relevant Level 3 electrotechnical qualification (e.g., C&G 2357 NVQ, 2365 Diploma, or equivalent apprenticeship), no older than 5 years, or evidence of current competency (e.g., recent 18th Edition C&G 2382). 

• ECS Gold Card or equivalent (e.g., Approved Electrician status via JIB/NICEIC). 

• Practical experience in low-voltage installations, including circuit design and inspection/testing. 

• Age 18+ and basic literacy/numeracy. No prior EV experience is needed, but you must bring the IET Code of Practice (5th Edition) and BS 7671 regs to the course. Providers like Trade Skills 4U require proof of qualifications on arrival. 

5 – Do I need to be a fully qualified electrician before taking the 2921-31 course?

Yes, you must be a fully qualified electrician (e.g., NVQ Level 3 with AM2 assessment and 18th Edition) or hold an equivalent Gold Card/ECS status. The course is designed as CPD for experienced professionals, not beginners. Unqualified individuals should first complete core electrical training (e.g., Level 3 Diploma and NVQ) before pursuing 2921-31. 

6 – What topics and skills are covered in the 2921-31 qualification?

The qualification covers: 

• EV Charging Fundamentals: Types of chargers (Modes 1–3, AC/DC), features, and integration with electrical systems. 

• Design and Installation: Siting requirements, earthing arrangements, protection against open PEN conductor faults, cable sizing, and prosumer installations (e.g., with solar/battery). 

• Smart and Load Management: Smart charging functions, dynamic load balancing, DNO notifications, and commissioning. 

• Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance: Verification methods, handover documentation, and compliance with BS 7671/IET standards. 

• Regulations and Safety: Electricity at Work Regulations, Part P, and OZEV scheme requirements. Skills include risk assessment, fault diagnosis, and producing compliant installation certificates. The course emphasizes theoretical knowledge with practical application scenarios. 

7 – Will the 2921-31 course include practical installation training, or is it mainly design-focused?

The course is primarily theory- and design-focused (classroom-based, 2 days), with no full hands-on installation training, as entrants are expected to have core practical skills from prior qualifications. However, it includes a practical assignment for assessment (e.g., simulated design/install scenarios, equipment demonstrations, and testing protocols). Some providers offer optional workshop elements, but it’s not a full practical course like apprenticeships—focus is on regulatory compliance and safe design rather than wiring from scratch. 

8 – Do I legally need an EV qualification to install EV charge points in the UK?

No, there is no specific legal requirement for an EV qualification like 2921-31 to install charge points, as long as the work complies with BS 7671 and Building Regulations (Part P for notifiable work). However: 

• Installers must be competent (e.g., qualified electrician) to self-certify via schemes like NICEIC/NAPIT. 

• For OZEV grants (e.g., EVHS/WCS, up to £350–£14,000 per site), 2921-31 or equivalent is mandatory for approved installer status. 

• 2025 updates (e.g., no planning permission for most home chargers since May 2025) ease installations but still require qualified, insured professionals. Unqualified work risks fines (£5,000+) under Electricity at Work Regulations. 

9 – How should learners who are still working towards their NVQ Level 3 and AM2 prepare for EV work?

Learners pursuing NVQ Level 3/AM2 should prioritize completing core qualifications first, as 2921-31 requires full electrician status. Preparation steps: 

• Build foundational skills via Level 2/3 Diplomas (C&G 2365), focusing on inspection/testing (C&G 2391) and 18th Edition. 

• Gain practical experience as an electrician’s mate on general installations to compile NVQ portfolio. 

• Study EV basics independently (e.g., IET Code of Practice, free OZEV resources) or via short intros (non-accredited). 

• Once qualified (post-AM2), enroll in 2921-31. Apprentices can shadow EV projects but can’t lead until fully certified. Aim for bundled training post-qualification to accelerate entry into EV roles. 

10 – How does completing 2921-31 improve career prospects and earning potential for electricians?

Completing 2921-31 significantly enhances prospects in the EV sector, projected to create 160,000+ UK jobs by 2030 amid 1M+ EVs on roads. Benefits: 

• Career Prospects: Qualifies for OZEV-approved installer status, enabling grant-funded work (homes, workplaces, fleets). Opens roles in renewables (e.g., solar/EV integration), infrastructure projects, and supervision (£40,000–£60,000). Future-proofs against electrification trends, with 11% job growth for electricians to 2033. 

• Earning Potential: Boosts income by £5,000–£12,000/year via premium rates (£200–£400/day for EV installs vs. £150–£250 general). Self-employed can access high-volume contracts (e.g., £350–£1,000 per charger + grants). In 2025, EV specialists average £40,000–£56,000, 20–30% above standard electricians (£33,000–£38,000), especially in London/South East. It also aids JIB grading progression and self-certification for more bids.