NICEIC Clarifies Routes for Domestic Installers & Qualified Supervisors 

Since 6 April 2013, many electricians have been unsure about the qualifications needed to register on a Domestic Installer Scheme. The E lectrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) updates introduced a new Level 3 requirement for Qualified Supervisors, leading to widespread concern that entry routes had become stricter. 

NICEIC and ELECSA have now confirmed that, despite the changes, there are still several recognised ways to meet the criteria. For those looking to register, this clarification removes some of the uncertainty that has clouded the industry over the last decade. 

The background to the confusion 

Before April 2013, trade bodies and training providers were warning contractors of the deadline, with many trying to get registered in time. Once the new EAS requirements came in, it wasn’t clear which qualifications would count or whether certain electricians would be excluded. 

The key change was the introduction of a Level 3 requirement for new applicants. Stories circulated that this would “make it harder” to become a Qualified Supervisor, which caused a rush of applications. In reality, NICEIC now says this wasn’t the case. 

As Alan Wells, Certification and Standards Director at NICEIC, explained: “The new qualification was designed to produce safer working practices within the industry and those with the relevant experience and technical competence really have nothing to fear.” 

Current routes to registration 

Today, electricians looking to join a Domestic Installer Scheme can take one of five different paths, including: 

• On-site assessment. 

• Off-site assessment. 

• A mixture of practical and portfolio evidence. 

• Gaining appropriate qualifications. 

• Recognition of existing experience where valid. 

This flexibility means the door remains open for both new entrants and experienced electricians who want to formalise their competence. 

For those starting out, the C&G 2365 Level 3 Diploma remains one of the most reliable ways to meet the Level 3 requirement, giving a strong technical base for future registration. 

Why Level 3 is important 

The Level 3 b enchmark isn’t just paperwork — it’s part of an effort to raise safety standards. With installations becoming more complex, and technologies like EV charging and home storage systems now commonplace, scheme providers want to ensure supervisors have the knowledge to oversee safe and compliant work. 

For electricians in the Midlands, centres such as Electrician Courses Great Barr provide access to structured training that helps candidates progress towards Qualified Supervisor status with confidence. 

Support from NICEIC and ELECSA 

To make the process clearer, NICEIC and ELECSA have published factsheets explaining each route and what evidence is required. They emphasise that while the Level 3 requirement is in place, contractors can still apply using a blend of qualifications and practical experience. 

For self-employed electricians, joining a scheme is a vital step — not only to certify domestic work, but also to reassure clients. And with demand for qualified sparks continuing to grow, staying ahead on compliance remains an essential part of running a successful business. 

For additional insight on how tradespeople position themselves, see Which Tradesmen Recommendation Sites Are Best for Tradespeople?. Getting registered is one piece of the puzzle, but building a reputation online is another way to secure regular work. 

Moving forward 

The main message from NICEIC is clear: business as usual. Qualified Supervisors remain a central part of the industry, but the qualification routes are broad enough to include both academic and hands-on experience. 

For learners aiming for the domestic route, Electrician Courses Bromsgrove offers pathways that align with scheme requirements. Combined with workplace evidence and a structured NVQ, this helps ensure you’re not just eligible for registration but also confident in your role as a supervisor. 

Elec Training continues to guide learners from their first steps through to scheme membership and beyond. To explore your training options and progress towards registration, visit Elec Training. 

FAQs on the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) and CPS Requirements for Electricians in the UK (2025) 

1 – What exactly changed in April 2013 regarding the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS)?

In April 2013, changes to Part P of the Building Regulations reduced the number of notifiable electrical work areas in homes (e.g., excluding some minor alterations), but increased scrutiny on competence for domestic installers. The EAS was updated to emphasize auditable evidence of competence, including qualifications like Level 3 NVQ, to ensure safety and compliance, aligning with revised Approved Document P. 

2 – Do all new applicants for the Domestic Installer Scheme now need a Level 3 qualification?

Yes, all new applicants for the Domestic Installer Scheme (DIS) with NICEIC or ELECSA require a Level 3 qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) to demonstrate competence, as short courses or certificates of competence are no longer accepted. This ensures Qualified Supervisors meet EAS standards for self-certification under Part P. 

3 – What are the current recognised routes to becoming a Qualified Supervisor with NICEIC or ELECSA?

The current recognised routes for Qualified Supervisor (QS) status with NICEIC or ELECSA include: 

• Apprenticeship Route: Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems (C&G 2357 or EAL equivalent) + AM2. 

• Full-Time Education Route: Level 3 Diploma (C&G 2365) + NVQ Level 3 + AM2. 

• Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) Route: 3–5 years’ experience + portfolio + AM2E. 

• Adult Learner Route: Level 3 Diploma + NVQ + AM2. 

• International Route: Overseas quals verified by UK ENIC + EWA. All require 18th Edition (C&G 2382-22). 

4 – Can existing electricians use experience and portfolio evidence instead of formal qualifications?

Yes, existing electricians with 3–5 years’ experience can use the Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) route, submitting a portfolio of work evidence for on-site a ssessment and AM2E, bypassing formal diplomas but requiring Level 3 equivalence. This is accepted by NICEIC/ELECSA for QS status. 

5 – Which qualifications are most commonly accepted for meeting the Level 3 requirement?

Most commonly accepted Level 3 qualifications include: NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems (C&G 2357/EAL 1605), Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (C&G 2365), and Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Services (experienced route). Apprenticeship standards (C&G 5357) are also widely recognized. 

6 – Is the C&G 2365 Level 3 Diploma enough on its own to apply for scheme registration?

No, the C&G 2365 Level 3 Diploma alone is not enough; it must be combined with NVQ Level 3 (C&G 2357) or equivalent, plus AM2 assessment and 18th Edition (C&G 2382-22) for NICEIC/ELECSA registration. The Diploma provides theory, but NVQ adds practical competency. 

7 – How does on-site assessment work for those applying through the experience route?

For the experience route (EWA), on-site assessment involves an assessor visiting the candidate’s workplace to observe 2–3 installations, review portfolio evidence (10–15 units), and conduct interviews on BS 7671 compliance, taking 1–2 days before AM2E. It verifies 3–5 years’ experience for QS status. 

8 – Why is a Level 3 standard considered important for domestic installers today?

A Level 3 standard is important for domestic installers to ensure competence in BS 7671, enabling Part P self-certification, reducing safety risks (20,000+ fires annually), and meeting CPS requirements for legal work. It supports net-zero retrofits and £33,000–£38,000 earnings. 

9 – Are there regional training centres that help candidates prepare for registration requirements?

Yes, regional centres include Trade Skills 4U (Coventry/Birmingham), Elec Training (Wolverhampton), and Birmingham Electrical Training, offering NVQ Level 3, EWA prep, and AM2 simulations. These provide local, flexible paths to QS status. 

10 – Where can electricians find the official NICEIC and ELECSA guidance documents on registration routes?

Official guidance is available on NICEIC (niceic.com/domestic-installer, including Acceptable DIS Qualifications PDF) and ELECSA (elecsa.co.uk/schemes/domestic-installer-scheme, with QS route details). Download PDFs for EAS and routes.