Training Courses

There are a number of courses available to support your application to become a Qualified Supervisor, depending in your current level of qualifications and experience, as listed below.

Qualified electricians

Electricians holding industry-recognised qualifications and wanting to register with this Competent Persons scheme are required to have a qualification that referenced the IEE Wiring Regulations (see Qualified Supervisor Requirements for details).

However, you are advised to update your qualifications to ensure that your work complies with the most recent 16th edition of the regulations. You should also ensure you are familiar with all applicable parts of the Building Regulations (not just Part P) as you will be questioned about these when you are assessed.

To prepare you for your assessment, the following courses are suggested:

Unit 1 – Applicable Building Regulations for Domestic Electrical Installation (DEI-001) - EAL qualification

The objective of this unit is to provide a sufficient level of competence to identify the implications of the Building Regulations in relation to electrical installation work in dwellings. The subject matter of this unit is intended to allow the domestic installer to confirm that their electrical installation meets the requirements of the Building Regulations. The requirement of Self Certification is to confirm that the electrical installation carried out meets all the requirements of the Building Regulations, including those of Part P. This unit is of particular value to electrical installers with electrical competence qualifications who wish to become familiar with the requirements of the Building Regulations in respect to their electrical installation activities. The delivery of this unit is intended to make the candidate aware of these requirements and the impact that these have on their work. An in depth knowledge of the Building Regulations is not required, simply the relevant parts of the regulations for the electrical installer.

The full EAL course can be taken as an intensive course covering all 17 units, or each unit can be taken individually depending on your needs, and acts as an effective alternative to the City & Guilds courses listed below. (For full details, see entry under 'Other operatives' section below)

City & Guilds 2381: BS 7671 IEE Wiring Regulations 16th Edition

The industry standard update qualification, covering all aspects of the most recent edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations BS7671: 2001. This course takes account of the changes to cable core colours for fixed wiring, the ESQCR regulations, and other additional updates. This update qualification assumes a prior qualification in a previous edition of the regulations is already held by the candidate.

City & Guilds 2391: Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations to BS 7671: 2001

The formal qualification covering all aspects of inspection, testing and verification of electrical installations in preparation for the City and Guilds 2391 written exam and practical assessment. Candidates will benefit from sitting the City & Guilds 2381 qualification prior to this course.

Other operatives

If you have no formal industry-recognised electrical qualifications but have prior relevant work experience within the industry, you should consider taking EAL's new Certificate for Domestic Electrical Installers. This VRQ (vocationally recognised qualification) has been developed for those who need to comply with the Part P requirements and prove they are competent to carry out the electrical work in dwellings.

The EAL qualification has been designed for those candidates who:

Wish to establish and have certificated their competences required to carry out electrical installation work in dwellings
Wish to prove their competence and apply for registration as a ‘qualified supervisor’ with a Competent Persons Scheme for domestic electrical installations

This course can be taken as an intensive course covering all 17 units or each unit can be taken individually depending on your needs.

Unit 1 – Applicable Building Regulations for Domestic Electrical Installation (DEI-001)

Unit 2 – Electrical Safety Legislation Regulations Standards and Terminology (DEI-002)

The objective of this unit is to make the candidate aware of the relevant legislation and how this impacts upon the activities of the Domestic Electrical Installer. The implications for the daily activities carried out by the domestic installer are the critical factors here. The underlying reasons for the introduction and history of the particular legislations are not a requirement. Candidates need to be able to identify the actions and obligations upon them through the various forms of legislation and how they ensure compliance where appropriate. For example the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) regulations affect a certain level of operation and the average Domestic Electrical Installer is unlikely to be required to take any specific action in most circumstances. However the candidate needs to know when they apply and why they are there. They should be advised that further training is available for those who need to meet the requirements of CDM and should they be so involved. This qualification does not endeavour to cover those issues in sufficient depth for them to be determined as competent.

Unit 3 – Domestic Electrical Installation – Pre-work Survey/inspection (DEI-003)

The objective of this unit is to enable the candidate to undertake meaningful pre-work surveys for electrical installations in dwellings. The purpose of those surveys is to ensure that the existing electrical supply and installation is suitable to enable the proposed work to be safely undertaken. The candidate should appreciate the importance of ensuring the existing system will be suitable before the work is commenced. The rationale for this is that it is better to determine if the existing installation requires additional work prior to beginning the new work than it is to be unable to finish or energise the installation. The candidate will need to be able to undertake a visual assessment of the existing installation and the equipment, including whether the incoming supply will accommodate any additional load. They will also need to ensure that the existing earthing and bonding arrangements are adequate and that the basic tests are undertaken. E.g. Earth fault loop impedance and polarity, this can be carried out as a single operation using EFLI to confirm both requirements. The candidate should be able to ensure that the test results meet the requirements of BS 7671.

Unit 4 – Domestic Electrical Installation - Safe Isolation Procedures (DEI-004)

This unit is intended to enable the candidate to achieve the level of competence necessary to isolate single circuits and entire domestic installations to enable them to undertake their work in safety. The requirements for isolation are related to electrical installations in dwellings as are the means for ensuring that accidental or unintentional energising does not occur. The means of ensuring that the installation is under the control of the candidate should include the procedures for the typical devices found in the electrical installations in dwellings. Isolation for three phase systems is not a requirement within this unit, however the candidate should be aware of the implications of multi phase supplies to domestic installations.

Unit 5 – Identifying Unsafe Electrical Situations (DEI-005)

The objective of this unit is to enable the candidate to recognise typical unsafe electrical components and situations found in domestic electrical installations. The term unsafe installations covers a number of levels including the correct rating of protective devices, absence or incorrect sizing of earthing and bonding conductors, incorrect or damaged accessories, reverse polarity etc. The examples are all related to the typical electrical installations in dwellings and the assessment rigs and equipment should be similarly focused.

Unit 6 – Domestic Electrical Earthing and Bonding Requirements (DEI-006)

This unit is intended to enable the candidate to become familiar with the earthing and bonding arrangements for domestic installations. Candidates need to be aware of the requirements for these arrangements but there is no requirement for them to be aware of the full detail of the electrical supply systems. They need to be aware and able to identify the three main types of systems currently in use and the acceptable max values of Ze expected for each. Details of the EFLI path are not necessary for the level of understanding required with this unit. The significance of main and supplementary equipotential bonding related to the domestic electrical installation should be understood. The candidate should be aware of the importance of earthing and bonding in connection with protection against electric shock in addition to the detail provided in section 4 of the On Site Guide. The candidate should be able to identify the requirements for and location of the appropriate labels related to the earthing and bonding of domestic electrical installations.

Unit 7 – Electrical Test Procedures (DEI-007)

This unit is intended to enable the candidate to undertake the necessary tests to ensure that their new domestic installation (circuits or alterations) is safe to place into service. They will need to be able to perform the tests and confirm the results are within the parameters detailed in the On Site Guide. The detail provided in this unit should be sufficient to enable them to perform the installation confirmation of compliance and certification activities related to their installations. The emphasis is placed upon correctly carrying out the tests and confirming the results meet the required criteria, referenced in the On Site Guide, for the installation to be safely placed into service. The underlying theory related to the tests is not included in the unit, candidates wishing to develop a deeper understanding should be advised that further training is available should they wish to pursue this subject.

Unit 8 – Selecting Domestic Electrical Cable and Components (DEI-008)

The objective of this unit is to enable the candidate to select appropriate equipment for installation in dwellings. This includes the additional requirements for location in bathrooms and outdoors in addition to the general domestic installation requirements. An in depth understanding of the IP codes etc. is not required but rather an understanding of the requirements for the relevant equipment, based upon the specific requirements for domestic electrical installations. This will include the requirements for impact and ingress of moisture, protection of cables and suitable selection of equipment for the domestic dwelling environment alone.

Unit 9 - Installing and Replacement of Electrical Components (DEI-009)

This unit relates to a specific activity of replacement of components and accessories. This unit could be particularly useful for those persons undertaking maintenance activities and has been included in this format for that reason. It would be reasonable to consider this in conjunction with other modules for delivery purposes but the assessments related to this unit must be completed successfully. Candidates need to be aware of the potential problems related to component changes and the need to ensure that their work meets the requirements.

Unit 10 – Checking the Correct and Safe Operation of Installed Electrical Components (DEI-010)

This unit relates to a specific activity of checking the function of replaced components and accessories and the associated documentation. This unit could be particularly useful for those persons undertaking maintenance activities and has been included in this format for that reason. It would be reasonable to consider this in conjunction with other modules for delivery purposes but the assessments related to this unit must be completed successfully. Candidates need to be aware of the potential problems related to component changes and the need to ensure that their work meets the requirements. Also the need to consider the advice given to the owner of the installation should any non compliances be observed during this activity.

Unit 11 – Recording of Electrical Test Results and Completing Certificates (DEI-011)

This unit specifically refers to the recording of test results, the compilation of the schedules of test results and validation of the values. These relate specifically to the requirements for electrical installations in dwellings and the forms of certification would be similarly focused. Candidates need to be aware of the items related to their installation activities and it is not anticipated that they will be familiar with items outside this sphere of activity. Some of the activities included in this module are also covered in other units and this is intentional to ensure the opportunity for candidates to consolidate their understanding. An in depth knowledge of all aspects of inspection and testing is not required for electrical installations in dwellings and this unit is not intended to impart this level of understanding. There is an inclusion of the requirements for candidates to be aware of the information which needs to be provided to confirm Building Regulations compliance. The forms used for this may vary dependant upon the scheme provider, however the information required is standard across them all.

Unit 12 – Installing and/or Rerouting Domestic Electrical Cables (DEI-012)

This unit relates to the installation of cables in domestic dwellings. The topics identified in the unit are related solely to the domestic electrical installation activities. The requirements for overhead cables for example will refer to walkways and, on rare occasions, domestic vehicle access. Underground cable depth refers to supplies to remote locations, buildings and equipment, and candidates should be aware of the recommendations for depth and marking in domestic locations.

Unit 13 – Domestic Electrical Installation - Special Locations (DEI-013)

This unit is intended to cover the special locations and installations referred to in the Building Regulations, Part P. Many of these installations require some additional or specialist knowledge and this unit does not cover these in any depth. The candidate should be aware of the installations so described and should seek further training if they are to be involved in such installations. The candidate should have a better understanding of those areas most commonly encountered in everyday activities and it is these that form the basis of this unit. Thus it typically includes the termination of SWA cables as these are a common means of providing a supply to a remote building (detached garage for example) or equipment. In addition to those items covered specifically the candidate should have an awareness and basic appreciation of the special locations and installations identified in Part P.

Unit 14 – New Domestic Circuit Requirements (DEI-014)

This particular unit has been designed to consider the requirements for new circuit installation in the domestic environment. This has been considered as a separate unit for the purposes of this qualification as it covers additional criteria over and above the competences required to alter existing circuits. It also considers the requirements for ELV lighting, which is identified in Part P as a special installation and therefore as notifiable work. It will be of particular interest to those candidates whose activities involve the installation of new circuits. The basis of the unit is in reference to the domestic electrical installation and should be delivered with this in mind. Candidates will need to be able to determine suitability for new load, correctly select the protective device, conductor size and method of installation from the standard circuit details. The unit also covers the compilation certification related to the new circuit installation. The candidate will therefore need to be aware of the sections of the certification which apply to the domestic installation and be able to correctly complete them. They should also be aware of those parts of the certificate which are not relevant and can be identified as N/A for the domestic electrical installation.

Unit 15 – Installing Domestic Lighting Circuits (DEI-015)

This unit has been designed to consider the specific requirements for lighting circuits and covers both LV and ELV circuits. The intention is to enable the candidate to obtain the necessary competence to install lighting circuits using standard circuit arrangements and pvc pvc cables. It is not intended to consider the many possible configurations of circuits available. It is intended that candidates will be able to install the standard twin and three core with cpc cable installations competently. The candidate should also be aware of the requirements of the particular requirements for ELV lighting circuits and appreciate that installation of these circuits is classed as notifiable work.

Unit 16 – Maintaining Domestic Electrical Installations (DEI-016)

The purpose of this unit is to ensure that the candidate is aware of the need for the maintenance of domestic electrical installations. The need for periodic inspection of electrical installations and the reasons for the recommendations made regarding further inspection on the electrical installation certificates. They should also have an awareness of the requirement for records to be maintained concerning any maintenance, repair or alteration activities carried out on the electrical installation. This should be related to the requirements for domestic installations and a detailed knowledge of the periodicy for all types of installations, although they should be aware where such information may be obtained.

Unit 17 – Basic Understanding of 3 Phase Supplies (DEI-017)

The purpose of this unit is to ensure that the candidate is aware of three phase supplies. Two and three phase supplies are found in some domestic dwellings, particularly where high electrical heating loads are used. In addition a dwelling may have its supply derived from a commercial or industrial 3 phase supply. The candidate needs to be aware of the implications of 3 phase, why it is used and the additional precautions necessary when such supplies are involved. Eg. high fault currents phase to phase, voltage between phases and implications for their safe working. Candidates will not be expected to understand the installation requirements and test procedures for three phase installations. They will not be expected to undertake the installation of three phase circuits and equipment. They should be aware of the isolation requirements for single phase installations derived from a three phase supply.

Additional information

Although a candidate enrolling on the EAL course does not need to have formal prior knowledge in the form of recognised qualifications, they should have some knowledge and practice of electrical installation in dwellings and, as an absolute minimum, competence in component/unit exchange. It should be recognised that candidates without this minimum knowledge and practice are unlikely to be able to complete the course in the notional learning hours allocated to it as they will require more detailed input.

Those candidates that can provide proof of achievement of industry-recognised qualifications (e.g. A Current 16th Edition qualifications, City and Guilds 236 part 2 qualification or equivalent etc) and whose knowledge and experience is valid and up-to-date may be only required to complete unit DEI/001. However if it is felt they are lacking in some areas covered by the other units, it is recommended that they complete these units also, as they will be assessed in all these areas when applying for registration as a ‘qualified supervisor’ with a Competent Persons Scheme for domestic electrical installations.

Contact details

To find your nearest course provider contact the following organisations:

EAL

www.eal.org.uk

Tel: 0870 240 6889

City & Guilds

www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

Tel: 020 7294 2800