The UK’s electrotechnical industry is going through one of its most significant qualification updates in years, driven by industry-wide changes to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS). These updates are designed to bring greater clarity and competence standards to electrician qualifications, help improve safety outcomes, and equip the workforce to meet the future demands of the sector, including low-carbon technologies.
What are the EAS changes?
The EAS provides a framework used by registration bodies (such as NICEIC, NAPIT and others) to assess businesses and individuals undertaking electrical work. The latest updates – due to take full effect by 1st October 2026 – will bring in clearer requirements for technical competence, qualifications and experience for those carrying out specific types of work.
These are the main changes:
- Clearer qualification requirements for electricians undertaking periodic inspection and testing (such as EICRs). Individuals responsible for this work are now expected to hold a recognised Level 3 qualification and evidence of at least two years’ relevant experience, plus ongoing professional development.
- New work categories and competencies for low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicle charging installations, solar photovoltaic systems, and electrical energy storage systems. These require specific qualification routes when working in these areas.
- A broader focus on verifying that all employed persons (including subcontractors and sole traders) engaged in electrotechnical work meet these competence standards.
This is expected to be the most significant EAS update in recent years (previous versions were published in October 2024 and October 2021, which were mainly technical updates), incorporating the changing landscape of technology and safety standards, and reflecting the competence requirements that clients now expect of electricians.
What this means for anyone considering (re)training
With the EAS raising the bar on competence and qualification standards, the role of a fully qualified electrician is becoming more defined and respected. As a positive step, and if you’re asking, “Is it worth retraining as an electrician?”, here are a few reasons the current climate makes it a compelling choice:
- Strong baseline competence requirements now mean that trained electricians have recognisable and transferable qualifications, which are increasingly expected by employers and clients.
- The inclusion of low-carbon installation work in the standard reflects growth areas in the industry – like EV charge points and renewable energy systems – where qualified electricians will be in strong demand.
- With the qualification framework tightening, having formal credentials can set you apart from unqualified competitors and open doors in both traditional electrical installation work and newer technology sectors.
So in short, yes — retraining as an electrician has strong prospects in 2026, especially if you invest in up-to-date qualifications that align with the latest industry standards. The evolving EAS requirements underline how important formal training and competence will be in the years ahead.
Thinking about your next step?
If you’re considering retraining or need to update your qualifications to meet the new EAS standards, PTT can help you understand the right pathways and options available for your career goals. To find out more, please contact us today by clicking here, or call us directly on 01442 949817.
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