If you are considering a new direction in your career, you may be asking: is it worth retraining as an electrician and aiming for Gold Card status? The short answer is ‘yes!’ There has never been a better time to train as an electrician, and the Gold Card is regarded as the hallmark of capability and trust across the industry, offering electricians a route to higher credibility, wider job opportunities, and long-term career stability. This article walks you through every stage of the process, whether you are reskilling, upskilling, or simply seeking a recognised path to advance your career in the electrical field.
1. Meet The Foundational Qualification Requirements
The Gold Card is not a qualification in its own right and there isn’t a ‘Gold Card course’. Rather, the Gold Card is a recognition that the holder has achieved certain qualifications related to technical ability, health and safety, service standards, and so on. Before you apply for your Gold Card, therefore, it is important to hold the correct qualifications. To be eligible, you must have completed one of the following:
- A JIB-recognised UK Level 3 NVQ Diploma in a relevant electrical discipline (e.g., Electrotechnical Services, Electrical Installation).
- A formal UK electrical apprenticeship that is recognised by the JIB.
- An equivalent historical qualification, such as a City & Guilds Part 2 or other approved certifications.
2. Pass The BS 7671 Wiring Regulations Exam
Compliance with the latest industry safety standards is essential for practising electricians. To get your Gold Card, you must achieve a formal qualification that demonstrates your understanding of the current edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). As regulations are updated from time to time to reflect new technologies and safety practices, keeping your knowledge current is vital. The latest version of the Wiring Regulations is the 18th edition, which includes several important updates introduced this year (2025). Among the changes are new standards related to ARC Fault Detection Devices, changes to RCD protection, and general safety enhancements. A good quality electrotechnical qualification, such as the training we offer here at PTT, will include up-to-date information as it becomes available.
3. Complete An AM2 Assessment
The AM2 (Achievement Measurement 2) assessment is a practical evaluation of your skills at an approved assessment centre, demonstrating that you can apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. These comprehensive set of assessments test your competence in installation, termination, inspection, testing, and fault-finding.
4. Apply For Your ECS Gold Card
Once you have gained your NVQ, BS 7671 certification, and your AM2 results, you are ready to apply. The application is typically submitted online through the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS), and the process involves:
- Creating an online account with the ECS.
- Uploading your documents as proof of your qualifications and assessments.
- Completing the ECS Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment, unless you hold a recognised exemption.
- Submitting your application and paying the required fee.
Once your application is accepted, your Gold Card will be posted out to you.
Find Out More
At PTT, we offer a range of accredited courses for new and practising electricians, including a recognised pathway for electricians who want to apply for Gold Card status. To find out more, please get in touch with one of our training advisors today by clicking here, or by calling 01442 501223.
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