The UK electrical industry is ten weeks away from one of the biggest regulatory shifts in a generation. On 1 October 2026, the updated Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) takes full effect — permanently changing who can legally carry out electrical inspection work and low-carbon installations under a Competent Person Scheme.
Two weeks after that, on 15 October 2026, the previous edition of the IET Wiring Regulations is withdrawn and BS 7671 Amendment 4 becomes the only permitted standard for all new electrical work, modifications and inspections in the UK.
If you are a homeowner, landlord or business owner anywhere in the UK, these two deadlines affect every electrician you hire from autumn 2026 onwards. This guide covers everything you need to know — what is changing, why it matters, what to check before you book, and how the rules differ across England, Wales and Scotland.
What Is the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification?
The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification is the UK-wide framework that defines the minimum competence standards every electrical business must meet to be registered with a Competent Person Scheme. Every contractor holding NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, BESCA or SELECT approval must satisfy the EAS requirements to gain and keep that registration.
The EAS is maintained by a management committee made up of the major certification bodies, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), and other industry stakeholders. It covers everything from individual qualifications and experience to business management systems, health and safety procedures and technical competence for specific types of work.
Think of it as the industry’s quality standard for who gets to carry out safety-critical electrical work under a recognised scheme. When you hire a NICEIC approved contractor, you are trusting that the EAS has already set the bar for what that approval means.
The current version — EAS October 2024, reference EAS 24-527B — replaces the previous 2021 edition. Its key changes come into full force on 1 October 2026, with some elements having applied from October 2024 onwards.
Why the EAS Needed Updating
For years, the electrical industry operated on a firm-level competence model. A business could hold scheme registration if it had one qualified supervisor — a person holding the appropriate qualifications and experience — even if the individual operatives carrying out the work day to day did not personally hold those qualifications.
That created a gap. A firm could have one qualified supervisor on the books while deploying less qualified individuals to carry out inspection and testing work. The supervisor would technically be responsible, but the person actually holding the multifunction tester and producing the test results might not meet the same standard.
The October 2024 EAS update closes that gap directly. From 1 October 2026, individual competence is mandatory — not firm-level coverage.
The reform is also part of a wider industry response to the Hackitt Review. Dame Judith Hackitt’s independent review of building regulations and fire safety, commissioned after the Grenfell Tower fire, found that weak and inconsistent competence standards across the construction industry were putting lives at risk. Her central recommendation was that the UK needed stronger, more consistent rules to ensure that people working on safety-critical systems — including electrical installations — are genuinely qualified, experienced and accountable. The EAS changes are the electrical industry’s direct response to that finding.
The EAS Implementation Timeline
The transition to the new EAS has been phased over two years, giving firms time to identify qualification gaps and upskill their workforce.
- October 2024 — Awareness phase begins. The updated EAS is published. Certification body assessors begin flagging qualification gaps during visits but do not enforce. Businesses are expected to start planning and booking training.
- October 2024 onwards — Improvement phase. Assessors work with businesses to agree action plans. Non-conformance development points are recorded on assessment reports. Businesses with gaps are not immediately removed from schemes but must show a clear plan to reach compliance.
- January 2026. The Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings (LCL Awards) is no longer acceptable for new applicants under the EAS. Electricians who gained this qualification before January 2026 can still use it under the EAS Route 4 Older Qualifications pathway.
- March 2026. NICEIC updates the acceptable qualifications list to add City and Guilds 2919-01 and 2919-02 for EV charging work.
- 15 April 2026. BS 7671 Amendment 4 published by the IET and BSI.
- 1 October 2026 — Hard deadline. Full enforcement begins. Every individual carrying out EICRs or low-carbon installations under a Competent Person Scheme must hold the required individual Level 3 qualification, two years of documented experience and evidence of ongoing CPD. Non-compliant scopes of work are removed from firm registrations.
- 15 October 2026. Previous edition of BS 7671 withdrawn. Amendment 4 becomes the only permitted standard for all new work, modifications and periodic inspection.
There is no formal grace period beyond 1 October. Certification bodies may have internal processes for firms that are close to compliance, but the hard deadline is 1 October and the expectation is full enforcement from that date.
What Changes on 1 October 2026
Individual Qualification Mandatory for EICR Work
This is the most significant change for anyone commissioning an Electrical Installation Condition Report. From 1 October 2026, every individual person carrying out periodic inspection and testing must personally hold one of the following:
- City and Guilds 2391-52 — Level 3 Award covering both Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection and Testing
- City and Guilds 2391-51 — Level 3 Award in Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations
- An approved equivalent listed in the EAS Qualifications Guide
In addition, every individual must demonstrate at least two years of documented experience in periodic inspection and testing work, and provide evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The old model — where one qualified supervisor could hold the qualification and cover the inspection work of an entire team — ends permanently on 1 October. If someone turns up to carry out your EICR and cannot demonstrate their own individual qualification, they should not be doing that work under a Competent Person Scheme from that date.
It is worth understanding what the 2391-52 actually requires. It has consistently had one of the lowest pass rates of any electrical qualification in the UK — widely reported at around 30 to 35 percent. That low pass rate reflects the genuine technical difficulty of the subject: a deep understanding of BS 7671, test instrument operation, schedule of test results, and the ability to correctly diagnose and classify faults. The fact that the EAS now requires every individual doing EICRs to hold this qualification — not just have a firm-level supervisor with it — is a meaningful upgrade to consumer protection.
Four New Mandatory Categories for Low-Carbon Work
Four new work categories are added to the EAS from 1 October 2026, each requiring specific individual qualifications:
- EV charging equipment installation — requires City and Guilds 2919-01, 2919-02, or an approved EAL Level 3 equivalent
- Solar PV systems installation — requires a Level 3 Award in Solar PV Installation
- Electrical energy storage systems (EESS) — requires a recognised Level 3 Award in battery storage installation
- Micro wind turbine installation — requires specific qualifications listed in the EAS Qualifications Guide
Before October 2026, an electrician with a general electrical registration could install an EV charger, solar panels or a battery storage system under their existing scheme approval, provided they had manufacturer training. That route closes on 1 October. From that date, any installer certifying this work under a Competent Person Scheme must hold the relevant technology-specific Level 3 qualification.
For customers commissioning EV charger installation or solar PV work, the question to ask any installer is straightforward: which Level 3 qualification do you hold for this specific technology? A compliant installer will answer without hesitation. One who cannot is working outside the new requirements.
Stronger Individual Oversight by Certification Bodies
Under the new EAS, certification bodies including NICEIC, NAPIT and SELECT assess individual operatives against the competence standards — not just the firm as a whole. Assessors check that every Qualified Supervisor and every employed person working in the affected categories meets the requirements.
Where shortfalls are identified after 1 October, the specific scope of work is removed from the firm’s registration. A firm with an unqualified operative carrying out EICRs does not simply get a warning — that work category is removed from their approved scope until the operative achieves compliance. Persistent or repeated non-compliance can result in complete withdrawal of scheme membership.
BS 7671 Amendment 4: The Wiring Regulations Update
Alongside the EAS changes, the IET published Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018 — the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations — on 15 April 2026. The previous edition (BS 7671:2018+A2:2022+A3:2024) remains valid in parallel until 15 October 2026, after which it is withdrawn.
From 16 October 2026, all new installation work, modifications and periodic inspection must comply with BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. Any certificate issued after that date referencing the old standard may not be valid.
Key changes introduced by Amendment 4 include:
- A revised EICR form layout and updated schedule of test results format
- Updated protective device requirements, particularly for RCDs and AFDDs
- Revised requirements for special locations including bathrooms, swimming pools and EV charging installations
- Updated requirements for prosumer installations — properties with both generation and consumption such as solar PV with battery storage
- Clarification of requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment
For homeowners and landlords, the practical implication is straightforward: any EICR or installation certificate you receive after 15 October 2026 should reference Amendment 4. If it does not, ask the electrician why. Either they are still working to the old standard, or the certificate has not been updated — neither is acceptable for new work after the withdrawal date.
Building Regulations Across England, Wales and Scotland
While the EAS applies uniformly across the UK, the building regulations framework for electrical work differs by nation — something every property owner should understand.
England and Wales — Approved Document P
In England and Wales, Approved Document P sets out the building regulations requirements for electrical safety in dwellings. Under Part P, certain categories of electrical work — including new circuits, consumer unit replacements, and work in kitchens and bathrooms — must either be carried out by a registered Competent Person or notified to the local building control authority. A registered Competent Person self-certifies their work and notifies building control on your behalf. An unregistered individual cannot self-certify and must submit a building notice, pay a fee, and have the work inspected by a building control officer.
Scotland — Building (Scotland) Regulations
Part P does not apply in Scotland. Electrical work in Scotland is governed by the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and the associated Technical Standards. Notifiable electrical work must be carried out by a registered electrician or notified to the local authority verifier under Scottish building standards. The obligations are similar in intent to Part P but operate through a different regulatory structure.
The EAS applies equally to NICEIC, NAPIT and SELECT members working in Scotland. The October 2026 qualification deadlines are identical regardless of which nation an electrician is based in or working in.
Landlord EICR Rules: What the Law Requires in 2026
Landlord obligations around electrical safety have tightened significantly in recent years, and the picture differs by nation.
Private Rented Sector in England
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, all private landlords in England must have their rental properties inspected by a qualified person and hold a valid EICR, renewed at least every five years. The first mandatory EICRs for existing tenancies were required by April 2021 — meaning a significant number of properties in England are now due for their first renewal in 2026.
The regulations were extended to the social rented sector in 2025. From November 2025 (new tenancies) and May 2026 (existing tenancies), social housing landlords must also comply. The maximum civil penalty for non-compliance was raised to £40,000 in May 2026.
Private Rented Sector in Scotland
In Scotland, landlords are required under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 and associated regulations to ensure a satisfactory EICR is in place for all rented properties, renewed every five years. This applies to both private landlords and HMO licence holders. The EICR must be carried out by a registered electrician and a copy provided to tenants. Tenants cannot legally be required to move out to allow access for inspection — though continued refusal can be addressed through the courts.
From October 2026, the Scottish landlord EICR requirement intersects directly with the EAS changes. Landlords booking inspections after 1 October should verify that the individual electrician — not just the firm — holds the 2391-52 or equivalent qualification. A firm-level approval is no longer sufficient evidence that the person on site meets the standard.
Low-Carbon Installations: Why the New Categories Matter
EV charging and solar PV installations have grown rapidly across the UK. That pace of growth created a problem: the availability of properly qualified installers did not keep up with demand, and the existing registration framework did not require individual technology-specific qualifications for this work.
The consequences of poorly installed low-carbon systems can be serious. EV chargers operate at high currents and require correct circuit protection, cable sizing, earthing and earthing arrangements specific to EV supply equipment. Solar PV systems with battery storage involve DC voltages, inverter isolation, prosumer grid connections and fire risk considerations that are distinct from standard AC electrical work. An electrician with a general installation background but without specific training for these systems may install them correctly — but they may also miss critical safety steps that standard electrical training does not cover.
The four new EAS categories directly address this. From 1 October 2026, installer competence for these technologies is individually verifiable, not just assumed from general scheme membership.
What Does a Properly Qualified EICR Actually Look Like?
Understanding what a genuine EICR involves helps you recognise one that falls short. A proper periodic inspection and testing visit carried out to BS 7671 involves:
- Visual inspection — checking the condition of all accessible wiring, accessories, consumer unit or distribution board, earthing and bonding arrangements, and cable routes
- Continuity testing — verifying the integrity of protective conductors and ring final circuit continuity
- Insulation resistance testing — confirming insulation integrity between conductors and between conductors and earth
- Earth fault loop impedance testing — measuring the impedance of the fault current path to verify that protective devices will operate within the time limits required by BS 7671
- RCD operation testing — testing that residual current devices operate within the required disconnection time when a fault is simulated
- Schedule of test results — a complete record of actual measured values for every circuit, not just pass/fail indicators
That last point matters. A genuine schedule of test results contains actual measured figures — earth fault loop impedance values, insulation resistance measurements, RCD trip times — for every circuit in the property. If you receive an EICR where every circuit shows identical values, or where the test result columns are blank or filled with tick marks rather than measured figures, those results have not been properly recorded. Ask questions before accepting that certificate as valid.
See our guide on the most common faults found during a genuine EICR to understand what a thorough inspection typically uncovers.
EICR Fault Classifications Explained
Every EICR produces a condition rating for the installation as a whole — either Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory — along with individual observations for any items that require attention. Each observation is classified by severity:
- C1 — Danger present. An immediate risk of injury or death. The electrician is required to make the installation safe before leaving the premises. A C1 automatically makes the EICR Unsatisfactory.
- C2 — Potentially dangerous. A defect that could become dangerous. Requires urgent remedial action — typically within 28 days for landlords. A C2 makes the EICR Unsatisfactory.
- C3 — Improvement recommended. The installation does not meet current BS 7671 standards but is not immediately dangerous. A C3 does not make the EICR Unsatisfactory, but the improvement should be considered.
- FI — Further investigation required. Something that cannot be fully assessed during the inspection and requires investigation before a final classification can be given.
Read our full guide on EICR codes and what they mean for more detail on each classification and what remedial work involves.
What to Check Before Hiring an Electrician From October 2026
With the October deadline approaching, a proportion of currently registered firms across the UK are still in the improvement phase — qualification gaps have been flagged by their certification body but not yet resolved. From 1 October, those scopes must be removed from their registration or they risk losing scheme membership.
That means the risk is highest in the weeks immediately after 1 October, when firms that have not resolved gaps will either be operating outside their approved scope or will have had work categories removed from their registration without you knowing. Checking before you book is more important than ever.
Before booking any electrical work from October 2026 onwards:
- Verify scheme registration directly. Check the contractor’s registration on the NICEIC, NAPIT or SELECT website — not just from their own materials. Scheme websites show current registration status and approved scope.
- Ask for individual EICR qualifications. Ask the person who will carry out your inspection whether they personally hold 2391-52, 2391-51 or an approved equivalent. This is a reasonable and legitimate question for any customer to ask.
- For low-carbon work, ask about technology-specific qualifications. For EV charger installation, ask which Level 3 qualification they hold — 2391-52 is not sufficient for EV work. For solar PV, ask the same.
- Check the certificate references Amendment 4. From 16 October 2026, any EICR or installation certificate should reference BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. If it references the old edition, ask why.
- Look at the schedule of test results. Verify that the EICR includes actual measured values for each circuit, not blank fields or identical readings throughout.
Our guide on how to check your electrician is genuinely qualified covers the full verification process in detail.
Why This Is Good News for Customers and the Industry
The EAS changes are sometimes discussed in trade press as a burden on electrical businesses — and for firms that have qualification gaps, they do represent a real cost and effort to resolve. But from a customer perspective, the changes are straightforwardly positive.
Before October 2026, it was genuinely possible for a registered firm to send an operative without a formal inspection and testing qualification to carry out your EICR, provided the firm’s qualified supervisor was nominally responsible. That operative might have years of practical experience and do a perfectly good job. Or they might not. The system could not distinguish between the two, because individual competence was not individually verifiable through the scheme.
After October 2026, that ambiguity is removed. The person who turns up to your property and carries out your EICR must be individually qualified to do so. The certificate they produce is backed by their own documented qualification and experience — not by a firm-level supervisor who may never set foot on your property.
For landlords managing renewal cycles, the EAS changes mean the question to ask is not just “are you NICEIC registered?” but “do you personally hold 2391-52?” For homeowners booking a routine inspection, the same question is now worth asking. A genuinely qualified electrician will welcome it.
Faithful Spark Electricians: EAS Compliant and Ready
Faithful Spark Electricians is a NICEIC Approved Contractor based in Peterhead, covering Aberdeen city and the wider Aberdeenshire area including Fraserburgh, Ellon, Inverurie, Westhill and Stonehaven. Our qualified supervisors hold City and Guilds 2391-52 — the qualification that becomes individually mandatory for all EICR work from 1 October 2026. We do not operate a model where one qualified supervisor covers a team of unqualified operatives. Every EICR we carry out is performed by a qualified inspector.
For low-carbon installations, we are OZEV-authorised for EV charger installations and hold the specific installer approvals for Ohme, Myenergi Zappi and Andersen EV chargers. Every installation certificate we issue is produced to BS 7671 standards — and from 15 October 2026, to Amendment 4.
To book an EICR in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire, or to discuss an EV charger installation, call 07304 027013 or email info@faithfulsparkelectricians.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EAS and why is it changing?
The Electrotechnical Assessment Specification is the UK-wide competence framework used by all major electrical Competent Person Schemes — NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, BESCA and SELECT. It was substantially updated in October 2024, with the key changes taking effect on 1 October 2026. The update shifts from firm-level to individual competence for periodic inspection and testing, adds four new mandatory low-carbon work categories, and introduces stronger individual oversight by certification bodies. The reforms are partly driven by the Hackitt Review’s recommendations for stronger competence standards across safety-critical construction trades.
Does the EAS apply in Scotland?
Yes. The EAS applies to all NICEIC, NAPIT and SELECT members across the entire UK, including Scotland. The October 2026 qualification requirements are identical regardless of location. What differs is the building regulations framework — Scotland operates under the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 rather than Approved Document P, which applies in England and Wales only.
What qualifications must an electrician hold to carry out EICRs from October 2026?
From 1 October 2026, every individual carrying out periodic inspection and testing under a Competent Person Scheme must personally hold a Level 3 Award in inspection and testing — City and Guilds 2391-52 (covering initial verification and periodic inspection) or 2391-51 (periodic inspection only), or an approved equivalent listed in the EAS Qualifications Guide. They must also have a minimum of two years of documented experience in periodic inspection work and evidence of ongoing CPD.
What qualifications are required for EV charger installation from October 2026?
From 1 October 2026, anyone certifying EV charging equipment installation under a Competent Person Scheme must hold a Level 3 qualification specifically covering EV charging. Acceptable qualifications include City and Guilds 2919-01 (Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation) or 2919-02 (Domestic Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation), or an approved EAL Level 3 equivalent. The 2391-52 alone is not sufficient for EV charging work.
What is BS 7671 Amendment 4 and when does it become mandatory?
Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018 — the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations — was published on 15 April 2026. The previous edition runs in parallel until 15 October 2026, when it is withdrawn. From 16 October 2026, all new work, modifications and periodic inspection must comply with BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. Key changes include a revised EICR form layout, updated protective device requirements and new requirements for prosumer installations and EV supply equipment.
Does this affect my existing EICR?
No. A current EICR issued by a registered contractor before October 2026 remains valid for its stated period — typically five years for domestic properties and three to five years for commercial premises. The changes affect who can carry out future inspections, not the validity of existing certificates. When your EICR comes up for renewal, verify that the contractor — and the individual carrying out the inspection — meets the new qualification requirements before booking.
What happens if an electrician carries out an EICR without holding the required qualification after October 2026?
If an electrician carries out EICR work under a Competent Person Scheme without holding the required individual qualification after 1 October 2026, their firm risks having periodic inspection and testing removed from their approved scope of work. The certificate they issue may not be valid under the scheme. For landlords, an EICR produced by an unqualified individual may not satisfy the legal obligation to hold a valid inspection report — a particular concern given the £40,000 maximum civil penalty in England for non-compliance with landlord electrical safety regulations.
How do I check if an electrician is properly registered and qualified?
Verify registration directly on the NICEIC, NAPIT or SELECT website using the contractor’s name or registration number — not just from their own marketing materials. Then ask the individual who will carry out your inspection whether they personally hold 2391-52 or an approved equivalent. For EV charger or solar PV work, ask specifically which Level 3 qualification they hold for that technology. A compliant, properly qualified electrician will welcome these questions rather than deflect them.
How often should my property have an EICR?
For homeowners, the recommended interval is every ten years, or on change of occupancy for older properties or those with no recent testing history. For private landlords, the legal requirement is every five years — or sooner if the report specifies it. For commercial premises, the recommended interval is typically every three to five years depending on the type of use, though some premises types such as pubs, swimming pools and petrol stations have shorter recommended intervals. See our guide on why electrical testing matters for more on recommended intervals.
