Who is qualified to carry out an EICR in the UK?

An EICR must be carried out by a "qualified and competent person" under the Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020. In practice this means a fully qualified electrician who holds the appropriate inspection and testing qualification (City and Guilds 2391, or 2394/2395), a current 18th Edition BS 7671 qualification (C&G 2382), and is registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. Registration with a scheme provides independent verification of qualifications, insurance, and ongoing assessment.

What is the difference between City and Guilds 2391, 2394, and 2395?

City and Guilds 2391 (Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations) was the traditional single qualification for EICR work. It has been largely superseded by two qualifications: 2394 (Design and Verification of Electrical Installations) and 2395 (Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations). Holding both 2394 and 2395 is the current standard for electricians carrying out EICR work. The 2391 remains valid if held, but new entrants to the field should pursue the 2394/2395 pathway.

What test instruments do I need to carry out an EICR?

The minimum test instruments required for a domestic EICR are a Multi-Function Tester (MFT) capable of: earth continuity testing, insulation resistance testing (500V and 250V DC), polarity testing, earth fault loop impedance testing, and RCD trip-time and trip-current testing. The MFT must be calibrated and within its calibration period. A proving unit to verify the MFT is also advisable before each use. For commercial EICRs, additional instruments may be required depending on the installation.

How many circuits do I need to test during an EICR?

BS 7671 Section 634 requires periodic inspection and testing to be carried out using appropriate sampling. For a domestic property, a common approach is to test all circuits at the consumer unit and to sample a representative selection of socket outlets, light fittings, and other accessories. The number of samples should be sufficient to give a representative picture of the installation's condition. The inspector records which circuits were tested and which were sampled on the Schedule of Test Results.

What must be included in a compliant EICR?

A compliant EICR must include: details of the premises and installation; the extent and limitations of the inspection; a Schedule of Inspections (tick-list checking compliance with BS 7671 requirements); a Schedule of Test Results (recording actual measurements for each circuit tested); a list of observations coded as C1, C2, C3, or FI; the overall assessment of the installation (Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory); the recommended next inspection interval; the inspector's signature, qualifications, and registration number; and the date of the inspection.

Can I carry out an EICR on an installation I previously wired?

There is no absolute legal prohibition on an electrician inspecting an installation they previously worked on, but it is considered best practice for EICRs to be carried out by someone independent of the installing contractor. For landlord compliance purposes, the key requirement is that the inspector is "qualified and competent" — not necessarily that they are independent. However, independence adds objectivity and is recommended particularly for commercial or complex installations.

How should I handle limitations on an EICR?

Where parts of the installation are inaccessible (concealed cables, locked rooms, fixed furniture) or cannot be tested without dismantling the installation, the inspector must record the limitations on the EICR. The limitations section specifies exactly what was not inspected and why. Where a limitation means an area of the installation cannot be assessed, this may result in an FI (further investigation) observation. Limitations must be agreed with the client before the inspection begins.

CONTRACTOR GUIDE

EICR Contractor Guide: How to Carry Out EICRs Correctly

A complete guide for qualified electricians carrying out EICRs. Covers who is legally qualified to inspect, the 2391/2394/2395 qualification framework, test instruments and calibration, completing the schedule of inspections and test results, observation classification, common mistakes, and how to use Elec-Mate to complete EICRs efficiently on site.

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15 min readUpdated 2026-05-18Andrew Moore, Founder of Elec-Mate

Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.

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Key Takeaways

1An EICR must be carried out by a "qualified and competent person" — in practice this means a fully qualified electrician who is registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or equivalent).
2The appropriate qualifications for EICR work are City and Guilds 2391 (Inspection and Testing) or the equivalent 2394 (Design and Verification of Electrical Installations) and 2395 (Inspection, Testing and Certification). The 18th Edition (C&G 2382) is also required.
3Test instruments must be calibrated and in good working order. Minimum required instruments include an MFT (Multi-Function Tester) capable of continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, and RCD testing.
4The EICR must include a Schedule of Inspections, a Schedule of Test Results, a list of observations with C1/C2/C3/FI classification, an overall assessment (Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory), and a recommended reinspection interval.
5Using Elec-Mate's EICR app, electricians can complete the full schedule of inspections and test results on site, classify observations, and export a compliant PDF — eliminating evening paperwork and reducing errors.
6Common EICR mistakes include insufficient sampling of test results, failing to test all accessible circuits, incorrect observation classification, and missing or incomplete schedule documentation.

01 · Contractor Guide

Who Can Carry Out an EICR?

The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require that an EICR is carried out by a "qualified and competent person." The same language appears in the statutory guidance supporting the regulations. This is not a highly prescriptive definition — the regulations do not specify a particular qualification — but in practice, the expectation is clear.

Registered with a competent person scheme — registration with NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or an equivalent body is the clearest practical evidence of qualification and competence. These schemes assess members' qualifications, insurance, and workmanship, and provide a public register that landlords and local authorities can check.
Inspection and testing qualification — the inspector must hold a specific qualification in inspection and testing, not just a general electrical qualification. City and Guilds 2391, or the current equivalents 2394 and 2395, are the accepted standard. A Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Services alone is not sufficient.
Current BS 7671 knowledge — the inspector must have a current knowledge of BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations). The current edition is BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 (18th Edition). The City and Guilds 2382 (18th Edition) or equivalent confirms this. Previous editions of BS 7671 are regularly updated, and inspectors must be familiar with the current requirements.
Professional indemnity insurance — competent person scheme membership requires appropriate insurance. This protects both the electrician and the client if an error on the EICR leads to a claim. Electricians carrying out EICR work should ensure their insurance specifically covers inspection and testing activities.

Landlords who commission EICRs from unregistered or unqualified inspectors to save money face serious risk: the EICR may not be accepted by the local authority, may fail to identify genuine hazards, and will not protect the landlord in the event of an electrical incident.

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02 · Contractor Guide

Required Qualifications: 2391, 2394, and 2395

City and Guilds inspection and testing qualifications are the industry-recognised standard for EICR work. Understanding the qualification framework is important for electricians planning their CPD and career development.

City and Guilds 2391 (Inspection and Testing) — the traditional single-unit qualification for electricians carrying out inspection and testing work. Covers the inspection, testing, and certification of electrical installations. Still valid for those who hold it. No longer widely offered as a new qualification — new entrants should take 2394/2395 instead.
City and Guilds 2394 (Design and Verification) — covers the design and verification of new electrical installations, including producing Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs). Typically taken as the first of the two-part pathway.
City and Guilds 2395 (Inspection, Testing and Certification) — covers the periodic inspection, testing, and certification of existing electrical installations. This is the qualification specifically covering EICR work. Requires 2394 (or equivalent) as a prerequisite. Together, 2394 and 2395 are the current standard pathway.
City and Guilds 2382 (18th Edition BS 7671) — confirms knowledge of the current edition of the IET Wiring Regulations. Must be kept current — the 18th Edition (Amendment 4, 2024) is the version in force. This should be renewed when major amendments are published.

Electricians who hold 2391 and a current 2382 are fully qualified for EICR work. Those who completed their apprenticeship or training before inspection and testing qualifications were well-established should consider whether they hold appropriate evidence of competence — client expectations and local authority scrutiny have increased significantly since the 2020 Regulations.

03 · Contractor Guide

Correct Test Equipment for EICR Work

Carrying out an EICR without correctly calibrated and appropriate test instruments is not only non-compliant — it is potentially dangerous. Test instruments must be capable of producing the measurements required by BS 7671 and must be in good working order with a current calibration certificate.

Multi-Function Tester (MFT) — the core instrument for EICR work. Must be capable of: low-resistance continuity testing (earth continuity and circuit resistance), insulation resistance testing at 500V DC (and 250V for equipment with electronic components), polarity testing, earth fault loop impedance (Zs) testing, and RCD trip-time and trip-current testing. Calibrated annually minimum.
Proving unit — use a proving unit to verify the MFT is functioning correctly before beginning each inspection. Do not rely on the instrument's self-test function alone.
Two-wire or three-wire earth loop tester — for Zs testing in high-impedance circuits or where the standard MFT Zs function may not be sufficiently accurate. Essential for commercial and industrial EICRs.
Calibration certificates — keep calibration certificates for all instruments and be prepared to produce them if requested. Local authority enforcement officers investigating an EICR dispute may ask to see evidence that the instruments used were in calibration.

Test instruments should comply with BS EN 61557 (Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems — Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures). Reputable manufacturers include Fluke, Megger, Chauvin Arnoux, Seaward, and Kewtech. Avoid low-cost instruments from unknown manufacturers for EICR work — the consequences of inaccurate readings are serious.

04 · Contractor Guide

Completing the Schedule of Inspections and Tests Correctly

The Schedule of Inspections and the Schedule of Test Results are the two core technical documents within an EICR. Together they form the evidential basis for the overall assessment. Incomplete or inaccurate schedules are a common weakness in EICRs that can expose electricians to professional liability.

Schedule of Inspections — a tick-list based on Part 6 and Part 7 of BS 7671. Each item is marked as compliant (tick), not applicable (N/A), or defective (observation noted). For a domestic EICR, items include presence of correct earthing and bonding conductors, correct identification of conductors, presence and condition of enclosures, correct protection against shock, appropriate selection of wiring systems, and condition of all accessories.
Schedule of Test Results — records the actual measurements for each circuit: circuit description and reference, type and rating of overcurrent protection, measured R1+R2 (circuit resistance), Rn (neutral resistance), R2 (earth resistance), insulation resistance, polarity, Zs (earth fault loop impedance), and RCD test results where applicable. For sampling, clearly record which circuits were tested and which were not.
Observations list — each defect or departure from BS 7671 must be listed with: a description of the observation, its location, the relevant regulation from BS 7671, and the classification (C1, C2, C3, or FI). Vague or untraceable observations ("general condition poor") are not acceptable. Observations must be specific and actionable.

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05 · Contractor Guide

Completing the EICR Correctly

Beyond the technical schedule, the overall EICR document must meet certain requirements to be valid for landlord compliance purposes. An EICR that is technically competent but administratively deficient can cause problems for landlords when providing it to tenants or local authorities.

Inspector identification — the EICR must include the inspector's full name, signature, qualifications, employer/trading name, and registration number (NICEIC/NAPIT/ELECSA number). This allows local authorities to verify the inspector's credentials if challenged.
Extent and limitations — clearly record what was and was not inspected, and the agreed extent of the inspection. If certain areas were not accessible, record this as a limitation. Agree limitations with the client before commencing the inspection.
Overall assessment — clearly state whether the installation is Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. A common mistake is leaving this ambiguous. If there are C1, C2, or FI observations, the assessment must be Unsatisfactory. C3 alone does not make the assessment Unsatisfactory.
Recommended reinspection interval — record the recommended date for the next inspection. For domestic rental properties this is typically five years from the inspection date, but may be shorter if the installation's age or condition warrants it. The landlord must comply with the interval specified.

06 · Contractor Guide

Common EICR Mistakes to Avoid

EICR errors can have serious consequences: landlords may be non-compliant, hazards may be missed, and the electrician may face professional liability or complaints to their registration scheme. The following are the most common mistakes found in domestic EICRs.

Insufficient test results — recording only consumer unit measurements without testing any circuits at their extremities. Earth fault loop impedance (Zs) must be measured at the furthest point of each circuit (or sampled appropriately) — not just at the consumer unit.
Incorrect observation classification — coding a C1 item as C2 (underestimating the risk) or a C3 as C2 (overestimating). Classification must be based on the actual risk. Incorrect C1/C2/C3 coding can mislead landlords about the urgency of remediation and expose the electrician to professional liability.
Missing or incomplete schedule of inspections — ticking all items as compliant without actually checking them, or leaving large sections blank. The schedule of inspections is the documented evidence of the physical inspection. Incomplete schedules undermine the credibility of the entire EICR.
Not recording limitations — failing to record that certain areas were not inspected. If a defect later emerges in an area that should have been inspected but was not, and there is no limitation recorded, the electrician may have difficulty demonstrating they acted appropriately.
Vague observation descriptions — "wiring in poor condition" without specifying the location, the affected circuit, or the relevant BS 7671 regulation. Observations must be specific enough for the remediation electrician to understand exactly what needs to be done and where.

07 · Contractor Guide

Using Elec-Mate for EICR Reports

Elec-Mate is purpose-built for electricians carrying out EICRs in the field. The app handles the schedule of inspections, test results entry, observation classification, and PDF export — all on your phone, on site. It eliminates the single biggest administrative burden in EICR work: completing the paperwork.

AI Board Scanning

Point your phone at the consumer unit label. Elec-Mate's AI reads the circuit descriptions, ratings, and types — pre-populating the schedule of test results automatically. No manual transcription of circuit labels, no errors from misread handwriting.

Voice Test Entry

Call out your test results while your hands are occupied. Elec-Mate transcribes and records Zs, Ir, R1+R2, and RCD trip times directly into the schedule of test results. Complete test entry is faster and more accurate than writing on clipboards or typing on a separate device.

Instant Quote for Remediation

When C1 or C2 observations are found, use the integrated quoting tool to produce a remediation quote on site. The landlord gets the EICR and the remediation quote in one go. Landlords under 28-day pressure almost always accept a same-day quote from the inspector.

Landlord Portal Upload

Send the completed EICR PDF directly to the landlord from site. The landlord can download it immediately and forward it to the tenant, meeting their 28-day obligation without any paperwork delay. The EICR is also stored in Elec-Mate for your records.

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Frequently Asked Questions: EICR for Electrical Contractors

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EICR Contractor Guide: How to Carry Out EICRs Correctly

Key Takeaways

Who Can Carry Out an EICR?

Get the BS 7671 A4:2026 Cheat Sheet — free

Required Qualifications: 2391, 2394, and 2395

Correct Test Equipment for EICR Work

Completing the Schedule of Inspections and Tests Correctly

Try Elec-Mate free for 7 days

Completing the EICR Correctly

Common EICR Mistakes to Avoid

Using Elec-Mate for EICR Reports

AI Board Scanning

Voice Test Entry

Instant Quote for Remediation

Landlord Portal Upload

Complete EICRs correctly and efficiently with Elec-Mate

Frequently Asked Questions: EICR for Electrical Contractors

Who is qualified to carry out an EICR in the UK?

What is the difference between City and Guilds 2391, 2394, and 2395?

What test instruments do I need to carry out an EICR?

How many circuits do I need to test during an EICR?

What must be included in a compliant EICR?

Can I carry out an EICR on an installation I previously wired?

How should I handle limitations on an EICR?

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