What is a competent person scheme for electricians?

A competent person scheme is a government-authorised scheme that allows registered electricians to self-certify their electrical work as compliant with Part P of the Building Regulations. Without scheme registration, an electrician must notify the local Building Control body before starting notifiable work, and Building Control must inspect the work afterwards — a process that costs extra and takes longer. The main competent person schemes for electrical work in England and Wales are NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting), NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers), ELECSA, and BRE Certification. In Scotland, the equivalent is SELECT (the Scottish electricians trade body) and NICEIC Scotland. To join a scheme, an electrician must demonstrate competence through qualifications, experience, and a technical assessment of their work. They are then subject to regular re-assessment — typically an annual inspection of their completed work by the scheme assessor. Registration with a competent person scheme is the single most reliable indicator that an electrician is competent and accountable.

Do all electricians need to be registered with a competent person scheme?

No, not all electricians need to be scheme-registered — but you should strongly prefer one who is. An unregistered electrician can legally carry out minor electrical work (like replacing a socket faceplate or adding a light fitting to an existing circuit) without notification. However, for notifiable work — which includes new circuits, work in kitchens and bathrooms, consumer unit changes, outdoor electrical work, and any work in a special location — an unregistered electrician must apply to Building Control before starting the work, and Building Control must inspect and approve the work afterwards. This adds cost (Building Control fees are typically £200 to £400) and delay. A scheme-registered electrician can do the same work, self-certify it as compliant, and issue the Building Control notification automatically through their scheme. The homeowner receives a certificate and a Building Control notification — with no extra cost or delay. For any significant electrical work, always use a scheme-registered electrician.

How do I verify an electrician's credentials?

You can verify an electrician's competent person scheme registration online. NICEIC has a "Find a Contractor" search at niceic.com. NAPIT has a "Find an Installer" search at napit.org.uk. ELECSA has a search at elecsa.co.uk. Enter the electrician's name, company name, or postcode, and the search will confirm whether they are currently registered. You can also ask the electrician directly for their scheme registration number and their qualification certificates. A genuine professional will have no problem showing you these. Check that the registration is current — not expired. If the electrician claims to be registered but does not appear on the scheme website, that is a red flag. You can also check whether the electrician has public liability insurance by asking to see the certificate. Most scheme providers require a minimum of £2 million public liability cover as a condition of membership.

What is the difference between NICEIC and NAPIT?

NICEIC and NAPIT are both government-authorised competent person schemes for electricians. They perform essentially the same function: assessing electricians, registering them, and allowing them to self-certify their work under Part P of the Building Regulations. The main differences are historical and organisational. NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) has been operating since 1956 and is the largest scheme, with the highest brand recognition among homeowners. NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers) was established in 1992 and has grown significantly, particularly among smaller firms and sole traders, partly because their fees tend to be lower. Both schemes require the same qualifications and carry out the same type of technical assessments. An electrician registered with either scheme is equally competent and equally able to self-certify work. There is no qualitative difference — choose based on the electrician, not the scheme.

How much should I expect to pay an electrician per hour?

Electrician hourly rates in the UK in 2026 typically range from £40 to £70 per hour depending on location, experience, and the type of work. London and the South East are at the higher end (£55 to £80 per hour), while the North of England, Wales, and Scotland tend to be at the lower end (£35 to £55 per hour). However, most electricians prefer to quote fixed prices for defined jobs rather than hourly rates. A fixed price gives both parties certainty — the customer knows the total cost upfront, and the electrician is rewarded for efficiency rather than penalised for working quickly. Fault-finding callouts are often charged at an hourly rate (typically £80 to £150 for the first hour) because the time needed is unpredictable. When comparing quotes, focus on the total price for the defined scope of work, not the hourly rate. An experienced electrician who charges £60 per hour and completes the work in 3 hours is cheaper than an inexperienced one who charges £40 per hour and takes 6 hours.

What do EICR condition codes C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?

When an electrician carries out an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), every defect or observation is classified with one of four codes as required by BS 7671 and GN3. C1 (Danger present) means there is an immediate risk of injury — the defect requires urgent remedial action before the installation is used again. C2 (Potentially dangerous) means the fault is not causing immediate danger but could become dangerous and requires urgent attention, typically within 28 days. C3 (Improvement recommended) means no immediate danger but the electrician recommends an improvement — the installation is not unsafe, and a C3 does not make the EICR unsatisfactory. FI (Further investigation required) means the inspector could not determine the extent of a problem with the equipment and access available — further investigation is required before the installation can be assessed. An EICR is classed as Satisfactory only if there are no C1 or C2 codes. If your report contains C1 or C2 items, you must arrange remedial work and obtain a new satisfactory EICR.

What happens if an electrician does bad work?

If an electrician carries out substandard work, you have several options depending on the circumstances. First, contact the electrician directly and explain the problem — many issues are resolved at this stage. If the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA), you can lodge a formal complaint with the scheme. They will investigate and, if the work is found to be substandard, can require the electrician to put it right at no cost. Persistent poor work can lead to the electrician being removed from the scheme. If the electrician is not scheme-registered, you have less protection — your recourse is through the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (which requires services to be performed with reasonable care and skill) and ultimately through the courts (small claims court for amounts under £10,000). You can also report dangerous electrical work to your local Building Control authority. In all cases, having a written quote, a contract, and photographic evidence of the work is essential. This is another reason to use a scheme-registered electrician — the scheme provides an independent complaints and resolution process.

HOMEOWNER GUIDE

How to Find a Good Electrician: What to Check Before You Hire

Not every electrician is qualified, registered, or insured. This guide tells you exactly what to check, what questions to ask, and what red flags to watch for — so you hire a professional who does the job right.

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11 min readUpdated 2026-06-10Andrew 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

1Always check that the electrician is registered with a competent person scheme — NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or BRE Certification. This confirms they are regularly assessed and can self-certify work.
2Ask for the electrician's qualifications: C&G 2382 (18th Edition), C&G 2391 (Inspection and Testing), and the relevant installation qualification (C&G 2365 or NVQ Level 3).
3Get at least three written quotes that itemise materials, labour, and certification costs separately. A verbal estimate is not a quote.
4Beware of red flags: no scheme registration, unwillingness to provide certification, cash-only requests, and prices dramatically below other quotes.
5Always ask for the certificate AND the Schedule of Circuit Details and Test Results — both are mandatory under BS 7671 Reg 644.3. The Schedule records measured Zs values, insulation resistance readings, and RCD trip times for every circuit. Keep both documents safe.
6Elec-Mate-registered electricians deliver professional certificates, quotes, and invoices directly from their phone — giving homeowners a better experience and full documentation on the spot.

01 · Homeowner Guide

Why Choosing the Right Electrician Matters

Choosing the wrong electrician can be expensive, dangerous, and stressful. Substandard electrical work is one of the leading causes of house fires in the UK. It can also void your home insurance, create legal problems when you sell the property, and put your family at risk of electric shock.

The electrical industry in the UK is not fully regulated — anyone can call themselves an electrician, and there is no legal requirement to hold a specific qualification to carry out electrical work (although there are legal requirements for certain types of work to be notified to Building Control). This means it is the homeowner's responsibility to check that the person they hire is genuinely qualified, registered, and insured.

This guide explains exactly what to check, what questions to ask, and what red flags to watch for when hiring an electrician in the UK. Follow these steps and you will find a competent professional who does the job right, certificates the work properly, and gives you the documentation you need.

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02 · Homeowner Guide

Competent Person Schemes: NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA

The single most important check you can make is whether the electrician is registered with a government-authorised competent person scheme. The three main schemes for electrical work in England and Wales are:

NICEIC — the largest and best-known scheme. Operating since 1956. Covers domestic and commercial electrical work. Registered contractors are assessed annually by a NICEIC assessor who inspects completed work on site.
NAPIT — the second largest scheme. Popular with sole traders and smaller firms. Same government authorisation and assessment requirements as NICEIC. Often slightly lower membership fees.
ELECSA — a well-respected scheme with a strong reputation in the domestic sector. Same authorisation and assessment standards as NICEIC and NAPIT.

All three schemes are authorised by the UK Government under Part P of the Building Regulations. Registration with any of them confirms that the electrician has been independently assessed and can self-certify their work — issuing Building Control notification automatically through the scheme.

You can search for registered electricians on each scheme's website using your postcode. If an electrician claims to be registered but does not appear on the scheme's online search, they are either not registered or their registration has lapsed. Do not proceed.

03 · Homeowner Guide

Qualifications to Check

Beyond scheme registration, a qualified electrician should hold the following qualifications:

C&G 2382 — 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations. This confirms the electrician has up-to-date knowledge of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. It is the foundational qualification that all other electrical qualifications build on.
C&G 2391 — Inspection and Testing. Essential for any electrician carrying out EICR inspections. This qualification covers the theory and practice of initial verification and periodic inspection.
Installation qualification. Either C&G 2365 (Electrical Installation) or the NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnical Services. This is the core practical qualification covering electrical installation work.
AM2 (for scheme registration). The AM2 assessment is the practical end-point assessment required by most competent person schemes as a condition of registration. It demonstrates hands-on competence in real-world installation and testing scenarios.

You do not need to memorise these qualification numbers. The key takeaway is: ask the electrician "Are you 18th Edition qualified and do you hold 2391?" If the answer is yes to both, and they are scheme-registered, you are dealing with a properly qualified professional.

04 · Homeowner Guide

Getting and Comparing Quotes

Always get at least three quotes for any significant electrical work. This is not about finding the cheapest — it is about understanding what is included, comparing the scope of work, and ensuring you are getting fair value.

Written quotes, not verbal estimates. A proper quote is a fixed price for a defined scope of work. A verbal estimate is not binding. Always get it in writing — email is fine.
Itemised breakdown. A good quote separates materials, labour, and certification costs. This allows you to compare like-for-like between quotes and spot where differences lie.
Clear scope of work. The quote should specify exactly what is included: number of sockets, cable routing, making good (or not), testing, certification type (EIC, Minor Works, EICR), and Building Control notification.
VAT clarification. Check whether the quoted price includes VAT. Electricians with annual turnover below the VAT threshold (currently £90,000) do not charge VAT. Larger firms do. A quote of "£800 plus VAT" is actually £960.

When comparing quotes, look at the total price for the same scope of work. If one quote is significantly cheaper than the others, ask why — the electrician may be using cheaper materials, not including certification, or planning to cut corners on testing. If one quote is significantly more expensive, ask what additional value is being provided.

05 · Homeowner Guide

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

Are you registered with a competent person scheme? NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA. Ask for the registration number so you can verify it online.
What qualifications do you hold? Look for C&G 2382 (18th Edition) and C&G 2391 (Inspection and Testing) as a minimum.
Do you have public liability insurance? Ask to see the certificate. A minimum of £2 million cover is standard for domestic work.
Will you provide a written quote? Not a verbal estimate. A written quote with an itemised breakdown of materials, labour, and certification.
What certification will I receive? For new circuits or a consumer unit replacement, you should receive an EIC. A Minor Works Certificate is only valid where no new circuit is introduced — adding a shower, EV charger, or extra ring main always requires a full EIC (BS 7671 Reg 120.3). For inspections, an EICR.
Will the work be notified to Building Control? For notifiable work, scheme-registered electricians do this automatically through their scheme.
How long will the work take? Get a realistic timeline. Factor in disruption and plan accordingly.
Is making good included? For work that involves chasing cables into walls, ask whether plastering and filling are included in the price.
Can you provide references from recent similar work? A professional electrician will have satisfied customers willing to provide a reference.
What is your payment terms? Some electricians require a deposit for materials on larger jobs. Final payment should be on completion, after inspection of the work and receipt of certificates.

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06 · Homeowner Guide

Red Flags to Watch For

Not registered with any scheme. An electrician who is not registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or ELECSA cannot self-certify work. You will need to pay for Building Control inspection separately, and there is no scheme-backed complaints process if things go wrong.
Refuses to provide certification. Every significant electrical job should result in a certificate (EIC, Minor Works, or EICR). An electrician who says "you do not need a certificate" is either cutting corners or not qualified to issue one.
Cash only, no invoice. Legitimate businesses provide invoices and accept multiple payment methods. Cash-only work with no paperwork is a warning sign — it may indicate tax evasion, lack of insurance, or unwillingness to be traced.
Price dramatically below other quotes. If one quote is 40 to 50 percent cheaper than the others, the electrician is either underqualified, planning to cut corners, or not including certification and testing in the price.
Pressures you to decide immediately. A professional electrician provides a quote and gives you time to consider it. High-pressure tactics ("this price is only valid today") are a sales technique, not professional practice.
Cannot explain what they are doing. A competent electrician can explain the work in plain English. If they cannot describe what is wrong, what they plan to do, and why, that is a concern.

07 · Homeowner Guide

Checking Credentials Online

You can verify an electrician's scheme registration in minutes using these free online tools:

NICEIC: Visit niceic.com and use the "Find a Contractor" search. Enter the electrician's name, company name, or your postcode to find registered contractors near you.
NAPIT: Visit napit.org.uk and use the "Find an Installer" search. Same approach — name, company, or postcode.
ELECSA: Visit elecsa.co.uk and use their contractor search tool.
Electrical Safety First: The charity electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk has a "Find an Electrician" tool that searches across all major schemes simultaneously.

Also check for online reviews on Google, Checkatrade, Trustpilot, or local Facebook groups. Look for consistent positive feedback, not just one or two reviews. Pay attention to how the electrician responds to negative reviews — a professional response to criticism is a good sign.

08 · Homeowner Guide

What to Expect During the Work

Once you have chosen an electrician, here is what a professional job should look like:

Site survey. For any significant job (rewire, consumer unit change, EV charger), the electrician should visit the property first to assess the work, check access, and confirm the quote.
Safe isolation. Before starting any work, the electrician must follow the safe isolation procedure to confirm the circuit is dead. This is non-negotiable — working on live circuits is dangerous and unprofessional.
Testing. All completed work must be tested to BS 7671 requirements — continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, prospective fault current, and RCD operation.
Certification and Schedule of Tests. On completion, you should receive the appropriate certificate (EIC, Minor Works, or EICR) together with the Schedule of Circuit Details and Test Results — both are mandatory under BS 7671 Reg 644.3. The Schedule records measured earth fault loop impedance (Zs) values, insulation resistance readings, and RCD trip times for every circuit. Ask for both documents and keep them safe — you will need them when selling the property or arranging future inspection work.
Pre-existing defects recorded in writing. Where the electrician carries out additions or alterations, BS 7671 Reg 644.1.2 requires them to record any defects found in the existing installation on your certificate — even if they did not cause those faults. A professional electrician will flag pre-existing issues clearly in writing. This is a quality indicator: if your certificate has no observations at all on a property with older wiring, ask why.
Clean and tidy. A professional electrician cleans up after themselves. The work area should be left as they found it, with all debris removed.

09 · Homeowner Guide

For Electricians: Building Trust with Professional Documentation

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Generate itemised, branded quotes with the AI cost engineer. Send invoices directly from the app. The customer gets a professional experience that builds trust and generates referrals.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring an Electrician

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How to Find a Good Electrician: What to Check Before You Hire

Key Takeaways

Why Choosing the Right Electrician Matters

Get the BS 7671 A4:2026 Cheat Sheet — free

Competent Person Schemes: NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA

Qualifications to Check

Getting and Comparing Quotes

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

Try Elec-Mate free for 7 days

Red Flags to Watch For

Checking Credentials Online

What to Expect During the Work

For Electricians: Building Trust with Professional Documentation

Professional Certificates On Site

Professional Quotes and Invoices

Give customers a professional experience

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring an Electrician

What is a competent person scheme for electricians?

Do all electricians need to be registered with a competent person scheme?

How do I verify an electrician's credentials?

What is the difference between NICEIC and NAPIT?

How much should I expect to pay an electrician per hour?

What do EICR condition codes C1, C2, C3 and FI mean?

What happens if an electrician does bad work?

Continue reading

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EICR for Landlords

Electrical Safety Tips

Electrical Certificate Types

Consumer Unit Change Cost

How to Become an Electrician

What electricians say

One App for Everything!

Fantastic app for electricians

Absolutely amazing

Trusted by electricians across the UK

Electricians: Build Trust with Professional Documentation