As the UK’s leading electrical training provider we are constantly being asked by customers for information on deadlines for the 18th edition changes. So we thought we would make write a quick blog post highlighting the key dates that you really need to know so that you don’t get caught out.
1st July 2018.
The first date is one you should be aware of. The 18th Edition was released on the 1st July 2018. As such if you are wanting to do a wiring regs course then from this date you need to make sure you are taking the 18th, not the 17th edition.
1st January 2019
The second date is an important one. From this date all installations that are designed must comply with the 18th edition. So from this date even if you are not qualified to the 18th edition you must still have an understanding of the changes and design in accordance with them. Also if you are assessed by your scheme provider they will have to assess you against the 18th edition.
Your next assessment date
The next date is one only you will know. From the 1st of January 2019 it is likely that you will need to hold the 18th edition qualification by the date of your next assessment. There may be some flexibility from scheme providers some of which have suggested a grace period of 6 to 12 months.
1st July 2019
This is the date we expect most scheme provider to no longer apply a grace period. As such we would say this is the final date from which you should aim to have passed your 18th edition. However you may not want to wait too long as there could be a late rush making course places with reputable providers harder to find.
If in doubt the best thing to do is speak with your scheme provider. What is clear is that from January 2019 you really need to be up to speed. You will be assessed against the 18th edition so this is really a crucial date. Remember if you have taken your 17th edition since the 1st January 2015 you can take a quick update course to gain the qualification or do our full 3 day 18th edition course. The common sense approach is to gain the qualification sooner than later.
31st December 2019
We have been informed that some scheme providers have extended their deadlines until the end of 2019. If you haven’t got the latest qualification you will need to take a course by the end of this year.