How to Get Your Non-UK Electrical Qualifications Recognised in the UK

Are you an electrician with qualifications from outside the UK, looking to get your skills recognised and advance your career? The City & Guilds 2346 or 2347 Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) routes might be the perfect pathway for you. The assessments are designed to recognise the occupational competence of individuals who have substantial experience in the electrical industry but haven’t completed an apprenticeship or achieved a recognised Level 3 vocational qualification in the UK.

If you have not yet started your training or are partly qualified, check our ‘become an electrician’ guide or read our blog on how to become an electrician.

What is the Experienced Worker Assessment?

The EWA is an assessment process that evaluates your practical skills and theoretical knowledge to ensure they meet the UK industry standards. It’s tailored for those who have been working as electricians for over three years in domestic roles or over five years in installation and maintenance roles. This includes individuals with overseas qualifications who need to align their credentials with UK standards.

Why Choose the EWA?

Recognition of Experience: The EWA acknowledges your extensive experience and skills, providing a formal qualification that is recognised across the UK.

Pathway to ECS Gold Card: Successfully completing the EWA and its end assessment, the AM2E or AM2ED, qualifies you for the ECS gold card, which is essential for many professional opportunities in the UK.

Equivalent to Apprenticeship: The EWA is recognised as equivalent to completing an industry apprenticeship, making it a valuable credential for career advancement.

Steps to Complete the EWA

  1. Initial Assessment: Your existing qualifications and experience will be reviewed to ensure you meet the entry requirements.
  2. Portfolio Development: You’ll compile a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your skills and experience. This includes work samples, references, and any relevant certifications.
  3. On-Site Assessment: An assessor will evaluate your practical skills on-site to ensure they meet the required standards.
  4. AM2E or AM2ED Assessment: The final step is the AM2E (Installation and Maintenance Electrician) or AM2ED (Domestic Electrician) assessment, which tests your practical and theoretical knowledge comprehensively.

Additional Requirements for Overseas Qualified Electricians

For those with qualifications from outside the UK, there are specific requirements to ensure your credentials are recognised:

Residency and Employment: You must be currently living and working in the UK, carrying out a range of electrical duties to BS 7671 standards.

Ecctis (UK ENIC) Electrotechnical Mapping: You’ll need to complete an electrotechnical mapping through Ecctis (UK ENIC), which compares your overseas qualifications against the knowledge units of the UK apprenticeship qualification. This process will determine if any additional training is required before you can sit for the EWA.

Conclusion

The City & Guilds 2346 and 2347 Experienced Worker Assessment routes offer an excellent opportunity for overseas qualified electricians to gain recognition in the UK. By aligning your skills with UK standards, you can open doors to new career opportunities and ensure your expertise is formally acknowledged. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, consider the EWA and start your journey towards professional recognition today.

How to Apply

If you would like your overseas qualifications recognised in the UK, complete our application form on our EWA webpage or get in touch with us for more information.