From 1 October 2026, changes to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) will redefine who is considered competent to carry out electrical work. Rob Shepherd explains why it will force thousands of seasoned electricians to adapt quickly or risk being unable to do their jobs.
The electrical contracting sector is approaching a significant turning point. As it moves toward a fully qualified workforce, established routes based on experience alone are disappearing, thereby forcing thousands longstanding electrical contractors to adapt quickly or risk being prevented from carry out work that many have been doing for decades.
Out with the old…
Grandfather rights, or industry accreditation, as they were more formally known, allowed experienced tradespeople to obtain certification cards without holding formal qualifications. Under this system, electrical contractors with many years of knowledge could gain access to construction sites based on employer endorsement and a demonstrated track record, rather than academic assessment.
The thinking behind grandfather rights was straightforward and entirely logical. Construction has historically relied on hands-on learning, with many workers entering trades through apprenticeships or informal routes. In previous decades, formal qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) were less accessible or simply not required. As such, grandfather rights offered a pragmatic way to recognise competence and obtain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card without forcing experienced workers back into classrooms. Just as importantly, it ensured that projects could proceed without disruption while still maintaining a high level of safety and skill.
All change
Although the grandfather rights system worked effectively, bodies including the Construction Leadership Council pushed for a more standardised, qualification based system to ensure that every worker on-site meets consistent and verifiable criteria. It was argued that as grandfather rights allowed workers to get a CSCS card based on an employer’s recommendation, rather than a recognised qualification, there was no consistent standard across the workforce.
As a result, CSCS stopped renewals of industry accreditation cards on 31 December 2024. However, many existing cards remained valid until their expiry dates, creating a grace period. With that now coming to an end, things are about to get much more difficult for those negatively affected by the change.
Rules and regulations
From 1 October 2026, updated rules under the EAS will come into force, reshaping how competence is defined, assessed and enforced. These changes are not minor adjustments but a fundamental shift in philosophy, moving away from company-based responsibility and toward individual accountability.
This creates a serious challenge for experienced electrical contractors. Many have built successful careers over the last 20-30 years without needing an NVQ or equivalent certification. Their competence is not in question among peers or employers but under the new rules their accumulated on the job knowledge is no longer sufficient.
Those who disagree with the move believe that phasing out grandfather rights risks discarding decades of proven competence in favour of one-size-fits-all certification pathways. They argue that forcing these experienced professionals to requalify will create unnecessary workforce shortages, increase costs for businesses and customers, and undervalue hands-on expertise that has already been demonstrated safely over many years.
Personal service
One of the key changes of the EAS is to stop businesses using the oversight of a qualified supervisor. Up until now it was possible for this individual to hold the necessary qualifications and effectively cover the work of others within the organisation. While this model offered flexibility, some argued that it also created inconsistencies in standards. The 2026 reforms aim to close that gap by requiring that each person carrying out defined electrical work must be demonstrably competent in their own right.
At the heart of the changes is an expectation that qualifications matter more than ever and experience alone, while still valuable, will no longer be sufficient for many categories of work. Instead, individuals will need to hold recognised Level 3 qualifications relevant to the tasks they perform. This applies particularly to higher risk activities such as inspection and testing, where the margin for error is minimal and the consequences of mistakes can be severe.
So what’s new?
Periodic inspection and testing, most notably the production of Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), will be one of the most affected areas. Under the new rules, individuals undertaking this work must hold a suitable Level 3 qualification, have at least two years of relevant experience and be able to demonstrate ongoing learning.
Another major change is the inclusion of low carbon technologies within the scope of the specification. As the UK accelerates its transition to cleaner energy, installations such as EV charging points, solar PV systems and battery storage are becoming increasingly common. The updated EAS recognises this shift by introducing specific qualification requirements for each of these areas, ensuring that those installing and maintaining such systems have the necessary expertise.
This move reflects broader changes in the energy landscape. Technologies that were once considered niche are now mainstream and the skills required to work with them are more specialised than traditional electrical installation. By mandating qualifications for these areas, the EAS is effectively professionalising a rapidly growing segment of the industry and setting a consistent national standard.
Up to scratch
It is also noteworthy that certain qualifications that were previously accepted may no longer meet the required standard, meaning that training pathways will need to adapt. This is likely to influence both education providers and employers as they prepare the next generation of electricians.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will also play a more prominent role under the new framework and it will no longer be enough to qualify once and rely on that certification indefinitely. Instead, individuals will be expected to keep their knowledge up to date, reflecting changes in regulations, technologies and best practices. This emphasis on lifelong learning aligns with trends seen in other skilled professions and underscores the increasing complexity of electrical work.
Time for action
For electrical contracting firms, the shift to individual competence presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it may require significant investment in training and assessment to ensure that all staff meet the new requirements. On the other, it offers a chance to demonstrate higher standards and build trust with clients, with companies that embrace the changes early-on likely to gain a competitive advantage.
Electrical contractors should start by auditing their current workforce against the upcoming EAS requirements. That means identifying who holds relevant Level 3 qualifications, who is relying on experience alone and where gaps exist. They should also invest in structured training and upskilling now, rather than relying on informal learning or manufacturer courses.
This includes enrolling staff on recognised qualifications for areas such as EV charging, solar PV and electrical energy storage, as well as ensuring those carrying out EICRs meet the new competence thresholds. Alongside formal qualifications, electrical contractors need to embed a culture of CPD, keeping records of training, experience and ongoing learning for every person.
Taking account
Given that the old model of depending on a single qualified supervisor is no longer enough for higher risk work, systems and processes must reflect individual accountability. This could involve updating internal policies, improving documentation and preparing for stricter audits from certification bodies. Those who act early will not only stay compliant but position themselves as higher quality, future ready businesses in an increasingly regulated market.
There are also important implications for compliance and risk management. Firms that fail to align with the updated EAS may find themselves restricted in the scope of work they can undertake or even at risk of losing certification altogether. In a sector where accreditation is closely tied to credibility, this could have serious commercial consequences.
The times they are a-changin’
While not being rapturously well received by everyone, the updated EAS represents a decisive change across the electrical industry and proponents argue that it will help raise standards. By placing responsibility squarely on individuals, it seeks to ensure that competence is verifiable and consistent. While the transition may be demanding, it also offers an opportunity to strengthen the profession and enhance public confidence in the safety and quality of electrical work.
Contributors
Rob Shepherd (author)
Rob is Consulting Editor for InstallerELECTRIC. He is a well-respected journalist with a strong history in the electrical sector.
