Frequently Asked Questions on how a self-employed Electrician re-grades to approved

There are three different routes to becoming an Approved Electrician. The year an individual starts or completes their apprenticeship dictates the appropriate route.

The routes are:-

• Individuals who started their apprenticeship prior to August 1995
• Individuals who passed their FICA between August 1995 and the 1st September 2008
• Individuals who started their apprenticeship after August 2007

What should you do if you're unsure when you started your SJIB apprenticeship?

Contact SECTT who will advise accordingly

I started my apprenticeship prior to August 1995, how do I qualify to re-grade to an Approved Electrician?

You must have at least two years experience as as SJIB graded Electrician before you can apply to re-grade. In addition you must provide the SJIB with proof you have completed the following:

• The ECS Health and Safety Assessment (within the last 30 months) or hold a valid approved exemption, and
• An assessed training course on the requirements of Inspection and Testing to BS 7671 (within the last five years)

Or; one of the following exemptions

• SELECT's SQA Tailored Award (BS 7671) (within the last five years) or
• City and Guilds Design and Electrical Installation (within the last five years)

If you meet the criteria detailed above you should complete a Re-Grade application form, which are available from application form (ECS) cards section Please ensure you enclose references for the past twelve months with you application.

I passed my FICA between August 1995 and the 1st September 2008, how do I qualify to re-grade to an Approved Electrician?

You need to have successfully completed the Distance Learning Course and the Enhanced Week at college during the third stage of your apprenticeship.

Then after two years as a qualified graded Electrician, you should submit either of the following to SECTT:

• Enhanced Log Book; or
• Self Employed Declaration form (1st September)

If everything is in order SECTT will send you the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) Application form which should be completed and returned to SECTT.

If the aforementioned paperwork is correct SECTT will make the necessary arrangements for you to sit the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA).

Having successfully completed the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) the SJIB will send you the results and a re-grade form which should be completed and returned to the SJIB.

I started my apprenticeship in August 2007, how do I qualify to re-grade to an Approved Electrician?

During the second stage of your apprenticeship you completed an additional two weeks at college which apprentices who started prior to 2007 did not complete. Once you have been a qualified, graded Electrician for at least two years you should complete the Self Employed Declaration form and return it to SECTT.

If everything is in order SECTT will send you the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) Application form which should be completed and returned to SECTT.

If the aforementioned paperwork is correct SECTT will make the necessary arrangements for you to sit the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA).

Having successfully completed the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) the SJIB will send you the results and a re-grade form which should be completed and returned to the SJIB. 

I passed my FICA between August 1995 and the 1st September 2008 and have been working as a qualified, graded Electrician but I didn’t complete the Distance Learning Course and the Enhanced Week at college during the third stage of my apprenticeship; can I still go forward and do the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA)?

Yes, but first you will have to complete the Distance Learning course and the Enhanced Week at college. For further information contact SECTT who will advise you which college you should contact to make the necessary arrangements for you to complete the Distance Learning Course and the Enhanced Week. Having completed this training, and been qualified for two years, you should complete the Self Employed Declaration form and return it to SECTT. If everything is in order SECTT will send you the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) Application form which should be completed and returned to SECTT.

If the aforementioned paperwork is correct SECTT will make the necessary arrangements for you to sit the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA).

Having successfully completed the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) the SJIB will send you the results and a re-grade form which should be completed and returned to the SJIB.

Can I download copies of the following documents from the SJIB website?

• Self Employed Declaration form
• Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) Application form

No, both documents are available from SECTT

Who completes the Self Employed Declaration form?

The Electrician wanting to progress to approved status completes the form and returns it to SECTT.

What happens after I have submitted my Self Employed Declaration form to SECTT?

If everything is in order SECTT will return the original to you together with the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) Application form which should be completed and returned to SECTT.

If the aforementioned paperwork is correct SECTT will make the necessary arrangements for you to sit the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA).

Having successfully completed the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) the SJIB will send you the results and a re-grade form which should be completed and returned to the SJIB.

What does the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) involve?

The Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) comprises of 6 sections which must be completed within specified target times. The work must comply with the requirements of BS 7671 (the current IET Wiring Regulations) and Health and Safety Regulations. Candidates are permitted to refer to the current edition of BS 7671, IET Guidance Note No.3 Inspection and Testing and the IET On-Site Guide (OSG), Electrical Test Equipment for use by Electricians GS38, the Building (Scotland) Standards Regulations 2004 and the SJIB National Working Rules throughout the assessment.

How long does the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) take?

One full day (6 Hours)

Where do I sit the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA)?

The SECTT Test Centre is in Cambuslang.

Who pays for the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA)?

SECTT pay for the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) in the majority of cases.

What happens if I fail the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA)?

If you fail particular sections of the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA) you may re-sit these sections again, in your own time and at your own expense.