FAQs for self employed Electricians who trained abroad and want to re-grade to approved
Frequently Asked Questions on the route to becoming an Approved Electrician for Individuals who Trained Abroad
(Self-Employed)
What do I have to do to become an Approved Electrician?
You must have been graded as an Electrician by the SJIB for at least two years.
What should I do if I’m unsure when I was graded as an Electrician by the SJIB?
Contact the SJIB on 0131 445 9216 who will advise accordingly.
I have never been graded by the SJIB; how do I do this?
Click here to see what you need do to become graded as an Electrician by the SJIB
I haven’t done the Distance Learning Course and the Enhanced week at college; can I still go forward and do the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA)?
No, you must 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 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. Please ensure you enclose references for the past twelve months with your application form.
Who pays for the Distance Learning Course and the Enhanced week at college?
It is your responsibility to pay for this training.
I have been graded as an Electrician by the SJIB for over two years and have completed the Distance Learning course and the Enhanced week at college, how do I qualify to re-grade to an Approved Electrician?
After two years as a graded Electrician you should complete and submit a Self Employed Declaration form 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. Please ensure you enclose references for the past twelve months with your application form.
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 www.sectt.org.uk/
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. Please ensure you enclose references for the past twelve months with your application form.
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.
You will be tested in the following areas:
A) Risk Assessment and Assessment of Safe Working Practices 30 Minutes
B) Safe Isolation of Supplies 30 Minutes
C) Inspection and Testing 2 Hours
D) Fault Finding 1 Hour
E) Supervision (operatives and installation work) 30 Minutes
F) Underpinning Knowledge Assessment 1 ½ Hours
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)?
It is your responsibility to pay for the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA).
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.