EAS 2026: the new competence rules for anyone doing EICRs

The revised Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) requirements have applied since 1 October 2026. If you carry out EICRs under a scheme like NICEIC or NAPIT, or you're the Qualified Supervisor responsible for them, this affects you directly. Here's what's changed, who it covers, and what your assessor will ask for.

What the EAS is

The EAS is the industry specification that certification and registration bodies use to assess electrical contractors. It's published by the IET on behalf of a management committee that includes the scheme providers, trade associations, government, Electrical Safety First and others. The current June 2026 edition is on the IET website, along with the EAS Qualifications Guide. Because every scheme works to it, the changes aren't specific to one body. NICEIC says they apply to all certified businesses across the industry.

Periodic inspection and testing: the three requirements

According to NICEIC and NAPIT, anyone who carries out periodic inspection and testing, and any QS responsible for it, needs:

• At least two years' experience in periodic inspection and testing, with evidence.
• An acceptable Level 3 qualification, such as the City & Guilds 2391-51 (Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations) or 2391-52 (Initial and Periodic Electrical Inspection and Testing), or another qualification accepted in the EAS Qualifications Guide.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.

NICEIC describes this as clearer wording on periodic inspection requirements that were already there, and NAPIT links it back to the October 2024 EAS. What's new is that assessors are now asking you to show it.

It covers subbies and agency staff too

The requirement applies to "employed persons". NICEIC defines that as anyone your business engages to do electrotechnical work. That includes direct staff, temporary or agency workers, and subcontracted labour, including self-employed people and sole traders. If you send a subbie out to do EICRs under your registration, their qualifications count.

What counts as evidence of experience?

NICEIC's FAQ gives an example: written confirmation from a current or past employer that you've shadowed someone doing EICRs who holds an acceptable Level 3 inspection and testing qualification. Trainees and apprentices can still do periodic inspection and testing under close supervision of someone qualified, so they can build that experience.

What happens at your next assessment

Your assessor will ask which work categories you plan to do and how you meet the new requirements. If you can't show it yet, NICEIC says it will agree an action plan with you, recorded in your assessment report. It also says this won't immediately affect your ability to do EICRs under your certification, but may in future. Booking onto the right course is usually accepted as evidence of progress. So is being booked on the EWA or AM2, which you may need to meet the Level 3 course prerequisites.

New low carbon categories

The revised EAS also adds four new work categories: EV charging, solar PV, battery storage (EESS) and micro wind. Anyone doing or supervising this work needs a relevant Level 3 qualification, plus access to the right IET codes of practice and test instruments. NICEIC notes that an earth fault loop impedance tester may meet the earth electrode test instrument requirement, under BS 7671 Regulation 643.7.2. If you're adding EV or solar to your EICR work, check the NICEIC and NAPIT pages for the accepted qualifications.

Quick checklist

• Find your 2391-51/52 (or equivalent) certificate, and get copies from anyone else who does EICRs under your registration.
• Pull together evidence of two years' periodic inspection experience, such as employer letters or past reports.
• Start a CPD log if you don't keep one: courses, webinars, Amendment 4 reading, manufacturer training.
• If there's a gap, book the course before your assessment so you can show progress.

The paperwork side is on you. The kit side should be easy. I made Tip-Clip to keep my GS38 probe tips together on the tester strap instead of loose in the bag. It holds up to five tips on standard 4mm probe ends. It's not something the EAS asks for, it just makes the day go smoother.

Related: Amendment 4: what's changed for EICRs and testing.

This is a summary, not official guidance. Check your own scheme provider's requirements and the EAS Qualifications Guide before your assessment.