For electricians
Qualified on the work you already do
The EAL Experienced Worker qualification is the Level 3 route to a Gold Card for electricians who never did an NVQ or apprenticeship. You collect evidence from your own jobs using a portfolio built for electricians.
- One named assessor for the whole qualification
- Site visits and remote observations booked around your work
- £300 deposit, then £150 a month for six months
- Completed within 18 months of registering
The qualification
EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker
EAL 603/5982/1 ↗ Most popular
Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker
For electricians with years of experience but no Level 3 NVQ or apprenticeship.
- Who it’s forPractising electricians with at least 5 years’ full-time experience, self-employed or employed. Aged 19+ in England and Northern Ireland, 18+ in Wales.
- EntryA recognised Level 2 electrical qualification, or a pass in the EWA Entry Test. You complete the industry Skills Scan and Candidate Background Form with us before registering.
- DeliveryPortfolio of new work after you register, plus observations: at least one face to face on site, others can be live-streamed
- DurationMust be completed within 18 months of registration
£1,200inc VAT
Before you apply
Is this you?
- You’ve worked full-time as a practising electrician for at least 5 years, not counting college or an apprenticeship
- You hold a Level 2 electrical qualification, or are willing to take the EWA Entry Test
- You hold, or will gain within your 18 months, the 18th Edition and Initial Verification awards
- You’re working now, with at least some commercial or industrial jobs (needed for assessments in England)
- You can have an assessor visit at least once, and be observed live on video at other times
Not sure? The 60-second check at the top of this page will tell you.
Needed before you finish
The 18th Edition (BS 7671:2018) and a Level 3 Initial Verification award. You don’t need them to start, but you must hold both before the end of your 18 months to receive your certificate. Book them with any approved centre, and we’ll help you plan when.
Not included: the AM2E. Once your qualification is complete, you book the AM2E practical assessment at an approved test centre, then apply for your ECS Gold Card.
Less than 5 years’ experience? A new route is coming
The Level 3 NVQ (EAL 1605) has closed to new registrations. It’s being replaced by a non-apprentice pathway within the EAL Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification. We’re preparing to offer it. Register your interest and we’ll contact you when it opens.
Paying
Spread the cost
Pay a deposit to register, then monthly payments while you build your portfolio. No interest, and you don’t need a credit check. You can also pay in full.
- £300deposit to register
- £150× 6 monthly
- £0interest
- £1,200total inc VAT
Questions
Experienced Worker FAQs
How long does it take?
It must be completed within 18 months of registration. How quickly depends on how often your jobs give the evidence needed. Extensions are only possible in genuine circumstances.
I’m self-employed. Can I still do it?
Yes. Most of our candidates are self-employed. Your evidence comes from your own jobs and customers.
What if I don’t have a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification?
You need a recognised Level 2 qualification, or a pass in the EWA Entry Test, and the 18th Edition and Initial Verification awards by the end of your 18 months. Use the 60-second check or ring us and we’ll tell you what applies to you.
Do I need the 18th Edition and Initial Verification first?
No, you can start without them. But you must achieve both before the end of your 18 months to receive your certificate. You book them yourself with any approved centre, and we’ll help you fit them in alongside your portfolio.
Can I use jobs I’ve already done?
No. EAL rules say evidence must come from work you do after registering, so we plan it around your upcoming jobs. Past jobs and overseas work can’t be used as evidence, but your experience does count towards being eligible.
What evidence will I need?
Observations of you working (at least one face to face on site), photos and video of work in progress and finished, test certificates, job documents and a recorded professional discussion. The portfolio shows you exactly what’s still needed.
What if my evidence isn’t enough?
You find out early. Your assessor reviews as you go, so gaps get filled while you’re still on the job.
I only do domestic work. Can I still do it?
In England, at least one on-site assessment for three of the units must take place in a commercial or industrial setting. Ring us and we’ll talk through how to arrange this before you register.
Is the AM2E included?
No. The AM2E is a separate practical assessment you book at an approved test centre once your qualification is done. Together they make up the Experienced Worker Assessment for your Gold Card.
Ready to start?
Request a callback and we’ll confirm your eligibility on a short call before you pay anything.