18th Edition Course: What to Check Before You Book

The ECS training guidance identifies the Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS7671:2018. A completion certificate for an online video course is not automatically that qualification. Ask for the exact awarding organisation, qualification title and assessment arrangements in writing.

ECS describes classroom, self-study and assessment-only options. The right preparation depends on your prior knowledge; assessment-only access is not offered by every provider. Use the awarding organisations linked from ECS to check centres. Do not buy the shortest course simply because its title contains “18th Edition”. Checked 27 September 2026.

The IET and BSI published Amendment 4 on 15 April 2026. This is BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, not a new numbered edition. Their notice gives the previous version a six-month transition after publication.

Ask the provider which amendment the teaching and assessment cover, which book is required and what any update costs. An older page heading or certificate title alone does not answer that. Check the IET’s current wiring-regulations guidance before booking or deciding whether you need further training. This guide helps with course selection, not electrical design or installation advice.

The Installation Electrician Gold card requirements also cover recognised occupational competence and safety evidence. Wiring-regulations knowledge is one part, not a replacement for practical training and assessment. Read our ECS card guide for occupation-specific routes.

If you are starting from scratch, compare electrician apprenticeships and how to become an electrician before buying a standalone course. Ask the employer or training provider how the wiring qualification fits the full programme. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have distinct training arrangements; Scotland’s electrical card scheme is SJIB.

Ask each provider the same questions: What qualification will I receive? Is the exam included? Which regulations book do I need? What are the resit, cancellation and VAT terms? What prior knowledge is assumed? Can I access the exam locally?

Check whether your employer already provides the training or funding before paying personally. Keep the written answers and compare like for like. UKTJ has no course-booking commission on this page and does not rank a provider as “best”. Current prices and places must come from the provider.

Once achieved, add the qualification to the qualifications section of your electrician CV. Do not invent an expiry or record a course as a card. Use My cards and tickets for the cards you actually hold, then compare current electrical jobs and electrician pay.