EICR Changes in 2026: Level 3 Qualification Now Required
By LTS Training·
EICR Changes in 2026: Level 3 Qualification Now Required
From 1 October 2026, every individual carrying out Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) in the UK must hold a recognised Level 3 qualification in periodic inspection and testing, plus a minimum of two years' documented experience. This change is driven by the revised Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS 2024), which shifts from a firm-level competence model to mandatory individual qualification.
Requirement: Level 3 inspection and testing qualification + 2 years' experience per individual
Who is affected: Every individual doing EICRs — employees, subcontractors, and sole traders
Level 3 Diploma at LTS: £3,179 total price — 8 weeks full-time or 15 weeks part-time
Inspection & Testing (2391-52) at LTS: £1,099 total price — 5 days
18th Edition at LTS: £439 total price — 3 days
What Is an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a formal document produced after a thorough inspection and testing of an electrical installation. It assesses whether the installation is safe, identifies any defects or non-compliances, and classifies them by severity. EICRs are required for rental properties, commercial premises, and are recommended for all properties at regular intervals.
What Is Changing?
Current Requirements (Before October 2026)
Currently, an electrician can carry out EICRs by holding:
Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation (2365 or equivalent)
Inspection and Testing qualification (2391-52 or equivalent)
Current 18th Edition certificate (BS 7671)
New Requirements (From October 2026)
From October 2026, the minimum qualification for EICR work becomes:
Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation (2365 or equivalent) — NEW requirement
Inspection and Testing qualification (2391-52 or equivalent)
Current 18th Edition certificate (BS 7671)
Qualification
Before Oct 2026
From Oct 2026
Level 2 Diploma (2365)
Required
Required
Level 3 Diploma (2365)
Not mandatory
Mandatory
18th Edition (BS 7671)
Required
Required
Inspection & Testing (2391-52)
Required
Required
Why Is This Changing?
The revised Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS 2024) governs minimum competence standards for registered electrical contractors across all UK competent person schemes. The most significant change is a shift from the old Qualified Supervisor (QS) model — where a single qualified person could cover a whole team — to mandatory individual competence for every person carrying out EICRs.
EICRs require a deep understanding of electrical installation design, fault finding, and regulatory compliance. The Level 3 qualification covers advanced topics — including three-phase systems, complex circuit design, and fault diagnosis — that are essential for accurately assessing the condition of an installation. The EAS update also introduces a minimum two years' documented experience requirement specifically in periodic inspection and testing, plus ongoing CPD that must be recorded and demonstrate currency with the latest BS 7671 amendments.
Who Is Affected?
The EAS requirement applies to every individual carrying out periodic inspection and testing under a registered contractor's certification. This includes:
Directly employed electricians carrying out EICRs
Subcontractors and agency workers doing inspection work
Self-employed electricians and sole traders who rely on EICR work
Qualified Supervisors (QSs) — they are no longer exempt from holding individual qualifications
Contractors registered with competent person schemes — NICEIC, NAPIT, and all other schemes will enforce the new requirement
Trainee exception: Apprentices and trainees may continue to work under close supervision of a qualified person to gain the required experience.
If you already hold a recognised Level 3 inspection and testing qualification (such as the 2391-52 or 2391-51) along with sufficient experience, you are already compliant.
The most cost-effective route is the 2365 Package (Level 2 + Level 3 combined) at £7,089 total price, saving you £279 compared to booking both courses separately.
If You Hold the NVQ Level 3 but Not Level 3 Diploma
Check with your competent person scheme. In most cases, an NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services (2357, 2346, or 2347) is accepted as equivalent to the Level 3 Diploma for EICR purposes.
Timeline for Action
When
What Happens
Now – June 2026
Audit your qualifications and enrol on any courses needed
October 2025
Assessors begin documenting non-conformances on assessment reports
From October 2025, assessors are already noting non-conformances on assessment reports for businesses not meeting the new requirements. While this does not immediately prevent EICR work, it creates a formal record. From 1 October 2026, non-compliant firms face corrective actions, scope-of-work restrictions, and potential removal of periodic inspection and testing from their scope of registration.
Do not leave this to the last minute. Level 3 courses fill quickly, and you need to allow time for study and assessment. Starting now gives you a comfortable buffer.
Which Qualifications Are Accepted?
The following Level 3 awards are recognised for EICR purposes under the new EAS:
City & Guilds 2391-52 — Combined Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection and Testing (the most comprehensive single award)
City & Guilds 2391-51 — Periodic Inspection, Testing and Reporting (focused specifically on periodic inspection)
EAL equivalent Level 3 awards in periodic inspection and testing
The 2391-52 is the combined qualification that covers both initial verification (previously 2391-50) and periodic inspection (previously 2391-51). If you hold the older separate qualifications, check whether your competent person scheme accepts them or whether you need to update to the 2391-52.
Note that general electrical qualifications alone — such as an NVQ Level 3 without the specific inspection and testing unit — are not sufficient.
Impact on Your Earning Potential
EICR work is a consistent and well-paid revenue stream for electricians. Landlords in England are legally required to have an EICR carried out every five years on rental properties, creating ongoing demand. By ensuring you hold the correct qualifications, you protect this income stream and position yourself as a fully compliant professional.
Electricians who hold Level 3 + 2391-52 + current 18th Edition are in the strongest position to take on both domestic and commercial inspection work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still do domestic EICRs with just Level 2?
After October 2026, the Level 3 requirement applies to all EICR work regardless of whether the installation is domestic or commercial. There is no exemption for domestic-only inspectors.
What if I am halfway through my Level 3 when the deadline arrives?
Contact your competent person scheme to discuss your individual circumstances. In some cases, evidence of current enrolment may be accepted as a temporary measure, but this is not guaranteed.
Next Steps
If you are affected by this change, the best time to act is now. Book a free consultation with an LTS course advisor to confirm which qualifications you need and plan your training schedule before October 2026.
LTS is a City & Guilds accredited training centre in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, close to M25 Junction 25. Call us on 01992 413 503 or email info@learntradeskills.co.uk. We are open Monday to Friday 08:30–17:00 and Saturday 09:00–13:00. We are closed on Sunday.
Plan your electrician route
Keep the article helpful, then take the next step when you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need a recognised Level 3 award in periodic inspection and testing (such as the City & Guilds 2391-52 or 2391-51), a current 18th Edition certificate, and a minimum of two years documented experience in periodic inspection work.
The 2391-52 or 2391-51 is the core requirement, but you also need at least two years of documented experience and evidence of ongoing CPD. General electrical qualifications alone (such as an NVQ without the specific inspection unit) are not sufficient.
The Level 3 requirement takes effect in October 2026. If you currently carry out EICRs without a Level 3 qualification, you have until then to complete the necessary training.
Competent person schemes such as NICEIC and NAPIT are expected to enforce the new requirement. Working without the correct qualification could result in loss of registration and inability to self-certify work.
Find your pathway
Which route fits where you are right now?
Pick the pathway that matches your experience, or take the 60-sec quiz for a personalised recommendation.
