Does an electrician need to be NICEIC registered?

Choosing an electrician can sometimes feel like a minefield. For those of us outside of the world of wires and circuit breakers, the various terminology and qualifications electricians use can sound like complete gibberish.

If you’ve been comparing electricians, you’ll notice that some proudly boast of NICEIC certification, whilst others don’t mention it at all. In this blog I’ll get to the bottom of what NICEIC certification is and whether it is important that you’re your electrician has it.

What is the NICEIC?

NICIEC stands for the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting. The NICEIC was founded in 1956 as a voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industries. Over its now 60 year history, the organisation have been assessing the competence of both domestic and commercial electricians – helping to avoid people getting ripped off on dangerous electrical jobs.

How do they test contractors?

All contractors who want to be certified by the NICEIC undergo a stringent assessment process which includes a representative sample of their work, their premises, documentation, equipment and the abilities of their supervisory staff. Only if they meet the NICEIC’s high standards will they then be awarded a place on the NICEIC register. In addition, they’re regularly reassessed to ensure their standards don’t slip.

Does my electrician need to be NICEIC registered?

There’s nothing in law which states that your electrician needs to be NICEIC registered. However, just as you might not employ a builder without a CSCS card, you would think twice about hiring an electrician without NICEIC certification.

How can I know my electrician is NICEIC registered?

Any electrician with NICEIC certification will display it on their website, van or business card, but you should always ask for proof of certification. If they’re unable to supply you with proof, then we would recommend that you use the NICEIC website to find your electrician with NICEIC certification. Do be sure to search for their correct registered name/address. If they are not on the NICEIC website as an approved contractor I would consider reporting them to the NICEIC.