ECS
Health & Safety

If you are planning or thinking about working in the electrical industry, you may have either heard about or been told about an ECS card. It is similar to a CSCS card but designed specifically for the electrical sector. 

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) use cards to verify the competency of electrical workers and is used by construction sites as a pre-requisite for gaining site access and from my experience, this also extends to large manufacturing, industrial premises, schools and government buildings. Even if you are not planning on working on one of these types of sites today, it still might be worth considering starting the ECS application process.

And, if you are new to the industry, most recruitment agencies and job advertisements include an ECS card as a requirement. 

The type of card you apply for will depend on the qualifications and experience you have.  If you are already a fully qualified electrician, you will want to apply for a JIB Gold Card, whereas if you are new or in training, it will be the  Labourers or Trainee Card.

To apply for your ECS card, you must either have an approved JIB electrical theory qualification, complete an approved Health and Safety course with an approved final examination and/or complete the ECS Health & Safety test.

Full details can be found on the ECS website.

Your ECS card will show a current photo ID of yourself, proving your identity. The card will also show your approved occupation, e.g. electrical labourer, trainee, or approved electrician. The more experience and qualifications you gain you will be able to move up the different levels of the scheme.

Candidates often combine our ECS Health and Safety course with the 18th edition IET wiring regulations. 

Learn more about the 18th edition online course with City & Guilds home examination >>

This health and safety course has been designed to give candidates the best opportunity to pass the ECS Health & Safety Test successfully. The final test is a 30-minute, 50-question examination with an 85% pass mark, you have to achieve 43 correct answers from 50 questions. Making the ECS Health & Safety Test slightly more challenging than you might think!

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is a well-known card scheme that is specifically recognised and endorsed by the electrotechnical industry. It operates across the United Kingdom, including England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, people in Scotland need to follow a separate application process.

You might need to pass the ECS Health & Safety Test to get the card. The idea behind this test is to minimise unsafe working practices and improve safety and quality of work. The test also ensures that everyone working on-site has the appropriate health and safety knowledge.

To help you prepare for the final test, we will work through the core topics outlined by the ECS using practice test quizzes and final mock examinations to enforce the learning.

The course will cover the following core areas:

• General Health & Safety 
• Manual Handling Operations
• Reporting Accidents
• Personal Protective Equipment at Work
• Health and Hygiene
• Work at Height
• Work Equipment
• Special Site Hazards
• Electrotechnical
• Environmental 

Although taking a Health & Safety course is not a prerequisite to undertaking the final assessment, however we would recommend anyone looking to take the test to complete this course beforehand. 

If you’re currently seeking employment in the electrical industry or working without an ECS card, obtaining a relevant card is highly recommended. Without one, securing jobs or future prospects in the industry will be challenging.

The most common cards for persons involved or looking to become involved in the electrical industry are an ECS Labourers Card or the JIB Gold Card. 

The ECS card functions similarly to other industries, like CSCS cards. It serves as a valuable means to showcase your identity and skills. Moreover, it confirms your authorisation to be present on-site by displaying your identification, qualifications, and occupation.

The process of getting the card can vary depending on your previous experience and current qualifications. Candidates should check the ECS website directly. You may not need to complete the ECS H&S test you gain your card.

Taking the final ECS test is possible either at an ECS-approved test centre or online from home using the ECS online Health & Safety Test option when completing the ECS application process.  

If you would like to take the ECS Health and Safety test from an approved test centre we have the following options available..

• Birmingham – Jennens Road, B7 4EH
• Bradford – Cheapside, BD1 4HR
• Canary Wharf, London – Bank Street, E14 4AD
• Clapham, London – Flacon Roadm Sw11 2LN
• Dagenham – Yewtree Avenue, R10 7QF
• Heathrow Airport – New Road, UB3 5BQ
• Liverpool – Churchill Way, L3 8EF
• Holborn, London – Theobalds Road, WC1X 8TN
• Luton – King Street LU1 2DP
• Manchester – Salford Quay, M50 3SG
• Newcastle – John Dobson Street, NE1 8TW
• Normanton – Rosie Road, WF6 1GX
• Sheffield – Barrow Road, S9 1JQ
• Stoke on Trent – ST1 4HP

Will the online course work on my phone or tablet?
Yes, the online course works across all different types of electronic devices. This includes phones, tablets, laptops and PCs. 

Do I need any additional training materials?
No. Everything you need is in the course material, this will help you prepare for the final Health & Safety Test. 

After selecting your preferred format and completing the enrolment process, you will be automatically emailed access to the online tutorial. If, for any reason, you don’t receive the course access, please email, ring or live chat message me, and I will resend you the link.

What payment options are there?
We have two different payment options available: PayPal and Stripe. This gives you plenty of flexibility to pay with a credit or debit card or split the payment using PayPal.

How long do I have to complete the course and exam?
Enrolled candidates will have 12 months to complete the online course material and take the final examination.

I am undecided about whether to book!
You are more than welcome to call me or try the live chat option, and I will happily try and answer any questions you might have. Alternatively, please visit our reviews platform and see what some of our previous candidates say about us.

I am unsure if I need to complete the ECS H&S test.
MJ Electrical Training can not advise whether candidates must complete the ECS H&S test. Further information can be found by visiting the ECS website directly >>

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