Competency is outlined in the wiring regulations.
Competent electrician may be defined in several ways having minor differences, but essentially if you read the entry qualifications to be a member of the Competent persons scheme for the type of electrical work you do, that is typical of the standard used throughout the industry.
Essentially
Level 3 in installation (your C&G will do).
(Including testing)
Current regulations.
Current building regulations where applicable.
Demonstrate to an inspector that your work meets the current standards.
Etc.
Many councils also define this for acceptance of notifiable work from non-scheme members and for inspection work, for example:
submitted in connection with:
• Housing licensing applications under Parts 2 & 3 of ‘The Housing Act 2004’ (Mandatory
HMO, Additional HMO and Selective licensing)
or in compliance with;
• Regulation 3 (1) of ‘The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented sector (England)
Regulations 2020’ (SI 312:2020)
and
• Regulation 7 (3) of ‘The Licensing and Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation
(Additional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2007’ (SI 1903:2007) – as applicable to
‘Section 257 HMOs’,
has / have been produced by a person both qualified and specifically competent to undertake
inspection and testing of fixed electrical installations.
In line with current government guidance, the Local Housing Authority (LHA) may do this by:
1. checking if the inspector is a member of a relevant competent person scheme, via the
‘Registered Competent Person Electrical’ website:
and / or
2. “requiring the inspector to sign a checklist certifying their competence, including their
experience, whether they have adequate insurance and hold a qualification covering
the current version of the wiring regulations and in the periodic inspection, testing and
certification of electrical installations”.
