NICEIC Certification Scheme Upcoming NICEIC Assessment

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Hi all,

Just a quick question really.

I have recently decided to go from using NAPIT to NICEIC as my Certification Scheme Provider and my assessment is this coming Friday (still not had any contact from the assessor though)?
I'm a little nervous about it but am confident my paperwork and physical/actual work is up to standards.
I will be applying for the "approved contractor" status due to my work within the commercial and light industrial sectors.

Can anybody give any insight into their methods of assessment as opposed to the NAPIT guys?
I found the NAPIT fella very laid back but professional yet likeable and I'm hoping the same will be said about the NICEIC guy.

Mike.

 

[Lister1987]

As stupid as this going to sound; try youtube

The biggest takeaway I can see is prepare; Get all your paperwork in order, GET all the industry guidance docs (HSE docs, ESF docs etc), have your back office admin on point.

As cynical as this will sound; it is not in thier interest to fail you, think about it; you fail your assessment thrn thry effectively lose your custom, same goes for all the voluntary 'regulation' scams schemes.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

As stupid as this going to sound; try youtube

The biggest takeaway I can see is prepare; Get all your paperwork in order, GET all the industry guidance docs (HSE docs, ESF docs etc), have your back office admin on point.

As cynical as this will sound; it is not in thier interest to fail you, think about it; you fail your assessment thrn thry effectively lose your custom, same goes for all the voluntary 'regulation' scams schemes.

Hi Lister,

Thanks for this, I have seen a few of these videos to be fair but I just thought I would ask the question that's all.
No harm in getting some first hand info off you guys.

I have decided to take Thursday off to prepare just as a precaution. Because I've had no contact from the assessor and I can't seem to be able to get through to the assessment phone number, I'm wondering what jobs I need to try to organise access to.

I have a nice commercial job available at ta golf driving range I rewired last year so that'll be a great one but I'm unsure how far this guy will want to take it.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

That Artisan annoys me LOL

Can't watch him, dunno why? His face kinda grinds my gears

 

[Lister1987]

Hi Lister,

Thanks for this, I have seen a few of these videos to be fair but I just thought I would ask the question that's all.
No harm in getting some first hand info off you guys.

I have decided to take Thursday off to prepare just as a precaution. Because I've had no contact from the assessor and I can't seem to be able to get through to the assessment phone number, I'm wondering what jobs I need to try to organise access to.

I have a nice commercial job available at ta golf driving range I rewired last year so that'll be a great one but I'm unsure how far this guy will want to take it.

That'll come in handy, warm them up by letting thrm beat you on the golf course... sneaky...I like it

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

That'll come in handy, warm them up by letting thrm beat you on the golf course... sneaky...I like it

Hehehe. Either that or, if he's not a nice bloke....bury him in a bunker off hole 8.

 

[Dartlec]

Hi all,

Just a quick question really.

I have recently decided to go from using NAPIT to NICEIC as my Certification Scheme Provider and my assessment is this coming Friday (still not had any contact from the assessor though)?
I'm a little nervous about it but am confident my paperwork and physical/actual work is up to standards.
I will be applying for the "approved contractor" status due to my work within the commercial and light industrial sectors.

Can anybody give any insight into their methods of assessment as opposed to the NAPIT guys?
I found the NAPIT fella very laid back but professional yet likeable and I'm hoping the same will be said about the NICEIC guy.

Mike.

Can't answer for the Approved Contractor side, but from the Domestic Installer side I've found them laid back and definitely not out to catch you out. They want your money after all! (Though in my experience the assessors are not directly NICEIC staff so don't necessarily take that into account).

As long as they can tick the simple admin stuff, and there is nothing stupid on the jobs you show them, then I've never had a problem.

Proof read any certificates they will be looking at to check for any silly errors that have crept in.

Top tip is to have some questions or comments yourself and get into a technical discussion. Obviously not stuff that is simple, but maybe a job where you had to make a judgement as to how best to comply, or how to deal with an existing situation. It can make for some interesting discussions and helps to show some wider knowledge, not to mention it helps to fill up time they might otherwise be spending finding fault with something!

I've also been keeping an informal CPD file of sources that I follow to keep up to date - selected youtube channels, online training with companies, etc - shows that you are taking an interest and keeping your skills up to date.

Whether referencing this esteemed forum would have a positive or negative impact is for you to decide

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Can't answer for the Approved Contractor side, but from the Domestic Installer side I've found them laid back and definitely not out to catch you out. They want your money after all! (Though in my experience the assessors are not directly NICEIC staff so don't necessarily take that into account).

As long as they can tick the simple admin stuff, and there is nothing stupid on the jobs you show them, then I've never had a problem.

Proof read any certificates they will be looking at to check for any silly errors that have crept in.

Top tip is to have some questions or comments yourself and get into a technical discussion. Obviously not stuff that is simple, but maybe a job where you had to make a judgement as to how best to comply, or how to deal with an existing situation. It can make for some interesting discussions and helps to show some wider knowledge, not to mention it helps to fill up time they might otherwise be spending finding fault with something!

I've also been keeping an informal CPD file of sources that I follow to keep up to date - selected youtube channels, online training with companies, etc - shows that you are taking an interest and keeping your skills up to date.

Whether referencing this esteemed forum would have a positive or negative impact is for you to decide

I'm hoping he is laid back to be fair, I'm a chilled out kind of person and don't tend to stress too much until the s**t really hits the fan!

I have all the paperwork side sorted I think, there will likely be one or two little things he pulls me on but I always ensure that my clients/customers have everything they legally need including any Part P notifications for domestics. I'm quite ---- about paperwork and always double check each document before it gets emailed. Takes me longer to get paperwork finished but at least I know that it is correct when I release it.

I've started doing risk assessments now as part of my day to day working regime just so I can get used to doing it more than anything else (hate risk assessments). That'll be a nice tick off him surely?

I think I'll have lots of questions for him what with the recent amendment 2 changes etc etc.

I'm always watching youtube videos about all things electrical and I have a playlist that I've had for a while now so I'll just show him that for any CPD he might mention.

hehehe....yeah, this forum and it's wisdom......that's why I don't post much as I've no wisdom to give!!

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

So I still have not heard from anyone at the NICEIC regarding my assessment on Friday. Is this normal from these guys? When I was with NAPIT, the assessor rang me the week before to introduce himself and to go through a few helpful things with me beforehand.

I feel like, for the hundreds of pounds this is costing me, they should be contacting me to at least have some sort of chat first?

I do it for my clients, I call a few days before to go through the process for that particular job.

I find it odd that's all.

 

[Dartlec]

So I still have not heard from anyone at the NICEIC regarding my assessment on Friday. Is this normal from these guys? When I was with NAPIT, the assessor rang me the week before to introduce himself and to go through a few helpful things with me beforehand.

I feel like, for the hundreds of pounds this is costing me, they should be contacting me to at least have some sort of chat first?

I do it for my clients, I call a few days before to go through the process for that particular job.

I find it odd that's all.

Before lockdown I must admit I didn't get a call most years, apart from maybe once a day or two before.

They did contact in advance when they were remote, so that I could send them what I needed.

I had to cancel my latest booking to rearrange, but I get the impression the bookings are done by admin staff, not the assessors themselves. I know the assessors generally do 2 a day, morning and afternoon, so not sure how much time they have allocated to contact in advance.

I do agree that it would be nice to do it though, especially when it's your first NICEIC assessment.

From what I understand, NAPIT are pretty strong at assessments, so if you've been with them for a while I don't think you should have too much to worry about with your NICEIC one.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Before lockdown I must admit I didn't get a call most years, apart from maybe once a day or two before.

They did contact in advance when they were remote, so that I could send them what I needed.

I had to cancel my latest booking to rearrange, but I get the impression the bookings are done by admin staff, not the assessors themselves. I know the assessors generally do 2 a day, morning and afternoon, so not sure how much time they have allocated to contact in advance.

I do agree that it would be nice to do it though, especially when it's your first NICEIC assessment.

From what I understand, NAPIT are pretty strong at assessments, so if you've been with them for a while I don't think you should have too much to worry about with your NICEIC one.

Hi pal,

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

We'll just have to see won't we. I'll post back when the assessment is done. Hopefully, I don't drop a clanger...

Cheers,

Mike.

 

[Skys]

Got my assessment tomorrow. Only sent me a reminder text message this morning.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Got my assessment tomorrow. Only sent me a reminder text message this morning.

I find that quite offensive really. I can't believe that the actual person who is to assess you has not taken the time to call you and introduce himself and what he intends to achieve with his time with you.

I've still had no contact. Crazy when the cost for "membership" is in excess of £600......

 

[Skys]

Yes thought that myself. Not going to rock the boat. Find it a means to an end really. Boxes ticked and back to work Friday. Don’t use any of there services apart from notification for building control.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Yes thought that myself. Not going to rock the boat. Find it a means to an end really. Boxes ticked and back to work Friday. Don’t use any of there services apart from notification for building control.

Yeah, agreed. Same for me really. I wouldn't bother with any of them if I didn't have to but these days, if you're not "accredited", you're not winning that tender. Sad but true.

Good luck tomorrow bud, if you get chance, please try to post here to give me a bit of insight into what's to be expected.

 

[Skys]

All went really well today. Had everything saved to one folder on laptop. Gs 38 electricity at work etc. Printed 3 test sheets of Hard copy’s for site visit. Really good. Just 2 electricians chatting that’s how I found it.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

All went really well today. Had everything saved to one folder on laptop. Gs 38 electricity at work etc. Printed 3 test sheets of Hard copy’s for site visit. Really good. Just 2 electricians chatting that’s how I found it.

Excellent! He wasn't called Phil by any chance was he?

I'm glad it all went well for you pal. What sort of jobs did you select for him?
What did he ask you to do? A suit of tests etc?

 

[Skys]

A guy called Malcom. Just took him to some local work in town. An ev charger a hot tub supply and a new build industrial unit. Just general tests ze, r1 r2 end to end insulation resistance. Really not trying to trip you up

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

A guy called Malcom. Just took him to some local work in town. An ev charger a hot tub supply and a new build industrial unit. Just general tests ze, r1 r2 end to end insulation resistance. Really not trying to trip you up

Thanks bud.

I've no idea why but I'm super nervous about it. Only been trading a year and been a spark for over 20 years but still, the pressure of running a business and making sure all your ducks are in a row is quite strong.

I'll be vaping my little head off every chance I get tomorrow!

 

[Skys]

I had a good vape chatting outside van before we moved to each job

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

I had a good vape chatting outside van before we moved to each job

Just a quick question. Do all three jobs have to have been fully certified and reported to building control (if necessary) as one of my planned jobs isn't fully finished so I haven't supplied the client with an EIC or reported the changes to building control yet.

 

[Skys]

I believe so he checked my notifications on there website and the certs.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

I believe so he checked my notifications on there website and the certs.

Thanks bud. Plan B it is then.

 

[Skys]

Probably better safe than sorry

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Good luck today chap

Thanks bud. Plan B it is then.

Good luck today chap

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

I passed the "approved contractor scheme"!

I was really nervous as you all know but the assessor was a really nice guy, really knowledgeable and the best bit was....he was a vaper so we both chilled out vaping and drinking as many brews as we could between jobs.
Paperwork was all in order but he picked me up on a slight error in my Section 7 Observations but it really was a minor thing really.

I took him to the golf course as planned which went perfectly, the staff there gave us free coffee and food (the staff know me very well as I look after their electrics) so that was good of them. Went to 3 jobs in all, two commercial one domestic.

Simple tests really, Ze (Earthing Conductor disconnected), Zdb, Zs, r1 + r2, RCD trip times, ring final testing no IR though.

I ensured I proved dead each time with an approved voltage indicator and known supply (martindale) and ensured I set the correct Torque settings for each conductor when re-connected.

Once I got into the flow of things and realised that he wasn't there to trip me up, things went really well.

Thanks to all you guys for the valued input, it means a lot to me that there are people out there like me who just need a little lift up sometimes due to lack of confidence. We are not all super-sparks as much as we like to think we are.

Mike.

 

[Skys]

Congratulations. Not half as bad as people think. Can be worth speaking to the assessor general knowledge sparks

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I passed the "approved contractor scheme"!

I was really nervous as you all know but the assessor was a really nice guy, really knowledgeable and the best bit was....he was a vaper so we both chilled out vaping and drinking as many brews as we could between jobs.
Paperwork was all in order but he picked me up on a slight error in my Section 7 Observations but it really was a minor thing really.

I took him to the golf course as planned which went perfectly, the staff there gave us free coffee and food (the staff know me very well as I look after their electrics) so that was good of them. Went to 3 jobs in all, two commercial one domestic.

Simple tests really, Ze (Earthing Conductor disconnected), Zdb, Zs, r1 + r2, RCD trip times, ring final testing no IR though.

I ensured I proved dead each time with an approved voltage indicator and known supply (martindale) and ensured I set the correct Torque settings for each conductor when re-connected.

Once I got into the flow of things and realised that he wasn't there to trip me up, things went really well.

Thanks to all you guys for the valued input, it means a lot to me that there are people out there like me who just need a little lift up sometimes due to lack of confidence. We are not all super-sparks as much as we like to think we are.

Mike.

'Took him to the golf course'
No wonder you passed
Good for you Mike. It does feel great once you've passed and they have gone.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Congratulations. Not half as bad as people think. Can be worth speaking to the assessor general knowledge sparks

Cheers pal. What a relief! I focussed on him quite a bit to get to know him as a person and he really opened up which certainly helped the process along. There wasn't a moments silence between us (between vapes and brews that is)

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

'Took him to the golf course'
No wonder you passed
Good for you Mike. It does feel great once you've passed and they have gone.

Hehehe. Gotta grease the wheels where you can. He was well happy with the free food n brews.

Didn't get a single observation on my report which I'm really happy about so maybe he felt the little niggles he spotted were not worth a mention to the people higher up?

Thanks bud, the sheer relief I felt when I shut the front door was unreal. Wife and family are overjoyed so it's all good.

Onwards and upwards eh....

 

[MD__86]

Hi mate, just wondering if there were any significant differences between the NAPIT and the NICEIC assessment that you noticed?
I have NAPIT and wondering whether its worth swapping.

I went with NAPIT because NICEIC didn't get back to me after several attempts at contacting them.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Hi mate, just wondering if there were any significant differences between the NAPIT and the NICEIC assessment that you noticed?
I have NAPIT and wondering whether its worth swapping.

I went with NAPIT because NICEIC didn't get back to me after several attempts at contacting them.

Hi bud.

I was happy with NAPIT to be honest. Their customer service absolutely trounces NICEIC as they are keen to keep you happy and their website works! The NICEIC website is broken and won't allow you to make online payments towards your fee's etc. Also, their online shop is broken too! Can't order any logo's for the van, t-shirts....anything really. I've put in a support ticket but have had no reply from over 3 weeks ago so they certainly take their time getting back to you!!
I attempted to use their online certification software too but there doesn't seem to be a guide on how to efficiently use it (no problems in filling it in, just how to do it quickly) so I abandoned that and went back to my trusty EasyCert software that I've been happily using for some years now.

As far as the assessment are concerned, the NAPIT assessor was certainly a LOT more relaxed than the NICEIC guy. Was with the NAPIT guy for half a day but a full day with the NICEIC.
NICEIC guy was a lot more in depth as far as paperwork and compliance was concerned and wanted to see more variation with site work too. He was quite specific with what he wanted to see as far as Inspection & Testing was concerned too.

If you decide to go with NICEIC, be prepared to be waiting around for them to get the wheels in motion but, this will give you more time to prepare really. If you want to go on the Private Rented Scheme for landlord assessments, this is now a separate thing and no longer an "opt in" so you'll need your paperwork AGAIN for that.
Also, TrustMark, if you intend to go with those, that is also a separate thing and no longer "opt in" so it's paperwork AGAIN.

If you call NAPIT to change to NICEIC, just tell them you're going PAYE (don't say you're joining NICEIC) for a while and they'll offer to store your details on file for £99 which will mean you can basically jump back into NAPIT without having to go through all the registration process all over again!
Might be worth considering if things don't go to plan with NICEIC.

Ultimately, NAPIT is the easier choice as they're much more customer focused and the assessments appear to be a bit more relaxed.
I only went with NICEIC as it was a requirement for a large contract I wanted to tender for. I'll stay with NICEIC now for the forseeable future.

Oh, and be prepared to pay double-----initial assessment fee of around £600 then, if you pass, you'll then pay a joining fee of around a similar amount. It ain't cheap bud!!!

 

[MD__86]

Hi bud.

I was happy with NAPIT to be honest. Their customer service absolutely trounces NICEIC as they are keen to keep you happy and their website works! The NICEIC website is broken and won't allow you to make online payments towards your fee's etc. Also, their online shop is broken too! Can't order any logo's for the van, t-shirts....anything really. I've put in a support ticket but have had no reply from over 3 weeks ago so they certainly take their time getting back to you!!
I attempted to use their online certification software too but there doesn't seem to be a guide on how to efficiently use it (no problems in filling it in, just how to do it quickly) so I abandoned that and went back to my trusty EasyCert software that I've been happily using for some years now.

As far as the assessment are concerned, the NAPIT assessor was certainly a LOT more relaxed than the NICEIC guy. Was with the NAPIT guy for half a day but a full day with the NICEIC.
NICEIC guy was a lot more in depth as far as paperwork and compliance was concerned and wanted to see more variation with site work too. He was quite specific with what he wanted to see as far as Inspection & Testing was concerned too.

If you decide to go with NICEIC, be prepared to be waiting around for them to get the wheels in motion but, this will give you more time to prepare really. If you want to go on the Private Rented Scheme for landlord assessments, this is now a separate thing and no longer an "opt in" so you'll need your paperwork AGAIN for that.
Also, TrustMark, if you intend to go with those, that is also a separate thing and no longer "opt in" so it's paperwork AGAIN.

If you call NAPIT to change to NICEIC, just tell them you're going PAYE (don't say you're joining NICEIC) for a while and they'll offer to store your details on file for £99 which will mean you can basically jump back into NAPIT without having to go through all the registration process all over again!
Might be worth considering if things don't go to plan with NICEIC.

Ultimately, NAPIT is the easier choice as they're much more customer focused and the assessments appear to be a bit more relaxed.
I only went with NICEIC as it was a requirement for a large contract I wanted to tender for. I'll stay with NICEIC now for the forseeable future.

Oh, and be prepared to pay double-----initial assessment fee of around £600 then, if you pass, you'll then pay a joining fee of around a similar amount. It ain't cheap bud!!!

Really appreciate the detailed reply. Very useful thank you

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Really appreciate the detailed reply. Very useful thank you

You're welcome bud, good luck! I know it isn't easy but you'll get there.