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Last updated: 19 December 2024
Getting a Gold CSCS Card for electricians
Do you work as an electrician? Are you ready for bigger electrical jobs? You could improve your work opportunities and gain more experience by getting a gold CSCS card for electricians. Keep reading to find out more...
Whether you want to progress your career in the construction industry or you need it for a specific site, this guide will walk you through the process of getting a CSCS gold card for electricians.
What is a Gold CSCS Card?
The Gold CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Card is a certification of advanced qualifications, competency and experience in the construction industry.
A gold card is the highest level of qualification in the construction industry. It's proof that you're a fully qualified and competent electrician.
As such, It’s typically aimed at supervisors or highly skilled professionals in the construction industry.
How to upskill as an electrician
Electricians are constantly in high demand in the UK. So, if you want to win more work, you might be wondering how to upskill as an electrician. Upskilling is a great way to ensure you have the skills and knowledge that homeowners need – especially as more electricians enter the industry. So, let's
What can a gold card electrician do?
A gold card electrician can carry out tasks in a range of commercial settings and construction sites including:
Working unsupervised on electrical installation and maintenance tasks
Commissioning and maintaining low-voltage electrical and electronic equipment
Installing consumer electrical appliances
Working at a supervisory level on construction sites
CSCS gold cards are available to anyone with the required electrical qualifications.
What’s the difference between an ECS and a CSCS gold card?
The ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) is specifically for electricians and other workers in the electrotechnical industry.
A CSCS card, on the other hand, is for skilled workers in the general construction industry – not solely electrical tradespeople.
As an electrician, the ECS card is the only one you need to work on a construction site. However, a CSCS gold card can help you gain opportunities and more diverse experience.
Want to know more about the ECS card? Read our guide below with all the facts:
How to get an ECS card: everything you need to know
Whether you’re an electrical apprentice, qualified electrician or project manager, holding an ECS card can be very handy. We’ll talk you through the different card types, how to apply for an ECS card, and the benefits of being an ECS card holder. So, let’s get started… What is an ECS Card? An ECS
Reasons to get a gold CSCS card as an electrician
The CSCS gold card is widely recognised across the industry by site managers and employers across the UK.
As such, there are various reasons why getting an electrician gold card can help your career:
Improve your employability – Many employers prefer workers with a CSCS gold card (some even require it)
Boost your earning potential – Qualified electricians with a CSCS gold card often earn more
Access more job sites – Major construction sites will often require you to hold a gold card to work on-site
Not sure a gold card is right for you? Take a look at our guide on how to get a standard CSCS card.
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CSCS gold card requirements for electricians
To obtain a CSCS gold card, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
Have a construction-related qualification – NVQ/SVQ level 3 or SVQ at SCQF level 6
Complete an approved apprenticeship (e.g.with NJCBI, BATJIC, Institute of Apprenticeships or City and Guilds Advanced Craft Certificate)
Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test within the last two years
Be working in a supervisory role
Have a high level of proficiency in your trade
If you can tick off all of the above, then you're in a good position to apply for a gold card.
Training to be an electrician – our complete guide
In the UK, training to be an electrician can be the start of an exciting and rewarding career. But, where do you start? In this guide, we'll talk you through the benefits of training as an electrician. We'll also look at the qualifications you need and how to gain practical experience. So, let's get
How to apply for a CSCS gold card as an electrician
To get an electrician gold card, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
Complete all necessary qualifications and apprenticeships
Take and pass the relevant health and safety test for your role
Submit your application via the CSCS website, providing proof of your qualifications
Once your application is approved, you should receive your CSCS gold card within 3-5 working days.
FAQs
How quickly can you train as an electrician?
The quickest way to train to be a fully qualified electrician is through an online electrical training course.
You can collect your evidence while working and submit it to obtain your Level 3 NVQ qualification.
For electricians with five years’ experience, this can take up to one year depending on how professionally active you are.
When starting as an apprentice electrician, the average time spent getting qualified is three years.
Can you do an electrician course online?
Electrician courses combine online learning with site-based experience. Electricians usually learn through experience and then study for industry qualifications while working.
This is a great way to earn while you learn and it's a popular choice for self-employed electricians and those who work for an electrical business.
How to upskill as an electrician
Electricians are constantly in high demand in the UK. So, if you want to win more work, you might be wondering how to upskill as an electrician. Upskilling is a great way to ensure you have the skills and knowledge that homeowners need – especially as more electricians enter the industry. So, let's
What is the best online electrician school?
There are many electrical training providers across the UK. All electrician schools must be qualified and certified to offer training programmes.
Companies such as Learn Technique are fully registered to provide a range of electrician courses with City & Guilds qualifications upon completion.
Which electrician certification is best?
A CSCS gold card for electricians and an ECS gold card are the highest industry standard for qualified electricians.
Other important electrician certifications include these City & Guilds qualifications:
PAT testing
Part P Building Regulations
Electrical vehicle charging
If you plan to specialise in a certain area of electrical work, you may also need specialist certification, e.g. emergency lighting or a BS7671 qualification.
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Save money on business essentials with your Checkatrade membership
