Not everyone with a screwdriver and a multimeter can sign off your EICR. The law is clear that the inspection has to be done by someone “qualified and competent”, but it stops short of naming a single badge or licence, which leaves a lot of landlords unsure who they can actually trust with the job. Hand it to the wrong person and you could end up with a report that’s not worth the paper it’s printed on.
This guide explains exactly who’s allowed to carry out an EICR, what “qualified and competent” really means, and how to check an electrician is the real deal before you let them anywhere near your fuse box.
What the Law Says
The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 require landlords to have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a “qualified and competent person”. That’s the exact wording, and you’ll notice it doesn’t list specific qualifications.
That vagueness is deliberate, but it puts the responsibility on you. If a council ever questions your report, “I thought he knew what he was doing” won’t cut it. You’re expected to have taken reasonable steps to confirm the person was genuinely competent, which is why many landlords would rather hand it to a firm that lives and breathes electrical inspection and testing. Our full breakdown of the landlord electrical safety regulations covers where this duty sits among your other obligations.
What “Qualified and Competent” Actually Means
Competence here isn’t a vague idea. It comes down to three things working together: the right qualifications, real hands-on experience, and proper insurance.
- Qualifications. A competent inspector will hold a recognised inspection and testing qualification, most commonly the City & Guilds 2391 (or the newer 2391-52), alongside the current wiring regulations qualification, the City & Guilds 2382 covering the 18th Edition of BS 7671. These prove they’ve been trained specifically to inspect and test, not just to install.
- Experience. Qualifications get someone through the door, but EICRs reward judgement built over time. An experienced electrician knows the difference between a genuine C2 and an over-cautious one, which keeps your remedial bill honest.
- Insurance. A proper contractor carries professional indemnity and public liability cover. If their assessment is wrong and something goes wrong later, that cover matters to you.
Take one of those legs away and the stool wobbles. A qualified but uninsured sole trader, or an experienced installer who’s never formally trained in testing, both fall short of the standard the regulations expect.
Registration: The Shortcut to Confidence
The simplest way to know an electrician is competent is to check they’re registered with a government-approved Competent Person Scheme. The best known are NAPIT and NICEIC, with others including ELECSA and STROMA.
Registration isn’t automatic. To join and stay on these schemes, electricians are assessed on their work, their qualifications and their knowledge of current regulations, and they’re reassessed regularly. A registered electrician can also self-certify certain notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations, which tells you they’re trusted to work to a recognised standard.
We’re a NAPIT Approved contractor and a Registered Competent Person, so when we carry out your eicr, you’ve got that assurance built in. If you’d like to check our credentials before booking, just ask; we’re happy to show them. Call 07936 250380.
How to Check an Electrician Before You Book
You don’t need to be an expert to vet an inspector. A few straightforward questions tell you most of what you need to know.
Ask which scheme they’re registered with, then look the company up on that scheme’s online register, which anyone can search. Ask what inspection and testing qualifications they hold, and don’t be shy about it; a good electrician expects the question and answers it happily. Check they carry insurance, and ask roughly how many EICRs they carry out, because regular inspection work keeps skills sharp.
If someone dodges these questions or gets prickly, that’s your answer. A genuine professional has nothing to hide.
Why It Matters Who Does It
An EICR from an unqualified person isn’t just risky, it can be worthless. If a council reviews a report and isn’t satisfied the inspector was competent, they can reject it, leaving you non-compliant despite having paid for a test. Your insurer can take the same view if you ever need to claim. And of course, a poor inspection might miss a genuine danger, which is the whole reason the rules exist.
Getting it right first time, with someone properly qualified, is far cheaper than paying twice. As experienced landlord electrician specialists across the North West, we give you a report that stands up to scrutiny. Call DH Electrical Services on 07936 250380 or email [email protected] for a no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any electrician carry out an EICR?
Not necessarily. An electrician needs specific inspection and testing qualifications, such as the City & Guilds 2391, on top of general electrical training. Many installers are excellent at fitting but aren’t qualified to inspect and test, so always check before you book.
Do I have to use a NICEIC or NAPIT registered electrician?
The law says “qualified and competent” rather than naming a scheme, so registration isn’t strictly mandatory. In practice, using a registered electrician is the easiest way to prove competence if your report is ever questioned, which is why most landlords choose one.
Can I carry out my own EICR if I’m handy with electrics?
No. Even if you have some electrical knowledge, an EICR must be done by a qualified and competent person who can demonstrate the right training, experience and insurance. A landlord inspecting their own property wouldn’t meet that standard.
How do I check an electrician is genuinely registered?
Each Competent Person Scheme keeps a public online register you can search by name or postcode. Ask the electrician which scheme they belong to, then confirm it yourself rather than taking their word for it.