Certifications for Electric Vehicle Charging Installer: Your Ultimate Guide
In recent years, many households have opted for an electric vehicle over a petrol-powered car. Cleaner air and gas money saved – What’s not to love?
But unlike a vehicle with a diesel engine, an electric vehicle will no longer require you to pump gas at the station; unless you own a hybrid. From now on, you will need to find or install a trustworthy charging station.
However, it’s not easy to find an electric car charger or have one installed. Not all electricians have the capacity to install them, either.
If you want to get accredited to install these battery chargers or know somebody who does, check out our ultimate guide to becoming a certified electric vehicle charging installer. Read on!
Different Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Installer Certifications
With car manufacturers responding to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, qualified electric vehicle charger installers are also increasing in demand.
However, you can’t simply install a vehicle charger out of a manual. You must take an electric vehicle charging installer course and get accredited.
Here are some of the most common types of electric vehicle charging installer certifications:
Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Installer Certification
A Level 2 electric vehicle charging station is the most common type of vehicle charging. It is used at home and in public spaces like workplaces, parking lots, and shopping malls.
The following are the topics that will be covered in the programmes:
- Basic Electrical Theory and Safety Practices (code of practice for electric vehicle charging)
- BS 7671 (18th Edition) Section 722 Requirements for EV Charging Installations
- Types of Level 2 EV Charging Stations and Components
- Installation and Maintenance Procedures
- Troubleshooting and Repair
Passing this certification exam proves your competency in installing, maintaining, and repairing your clients’ Level 2 EV charging stations.
In the UK there is no EVITP/IAEI route and no separate “Level 1 / Level 2” charger-installer licence as in the US. Installers must first be qualified, competent electricians working to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 (the 18th Edition IET Wiring Regulations, currently incorporating Amendment 4, in force from 15 April 2026), whose Section 722 sets the requirements for electric vehicle charging installations. On top of this they take a dedicated EV-charging qualification. The two main options are the City & Guilds 2921 suite – most commonly the 2921-34 Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Design and Installation of Domestic and Small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations (launched in 2024, which superseded the earlier 2921-31 and legacy 2919-01 awards) – and the EAL Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points. Both are based on BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (5th Edition) and are recognised by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
UK domestic units are typically Mode 3 AC chargers installed under BS 7671 / Section 722. There is no recurring “certification term” to renew as in the US; competence is maintained through periodic re-qualification when the Wiring Regulations are amended.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Technician Certification
This certification is particularly required for automotive and electrical professionals who want to specialise in installing and maintaining EV charging stations.
The EVSE Technician Certification training programmes cover the following topics:
- Basic Electrical Theory and Safety Practices
- Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment, including Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging
- Installation Procedures for EV Charging Equipment (electric car charging points installation requirements)
- Troubleshooting and Repair of EV Charging Equipment
- Compliance with BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 (Section 722) and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (5th Edition)
In the UK these competencies are covered by the same awarding-body route described above – the City & Guilds 2921 suite (e.g. 2921-34) and the EAL Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points – sitting on top of a recognised electrical qualification and BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. ASE is a US automotive body with no UK role here.
To offer government EV grants, the installer must be an OZEV-authorised installer (holding a Competent Person Scheme membership number, with MCS as one recognised route). Note that the OZEV residential and commercial chargepoint grants closed to new customer applications on 31 March 2026; remaining OZEV support is now focused on landlord, renter/flat-owner and Workplace schemes.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Master Technician Certification
This certification is a more advanced programme that will require the EVSE Technician Certification as a prerequisite.
To get the EVSE Master Technician Certification, you must qualify for the following:
- Hold a current EVSE Technician Certification
- Have at least two years of experience installing and maintaining EV charging equipment.
- Complete an advanced training programme covering Advanced Electrical Theory and Safety Practices, Complex Troubleshooting and Repair of EV Charging Equipment, and Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations.
- Pass the advanced level certification exam.
In the UK there is no separate “master technician” licence for EV charger installation. Installers instead build on the City & Guilds 2921 / EAL Level 3 EV awards with broader electrical qualifications (for example the City & Guilds 2391 inspection and testing awards) and keep their knowledge of BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 and the IET Code of Practice (5th Edition) current.
Accreditation Agencies for Electric Vehicle Charging Installer Certifications
The following accreditation agencies ensure the programmes are comprehensive, up-to-date, and maintain integrity:
Download your free information pack
Find out how you could train as a domestic gas and heat pump engineer with a free copy of our information pack.
Download information packNational Fire Protection Association
The NFPA is a recognised authority in general fire safety and electrical safety. For EV charging installers, they certify topics covering electrical safety, grounding and bonding, and safety regulations for EV charging installations.
Automotive Service Excellence
ASE is a non-profit organisation that certifies automotive professionals, including EV charging installers.
Many employers in the automotive industry require a certification from ASE to ensure electricians have the competency to install and maintain EV charging stations.
International Code Council
The International Code Council (ICC) is a non-profit organisation that provides training and certification programmes for professionals in the construction and building industry. They focus on building safety and code development.
Because EV charging stations are installed in homes and public spaces, the authority of the ICC is greatly acknowledged to assure building safety for EV owners.
These certifications cover electrical safety, electrical wiring and grounding, and compliance with building codes and industry standards.
Cost of Certification
The exam fees and renewal fees for electric vehicle (EV) charging installer certifications will vary depending on the type of certification and accrediting agency.
Exam Fees
The following are the necessary costs of some certifications:
- City & Guilds 2921-34 Level 3 Award (EV charging installation) – typically a 1–2 day course in the region of £300–£700 +VAT
- EAL Level 3 Award in the Requirements for the Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points – typically around £300–£700 +VAT
- Prerequisite electrical qualifications (e.g. BS 7671 18th Edition / inspection and testing) – priced separately by the training centre
- MCS / OZEV-authorised installer registration – scheme fees vary; check the relevant Competent Person Scheme
These are indicative figures only – always confirm current prices directly with a City & Guilds or EAL approved centre before booking.
Renewal Fees
The following are the necessary costs of some certification renewals:
- City & Guilds / EAL Level 3 EV awards – no fixed renewal; re-qualify when BS 7671 is amended
- Competent Person Scheme membership (e.g. NICEIC, NAPIT) – annual membership fee, varies by scheme
- MCS certification (where held) – annual fee, varies by certification body
- OZEV-authorised installer status – maintained via the relevant Competent Person Scheme
Most fees are subject to change. It is best to check the accrediting agency or organisation offering the training programmes and certifications for a more updated price on the training, exam, and renewal fees.
Process for Obtaining Certification
Here are some general steps to get certified:
Research Agencies and Certifications
Research the agencies and certifications you can take. Go for those recognised by industry professionals, employers, and government agencies.
Meet Prerequisites
Check the eligibility requirements for the certification you are interested in. This usually involves education and experience requirements.
Register for Exam
After enrolling and finishing the training programmes, schedule to take the exam.
Prepare for Exam
Programmes will come with study materials. Make sure to review them well to ace the exam.
Take Exam
The exam may be administered online or in person and will cover the relevant topics for the certification.
Receive Certification
If you pass the certification exam, you will receive the certification from the accrediting agency.
Some agencies may require completing continuing education or obtaining a certain number of work hours before the certification is granted.
Final Words
As the electric vehicle market grows, more EV owners will need a competent, qualified installer. In the UK that means working to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 (Section 722) and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (5th Edition), holding a City & Guilds 2921-34 or EAL Level 3 EV award, and – to offer any remaining government grants – becoming an OZEV-authorised installer through a Competent Person Scheme. Stay relevant and competitive by getting properly qualified.
Become a qualified gas engineer
Our New Entrant Gas Engineer courses take you from beginner to Gas Safe registered, with hands-on training and the ACS qualifications employers look for.
Blog categories
Keep up to date with the latest news from
Skills training group.