If you are looking to become an electric car charger installer and do not know where to start, this is the article for you.
We investigate the course options available right now in the UK and look at what experience is required to enrol and the qualifications needed to become an EV charger installer.
Where can I take an EV charger installation training course?
City & Guilds provide the leading industry-recognised installation training course in the UK. City & Guilds recently launched 3 specific qualifications required to certify as an EV charger installer – course numbers 2921-31, 2921-32, and 2921-33. These can be taken at any of the City & Guilds accredited centres in the UK.
How to become an EV charger installer?
The route to becoming an EV charger installer starts with the standard electrical qualifications (NVQ or equivalent adult qualification), enabling you to join the competent persons register.
To join a Competent Person Scheme you will also need 2 years of experience.
Once you are registered you are required to attend a dedicated EV charger course (for example the City & Guilds qualifications). After completing a dedicated course you can self-certify EV charger installations and start looking for EV charger installation jobs to offer your services to customers.
The next step is to consider becoming an Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) authorised installer. This allows electricians to claim government grants on behalf of their customers (as of March 2022 this grant is no longer available to homeowners, it is still available to Flats owners and rented accommodation).
Take a look at the OZEV-authorised installer application requirements to better understand what else you need to do to qualify, the section below is a summary of the steps required for OZEV authorisation.
How to become an OZEV-approved EV charger installer
To become an OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) approved EV charger installer in the UK, you need to meet certain criteria, here are the steps outlined by OZEV:
- Gain the relevant qualifications
Get the required qualifications and certifications related to electric vehicle charging equipment installation. - Join a competent person scheme
Become a member of a recognized Competent Person Scheme (CPS) that covers electric vehicle charging installations. Competent Person Schemes, such as NAPIT, NICEIC, or Stroma, are authorized by OZEV to assess and certify installers’ competence. Membership in a CPS demonstrates your compliance with industry standards and enables you to self-certify installations. - Apply for the OZEV Scheme
Apply to become an OZEV-approved installer here. The application process typically involves providing evidence of your qualifications, CPS membership, and compliance with OZEV requirements. - Stay updated and compliant
Once approved, it’s important to stay updated with any changes in regulations, standards, or OZEV requirements. Adhere to industry best practices and maintain your qualifications and CPS membership to ensure ongoing compliance.
In case this process has changed, be sure to visit the official OZEV website or contact OZEV directly for the most up-to-date information on becoming an OZEV approved EV charger installer.
What are the benefits of taking a dedicated EV charging course?
The electric car industry in the UK is continuing to grow at a staggering rate, with the British public adopting EVs to lower their carbon footprint and avoid higher fuel prices. EV owners are moving away from using granny chargers to charge EVs and adopting dedicated chargers instead, therefore it’s a booming industry and installation jobs within the EV sector should continue to increase in demand.
Many manufacturers have their own charger installation teams, Tesla was listed as one of the top 13 tech companies to work for in 2023 and similarly ‘Master Automotive Technician’ was listed as one of the best jobs by Indeed recruitment agency in 2023. Highlighting further that the EV job industry is booming.
Alongside improving your knowledge, credibility and understanding of the installation process, the most significant benefit of taking a professional course is the ability to claim an OZEV grant on behalf of your customer.
What qualifications do you need to install EV chargers?
To install EV chargers, you must be a qualified electrician. So you should have completed an electrical apprenticeship or obtained relevant electrical qualifications recognised by industry standards. Once you are a qualified electrician the 3 qualifications required are the City and Guilds 2921-31, 2921-32 and 2921-33.
These qualifications are specifically tailored for electricians who want to install EV charging points. It covers the necessary skills and knowledge required to safely install and maintain electric vehicle charging equipment.
What are the City and Guides EV charger qualifications?
The Electrical Vehicle Charging Installations (2921) are a new specific set of qualifications designed to cover practical & theoretical elements of EV charger installation. They have been introduced to replace the City & Guilds Electric Vehicle Charging (2919) qualification.
The 3 City & Guilds qualifications are:
2921-31 Design and installation of domestic and small commercial electric vehicle charging installations.
2921-32 Design and Quality Assurance of large-scale electric vehicle charging installations.
2921-33 Installation and maintenance of large-scale electric vehicle charging installations.
What qualifications do I need to take the City & Guilds EV charger installation course?
The entry requirements are targeting qualified electricians looking to specialise in EV installation:
- 2346 Level 3 Electrotechnical worker qualification
- 2357 Level 3 NVQ Installing Electrotechnical Systems
- 2357 Electrotechnical Services
- 2356 LEvel 3 Electrotechnical qualification
- Equivalent legacy qualifications
- Relevant approved electrician card
Where can I take the City & Guides EV charger installation courses?
The quickest way to find your nearest college or training centre is via the City & Guilds centre finder online. You can input your postcode and the course you are interested in to search nearby centres. Outside of this tool, there are many training providers available via a quick online search, be sure to choose an accredited City & Guilds training centre.
What’s the content of an EV charging course?
Most EV installation courses will combine a mixture of practical and classroom-based learning. Typically they last 2 days and you can expect a mix of the following elements on an EV charging course:
- A general introduction to the different types of EV chargers and the charging process
- You will learn how to correctly assess an installation at a customer’s property
- The different techniques required to install the various types and brands of EV chargers in compliance with current UK regulations
- What is the IET Code of Practice
- What are the current Government legislations that impact EV installation
- What are the current Government Grants available to customers
- You will gain a practical understanding of the safety equipment required
- You will learn Earthing requirements, for example, if an EV charger needs an earth rod and how to detect faults
- Exam assessment
Do you get a certificate with an EV charging course?
If you complete a City & Guilds EV charging course you will receive a full printed certificate. You will also receive an e-Certificate that you can access via the City & Guilds e-Certificate verification page. e-Certificates are free and offered by City & Guilds as an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional paper certificate.
Who is an EV charging installation course for?
An EV charging course is not designed for entry-level students without prior electrical experience. They are designed for competent electricians with experience and relevant qualifications, who are ready to specialise and find EV charger home installation jobs once they have completed the course.
Are EV charging courses free?
The City & Guilds EV charging courses are not free. There are free alternatives out there, such as this free CPD training course from Pod Point. The Pod Point personal development training covers several elements included in the City & Guilds course, such as an overview of the EV industry and the current UK regulations that impact the installation of Electric car chargers.
The availability of free courses may depend on various factors such as funding initiatives, partnerships, or specific programs that aim to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and support the EV charging infrastructure. Some utility companies or energy suppliers may offer training programs or initiatives to encourage the installation of EV chargers. These programs could include free or discounted training for installers in their service areas.
EV charger manufacturers’ training
It’s not something installers need to do, but manufacturer-specific training can be worthwhile for installers working with specific EV charger brands.
Manufacturer-specific training programs are typically offered by EV charger manufacturers to ensure proper installation, operation, and maintenance of their products. These training courses provide in-depth knowledge about the specific features, technical specifications, and installation requirements of the manufacturer’s EV chargers.
Benefits of manufacturer-specific training include:
- Expertise
Installers gain specialised knowledge and expertise in installing and maintaining a particular brand of EV charger. Allowing you to specialize in a specific niche of the market. - Compliance
Manufacturer-specific training ensures that installers adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and specifications. It helps maintain product warranties and ensures installations meet the required standards. - Efficiency
With detailed knowledge of the charger’s features and installation requirements, installers can work more efficiently.
Pod Point EV charging course
Pod Point: Pod Point is a leading provider of EV charging solutions in the UK. Pod Point’s CPD (Continuing Professional Development) training covers various aspects of the electric vehicle industry. The training includes an introduction to the industry, information about charging locations for electric vehicle drivers, regulations and planning guidance, design considerations, billing and financial aspects, grants and tax benefits, typical installations, and future trends.
By completing the training, participants will gain the ability to create accurate EV charging specifications, avoid common mistakes in scoping and delivery, understand planning requirements, and have a clearer understanding of market dynamics and the potential of an electric future. The training also provides insights into the installation, management, and maintenance of EV charge points.
Rolec EV charging course
Rolec EV is a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of EV charging points. They offer a Rolec training course specifically tailored for their range of EV chargers, covering aspects such as installation techniques, product features, and technical support.
EO Charging charging course
EO Charging is an EV charging solutions company that offers training programs for installers via its EO academy. Their training covers various topics related to the installation and maintenance of their charging infrastructure, including product knowledge and best practices.
NAPIT EV charging course
NAPIT (National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers) offers the Level 3 Award in Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (City & Guilds 2919-01). This qualification is designed for experienced electricians who are members of a Competent Person Scheme.
The course is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining home study with a one-day attendance at an assessment centre. The home learning section covers the necessary theoretical knowledge using an online learning package that covers the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (4th Edition). This section is completed at home through a series of online question-and-answer sections.
After successful completion of the home learning section, candidates attend the assessment centre for a recap and question and answer session, followed by practical assessments and an online theory examination as part of the City & Guilds 2919-01 course. No training is provided at the assessment centre, and candidates must complete the home learning package successfully before attending.
Upon completion of this qualification, candidates can apply for inclusion on the OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) register of Competent Electric Vehicle Charging Installers.
Can I take an EV charging course online?
There are online home learning courses available for EV charging installation. The Napit course mentioned above offers an online EV charging course that allows you to learn from home and complete an online assessment via digital Q&A sessions. Whilst the learning is completed online, they do require you to attend an assessment centre to complete the final practical assessment.
There are other online electric vehicle charging courses available that can be completed remotely. These online courses provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home or office, for example, Learn technique and CEF training.
The final word on EV charger installation courses
There is a wide range of EV installation courses available to choose from in the UK. Manufacturers provide product-specific courses, and training centres provide introductory courses, but the recognised go-to course for UK electricians is the City & Guilds Electric Vehicle Charging Installations 2921.
The growth in the EV sector in the UK alongside the Government’s commitment to net zero will ensure that there will continue to be job opportunities for those with the relevant EV charger qualifications. The three City & Guilds courses (2921-31, 2921-32, 2921-33) are all approved by the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme and are the industry standard for Electricians who wish to become experts in the requirements of EV charger installation.
To take these courses you will need to be a qualified electrician and you will need to pay a fee of over £300, once you have done so you will be able to safely provide electric vehicle installation services to customers in the UK.
Beyond the City and Guilds training, consider Manufacturer training programs in order to keep on top of the industry. EV charging equipment manufacturers may offer training programs specifically focused on the installation and maintenance of their products. Contact manufacturers directly or check their websites for any available courses or resources.
Remember to thoroughly research the course content, the credibility of the institution or provider, and any potential certifications or credentials you get when you are done.
By investing your time and effort in an EV charger installation course, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to be a part of the growing electric vehicle industry!
Ready to dive even deeper...
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
