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 look at qualifications, training courses, and certifications needed to enter this field.
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How to Become an EV Charger Installer in the UK
To become a certified electric car charger installer in the UK, specific qualifications are necessary to ensure you have the skills and knowledge required for this specialised task. The leading authority in providing industry-recognised training for EV charger installation is City & Guilds.
City & Guilds offers three specific qualifications designed to equip EV charger installers with comprehensive skills ranging from basic electrical installations to the intricacies of installing various types of EV charging points. These qualifications are course numbers 2921-31, 2921-32, and 2921-33. Each course is tailored to cover different aspects and complexities of EV charger installation, ensuring a thorough grounding in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Course 2921-31 is an introductory qualification, focusing on the foundational knowledge and competencies required for EV charging equipment installation. It’s designed for electricians and installers who are new to the field of EV charging.
- Course 2921-32 delves deeper, targeting more complex installation scenarios and advanced technologies in the EV charging sector. This course is suited for individuals who already have a basic understanding of electrical installations and wish to specialise further in EV charger installations.
- Course 2921-33 is the most advanced qualification, covering specialised and high-level aspects of EV charger installation, including rapid charging systems and commercial charging stations.
To enrol in these qualifications, candidates must approach any of the City & Guilds accredited centres across the UK. These centres are equipped with the necessary facilities and expert instructors to provide hands-on training and theoretical education.
In addition to these specific courses, it’s also recommended that installers familiarise themselves with the latest regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices to ensure compliance and high-quality installations. Continuous learning and staying updated with technological advancements in the EV charging industry will also be beneficial for a successful career in this rapidly evolving sector.
Obtaining these qualifications from City & Guilds not only certifies your ability to install EV chargers safely and effectively but also positions you as a qualified professional in a field that is expected to see significant growth as the adoption of electric vehicles continues to rise.
Step 1: Electrical Qualifications
The initial step towards becoming an EV charger installer is to acquire standard electrical qualifications, such as an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or an equivalent qualification for adults entering the field. These foundational qualifications are essential, as they equip you with the necessary electrical knowledge and skills that form the basis of all subsequent specialized training in EV charger installation.
Step 2: Gaining Practical Experience
With your electrical qualifications in hand, the next step is to accumulate practical experience in the field.
A minimum of two years of hands-on experience is typically required to join the competent persons register. This experience is vital, as it ensures that you have not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills to safely and efficiently carry out electrical installations, including those specific to EV charging systems.
Step 3: Specialise with a Dedicated EV Charger Course
The complex nature of EV charger installation means you need dedicated training beyond general electrical qualifications.
Enrolling in a dedicated EV charger course, such as those offered by City & Guilds, is essential. These courses cover the specifics of EV charging technology, installation standards, and safety regulations. Upon completion, you will be able to self-certify EV charger installations and start looking for EV charger installation jobs to offer your services to customers.
Step 4: Becoming an OZEV-Authorised Installer
Consider becoming an Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) authorised installer (details on how to go about that are below). This status enables you to claim government grants on behalf of your customers for the installation of EV chargers, a significant incentive that can encourage more individuals and businesses to transition to electric vehicles.
While the grant landscape may change (for instance, as of March 2022, grants for homeowners were phased out, but they remained available for flat owners and rented accommodations), being OZEV-authorised positions you as a preferred installer for a wide range of clients.
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 OZEV-approved
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.
Benefits and Requirements of Dedicated EV Charging Courses
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.
City & Guilds
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.
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.
Course Content and Certification
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
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
Are the 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.
Manufacturer-Specific 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’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.
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.
Online Courses
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.
How to Get Hands-On Experience as an EV Charger Installer
Many electricians struggle to get practical EV installation experience before landing a job.
Options for Gaining Experience:
✔️ Work with an EV charger installation company – Apply for trainee positions.
✔️ Shadow an experienced installer – Gain on-site learning.
✔️ Join a renewable energy firm – Many offer EV charger training programs.
✔️ Freelance under supervision – Work with a qualified electrician while learning.
Many companies now offer “EV Installer Trainee” positions—ideal for gaining experience.
How Much Do EV Charger Installers Earn in the UK?
EV charger installation is one of the fastest-growing electrician specialisations, with strong salary potential.
Average Salaries (2025 Data):
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): £30,000 – £35,000
- Mid-Level (2-5 years): £36,000 – £42,000
- Senior Installer (5+ years): £45,000 – £55,000
- Freelance Installers: £200-£500 per installation (potential £50k+ per year)
With demand increasing, salaries are expected to grow in the coming years.
The Future of EV Charger Installation Careers
As the UK moves towards electric vehicles becoming the norm, EV charger installation will continue to grow.
What This Means for Installers:
- More work in residential, commercial, and public charging infrastructure.
- Opportunities to specialise in fast & ultra-fast charger installations.
- Growing demand for smart home integration (solar + EV charging).
Getting certified now means you’ll be ahead of the curve in an industry with long-term job security.
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.
