Amendments to the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS), introduced in the latest update published in 2024, will come into full effect from 1 October 2026. To help Members understand and prepare for these changes, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) has launched an in-depth fireside chat video series featuring industry experts. 

The EAS is the industry's core framework, setting out the minimum technical, competence and safety requirements that electrical businesses must meet to be recognised as competent by a certification or registration body. Applicable across the UK, it underpins all major electrical certification schemes, including Certsure/NICEIC certification. 

The latest updates aim to improve competence across the electrotechnical sector, with a particular focus on periodic inspection and testing, as well as low-carbon technologies. Businesses have until October 2027 to fully comply, with support available from ECA and NICEIC to help identify qualification gaps and develop workforce competence. 

ECA’s fireside chat series breaks down the requirements into manageable topics, helping Members understand the main EAS changes, the new minimum competence requirements for low-voltage technologies and the updated expectations for periodic inspection and testing. 

In the videos, Keith Sanderson, ECA's Head of Education and Skills, is joined by Luke Cook, Associate Director at ECA Member business Darke & Taylor; Curtis Jones, Technical Manager at ECA; and Daniel Smith, Head of Assessment at NICEIC. They share practical guidance and expert insight on the key changes and what ECA Members need to know ahead of the October 2026 implementation date. 

ECA Members can access the videos here. Additional support is available via the ECA website on the EAS webpage, which features clear answers to FAQs, ECA’s dedicated EAS guidance document and details of further information and support here.