If you install, commission, or sign off battery storage systems in the UK, BS 7671 Amendment 4 — in force as the only edition from 15 October 2026 — introduces a dedicated battery storage chapter your installations must comply with. This page explains what that means for you, what qualifies you to take the short update course, and what to do if you don't yet qualify.
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Yes, in practice, if you sign off battery storage work. From 15 October 2026, all new battery storage installations must comply with the new battery chapter (Chapter 57) of BS 7671, and certification schemes expect you to show you are up to date. The recognised way to prove battery competence is a 1–2 day update course — C&G 2923-34, or equivalent from EAL, LCL Awards, or BPEC. It is not a full retrain.
Whether you qualify for the short course depends on what you already hold. Most qualified electricians do — but the entry requirements are specific, and some common qualifications (C&G 2365 and its 2366 replacement, BTEC diplomas) do not meet them.
You can go directly onto C&G 2923-34 EESS training if you hold one of the following:
✓ ECS Gold Card — Installation Electrician (JIB or SJIB)
Your Gold Card already evidences both your Level 3 NVQ and 18th Edition status. No additional prerequisites.
✓ ECS Gold Card — Approved Electrician or Domestic Electrician
Qualifies you for EESS training, but you must also hold the current 18th Edition BS 7671 (C&G 2382 or equivalent).
✓ Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installation
Any awarding body — C&G, EAL, LCL Awards, BPEC, or equivalent, including the SVQ in Electrical Installation at SCQF Level 7 (Scotland). Must be held alongside the 18th Edition.
✓ Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification
C&G 2346, 2356, or equivalent. Must be held alongside the 18th Edition.
✓ Completed electrical apprenticeship
With AM2, AM2E, FICA, or an apprenticeship completion certificate, including pre-1994 completions. Must be held alongside the 18th Edition.
The following are common qualifications that do not qualify you directly for C&G 2923-34:
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Check my requirements →The installation rules are mandatory — the qualification is how you prove you meet them. From 15 October 2026, all new battery storage installations must comply with the updated battery chapter (Chapter 57) of the wiring regulations. Certification schemes expect you to show you are up to date, and the recognised way to prove battery competence is the 1–2 day C&G 2923-34 course.
Amendment 4 to BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) was published on 15 April 2026 and becomes the only edition in force from 15 October 2026. It introduces a dedicated battery storage chapter (Chapter 57). From that date, all new battery storage installations must comply with Chapter 57, and certification schemes expect you to show you are up to date. The recognised way to prove battery competence is a qualification such as C&G 2923-34.
An ECS Installation Electrician Gold Card confirms you hold the underlying qualifications (Level 3 NVQ and 18th Edition) required to enter EESS training. It does not itself cover EESS work — you still need to complete the C&G 2923-34 update course. The good news is that Gold Card holders qualify directly for the 1–2 day course without any additional prerequisite training.
No. C&G 2365 — and its replacement, the C&G 2366 Technical Occupational Entry Diploma — are stand-alone technical certificates that do not meet the entry requirements for C&G 2923-34 EESS training. You need a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrical Installation (or equivalent from any awarding body) alongside the current 18th Edition BS 7671 qualification. If you only hold C&G 2365, you will need to complete the Level 3 NVQ Diploma first.
Yes, for most routes. The current 18th Edition BS 7671 (C&G 2382 or equivalent) must be held alongside your main qualification before you can enrol on C&G 2923-34 EESS training. The one exception is the ECS Installation Electrician Gold Card, which already evidences both your NVQ and 18th Edition status simultaneously.
The C&G 2923-34 EESS update course is typically 1–2 days, followed by a practical assessment. It is not a full retrain — it is an update course for qualified electricians who already hold the underlying credentials.
EESS qualifications from City & Guilds (2923-34), EAL, LCL Awards, and BPEC are recognised by NICEIC, NAPIT, and the MCS scheme. Completing the course also contributes to Electrician Plus status on your ECS card.
Sources and review date
Last reviewed: July 2026
This page is based on: City & Guilds 2923-34 qualification handbook · JIB ECS Card handbook 2026 · EAS Qualifications Guide June 2025 · NAPIT BPEC entry requirements · LCL Awards prerequisites · NICEIC acceptable qualifications list.
Regulations change. This page will be updated when Amendment 4 comes into force in October 2026.
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