If you install, commission, or sign off battery storage systems in the UK, BS 7671 Amendment 4 — mandatory from October 2026 — introduces a formal qualification requirement. This page explains who it applies to, what qualifies you to take the short update course, and what to do if you don't yet qualify.
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Check my EESS requirements →Free · 2 minutes · Based on C&G 2923-34 entry requirements
Yes, if you sign off battery storage work. From October 2026, electricians certifying or signing off battery storage installations under BS 7671 are expected to hold a recognised EESS qualification. The qualification 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, 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. 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 →You need EESS training if you want to inspect, test, certify, or sign off battery storage installations under BS 7671. From October 2026, Amendment 4 makes this a formal requirement — not a recommendation. If you currently install battery storage but do not hold a recognised EESS qualification, you should complete the C&G 2923-34 update course before the deadline.
Amendment 4 to BS 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations) comes into force in October 2026. It introduces new requirements for electrical energy storage systems (EESS) including battery storage. From that date, electricians certifying or signing off battery storage installations are expected to hold a recognised EESS 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 is a stand-alone technical certificate that does 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: June 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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