Who Can Do an EICR Legally? Inspector Qualifications for Landlords

Not every electrician can legally carry out an EICR for landlord compliance. SI 2020/312 requires the work to be done by a "qualified person" — and since 1 October 2026, what that means has changed significantly.

The Old Rules (Before October 2026)

Under the previous framework, competence was assessed primarily at the firm level. A company registered with a competent person scheme — NICEIC, NAPIT, or others — could carry out EICRs under the oversight of a nominated Qualified Supervisor. The individual electrician on site did not need to personally hold inspection and testing qualifications, as long as the firm's registration covered that scope.

The New EAS Rules (From 1 October 2026)

The revised Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) shifted competence from the firm to the individual. Every person who physically carries out a periodic inspection and test must now personally satisfy three requirements:

1. Level 3 Periodic Inspection and Testing qualification — City & Guilds 2391-51 or 2391-52, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification
2. Minimum two years of documented periodic inspection experience — not general installation work, specifically inspection and testing
3. Audited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) — maintained and verifiable through their registration scheme

This is a meaningful shift. A general electrician who installs sockets and wiring but has never done periodic inspections does not meet the EAS standard, even if the firm they work for is registered with a competent person scheme.

How to Verify an Inspector

Before booking, ask for the name of the individual inspector who will attend — not just the company name. Then verify:

• Scheme registration: Check the NICEIC, NAPIT, or Registered Competent Person Electrical online register. Confirm the registration specifically includes periodic inspection and testing, not just general installation work.
• Personal qualification: Ask for evidence of the Level 3 Inspection and Testing certificate (City & Guilds 2391-52 or equivalent).
• Insurance: Confirm at least £2 million Public Liability and appropriate Professional Indemnity cover.

The Registered Competent Person Electrical register is the government-backed directory that lists qualified inspectors searchable by postcode. It is the simplest starting point for finding someone who meets the new EAS standard.

Why an Unqualified Inspector Is a Real Risk

If the person who carries out the inspection does not meet the qualified person standard, the inspection does not meet SI 2020/312's requirement that inspection and testing be carried out by a qualified person. The landlord must arrange inspection by a qualified person to meet that duty; a breach can attract a civil penalty of up to £40,000.

Getting It Right the First Time

The Electrical Safety (EICR) Compliance Guide includes a pre-booking contractor vetting checklist that covers scheme verification, qualification evidence, insurance documentation, and the written quote scope — everything you need before handing over the keys.

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