ELECSA Certification Scheme Elecsa Part P Assessment

[Stormflex]

Hi all,

Just registered with Elecsa today - already bricking it about my assessment and I obviously haven't even got a date yet! I'm happy about the "office" element of the assessment and any Q&A but nervous about the practical/testing bit.

I'm just starting out after passing my EAL Domestic Electrical Installer in October last year. It's all a bit chicken and egg at this stage as you can't do any notifiable work to get the experience, etc. without your Part P. However, I have a CCU replacement job lined up which I will use for the site visit.

The bit I'm worrying about is demonstrating my testing whilst being overlooked by the assessor. I know what tests are required, etc. but like to be able to refer to something like GN3 to be sure of what I'm doing before proceeding. Is this allowed on your assessment or do you have to know it all instinctively? What are they really looking for?

Taking in to account that I am new at this, am I demonstrating a safe approach by doing this - as opposed to just jumping in and making an arse of it all?

Thanks for any advice,

Rich

 

[tonys]

How long does it take get the EAL?

 

[IQ Electrical]

Hi all,

Just registered with Elecsa today - already bricking it about my assessment and I obviously haven't even got a date yet! I'm happy about the "office" element of the assessment and any Q&A but nervous about the practical/testing bit.

I'm just starting out after passing my EAL Domestic Electrical Installer in October last year. It's all a bit chicken and egg at this stage as you can't do any notifiable work to get the experience, etc. without your Part P. However, I have a CCU replacement job lined up which I will use for the site visit.

The bit I'm worrying about is demonstrating my testing whilst being overlooked by the assessor. I know what tests are required, etc. but like to be able to refer to something like GN3 to be sure of what I'm doing before proceeding. Is this allowed on your assessment or do you have to know it all instinctively? What are they really looking for?

Taking in to account that I am new at this, am I demonstrating a safe approach by doing this - as opposed to just jumping in and making an arse of it all?

Thanks for any advice,

Rich

They're looking to see that you can SAFELY test your installation to BS7671:2008.

If you choose to have GN3 open for reference, so be it!

Just be Safe and have safe isolation branded into your brain!

 

[cbw]

EAL Domestic installer...........5 day wonder

 

[malcolmsanford]

EAL Domestic installer...........5 day wonder

Think the use of the words "wonder" and "5 Days" might be an oxymoron.

I've banged on about this but unless the CCU is in your own home, and your learning on that, shouldn't the customer expect the "electrician" they employ to be competant.

I really don't blame the OP as he is obviously trying to got on in life, I blame the courses for selling a flawed dream to not only him/her but to the public.

Rant over good morning CBW have a great day

 

[Stormflex]

Morning all,

Thanks IQ Electrical for taking the time to respond.

As soon as I saw your question tonys I knew where this one was going - so to answer your question...

I took 6 months to complete 2377, 2382 and EAL Domestic Installer. The course provider "allowed" up to 18 months but as malcomsanford rightly states, I want to get on in life so got my head in the books and cracked on with it.

I currently work as a sales manager for a defence company. I've been working in sales for about 16 years now and have basically had enough. This was what I chose as my route out. I appreciate that I haven't followed the time honoured route of an apprenticeship but unfortunately at my age and with the commitments I have that, financially, is just not an option.

Does the fact that I may not be able to perform each and every test instinctively make me incompetent? Is it not better that I double check in a reference book before I proceed and do the job right than try and blag it?

As it happens, I've got about 4 weeks to commit the test procedures to memory so I expect come the day I won't need any books. But it's nice to know I can refer to them if I need to.

Thanks and regards

Rich

 

[pritch]

The tests are fairly straight forward,if you keep going over and over using your own Consumer Unit to perform the tests and following Gn3 you should be fine come the day.You really dont want to be fumbling around with the gn3 on the day.

 

[nickblake]

Had my 3rd assesment last week ,make sure you have your PLI min 2 million , regs , on site guide, memorandum of supply regs , copies on test certs ,Test equipment calibration cert , the guys are realy good and try and help you the best they can they wont be little you by any means just relax , and make sure you got plenty of tea and coffee buiscuits at a push ,if your realy brave a kit kat chunky

 

[SirKit Breaker]

I am 5 or 6 years with Elecsa. You have nothing to fear. If you want GN3, OSG, BRB or even the Daily Sport, or all of them it isn't a problem.

What are they looking for?, well they just want to see someone who can work safely, work to the required standard, and be competent.
You won't get knocked back for minor mistakes, we all make them, myself included. Your assessor whoever he may be is there to help and point out what you may or may not be doing wrong, he is after all an Electrician just like us. They are human and appreciate tea and coffee, and a chat about the weather etc. If your sample job is there or there about, you meet the criteria, paperwork is all OK, and you can demonstrate competence, then you are home and dry.

Good luck

Howard

 

[tonys]

Good luck to you - Rich

I only asked because Ive only just noticed all these courses popping up.

Ill be retired by the time all the newbies catch up with me

 

[arjay]

Yes good luck got my second on the 28th of this month same assessor as last time very nice easy going man ready to give a few tips and helpful advice tea and biccies a must tho

 

[Stormflex]

Thanks to all for your feedback and support. Had a call from Elecsa this morning asking if I could make 26 January! Not much notice but I figured what's the point in delaying things. Better get a multipack of Kit Kat Chunky's in

 

[brucelee]

Good luck mate

 

[Clayden]

Good luck to you. Ive just turned 20 and been self employed for about a year. I had my elecsa assesment yesturday. My 'office' was my living room, at my parents house and due to being a sole trader i didnt have any sort of risk assesments, complaints log etc etc. For the assesment i just used there templates. The assesor turned up at 1.30 on time and didnt leave till 4.45 so it did last a long time. It was nothing to worry about, i showed him a 3 bed house i had rewired but had everything basic as you could get. TNC-S system, cealing rose in centre of room 3 or 4 sockets in each room etc etc. He asked to to perform the external loop impedance, cpc continuity on a 16A garage radial socket circuit and RCD test on the ring. Also had a look in some switches to make sure i had labelled correctly with sleaving. He did ask alot of questions and i did think he was trying to catch me out mainly because of my age. But i passed with no problems and he was very complimentive. It was abit of an anti-climax in the end beacuse i had been worrying all over christmas about the exam. Just dont panic and make sure you know what work is notifiable and non notifiable.

 

[Stormflex]

Congratulations mate, hope I'll be joining the ranks of Elecsa soon!