Welcome to the forum.
To start work as self employed is straightforward.
Whether you need to register with a self certification scheme is another matter.
If you are a sole trader doing domestic electrical installation that requires notification Building Control under Part P of the Building regulations then it is economically best to join a self certification scheme.
The schemes have slightly different requirements for joining so it would be best for your to check out their requirements at the time on their websites.
Benchmark Certification Limited 0238 0517069
British Standards Institution 01442 278607
Building Engineering Services Competence Assessment Limited 0800 652 5533
Certsure LLP trading as
ELECSA or
NICEIC 0845 634 9043 or 01582 531000
NAPIT Registration Limited 0845 543 0330
Oil Firing Technical Association Limited 0845 6585080
Stroma Certification Limited 0845 621 1111
The anticipated minimum requirement is recommended to be the NVQ level 3, but this is being resisted at the moment.
You do not technically need to be an approved electrician, though it may help.
I believe the current minimum requirements are as specified in the current EAS document (this is for a QS as you would be QS as a sole trader)
MINIMUM TECHNICAL COMPETENCE CRITERIA REQUIRED FOR A PROPOSED QUALIFIED
SUPERVISOR FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS IN DWELLINGS ONLY
1
Knowledge and Understanding Requirements
Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical installations in
Dwellings
Experience
Must provide evidence of work carried out to be able to demonstrate their competence for the scope for which they have applied.
Equivalents
2
Knowledge and Understanding Requirements
NVQ 3 Electrotechnical Services (Installation, Buildings and Structures) Plus Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations
Or
Level 3 Award in Approving Electrical Installation Work in Dwellings in Compliance with Building Regulations
And
Current Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations
Experience
Must provide evidence of work carried out to be able to demonstrate their competence for the scope for which they have applied.
3
Knowledge and Understanding Requirements
Relevant electrical installation Qualification preceding NVQ
Plus
Level 3 Award in the Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations
Or
Level 3 Award in Approving Electrical Installation Work in Dwellings in Compliance with Building Regulations
And
Current Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations
Experience
Must provide evidence of work carried out to be able to demonstrate their competence for the scope for which they have applied AND evidence of ongoing Continuous Professional Development.
4
Knowledge and Understanding Requirements
Auditable evidence, for example Certificates of competence, that reflect the learning outcomes identified in the Level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical installations in Dwellings based on the National Occupational Standards.
Experience
Must provide evidence of work carried out to be able to demonstrate 2 years’ experience for the scope for which they have applied.
5
Knowledge and Understanding Requirements
Existing or previously recognised Qualified Supervisors registered within last two years with the Current Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations
Experience
Letter or similar from the previous Scheme provider confirming previous status and must provide evidence of work carried out to demonstrate practical competence for the scope for which they have applied.
