I understand your dilemma. I have been in NICEIC since 1987. Back then it was a badge of honour where there was genuine trepidation when their professionally dressed inspecting engineers were due a visit. Now, you could burn an estate of houses down due to bad installation practice and the worst that would happen is that some wee lad in a black tee shirt would call with a mild admonishment and try to sell you the latest test equipment. Yet here I am again, will I, won’t I. 
The thing is, it is often hard to predict what direction one’s business might take. In my line of work it is rare that there is need for NICEIC accreditation but I hang on, pay the £580 or whatever, perhaps afraid to part company like a child and it’s teddy bear!

lyledunn said:

The thing is, it is often hard to predict what direction one’s business might take. In my line of work it is rare that there is need for NICEIC accreditation but I hang on, pay the £580 or whatever, perhaps afraid to part company like a child and it’s teddy bear!

And if you give it up, you may not get it back.

I have heard that some companies look for NICEIC acreditation to apply for a contract or tender.  They are not so sure if you say you have NAPIT.  This being said in my eyes NICEIC or NAPIT accreditation are much the same.  It SHOULD mean that you have training and that you are competent to carry out the work.  Sadly a lot of people who make the decissions at the lower level do not know what NAPIT is.

For the small or self employed electrical contractor I would be happy if they had EngTech or above as there are many gold card carrying electrician.  This then brings up the question of the cost and time to become EngTech or even if EngTech then neeeds to be followed with further accreditations or training courses. 

This all has to be put into context.  Domestic or sometimes refered to as house basher.  This has 2 main areas.

New builds and refurb/alterations.  Inspection and test (or initial verification) is required for both.

Fault finding on a refurb/alteration could be a whole chapter by itself with shared Neutral on lights and the running of cable through the fabric of a 100 year plus old house.

Would the average homeown know about NICEIC/NAPIT or GOLD card?  Do they care or are they bothered.  Again for New Builds this is different as the builder/Developer needs to follow more guildlines.

Commercial or industrial

This is normally a case of following the design for install. 

I have heard that some companies look for NICEIC acreditation to apply for a contract or tender.  They are not so sure if you say you have NAPIT.  This being said in my eyes NICEIC or NAPIT accreditation are much the same.  It SHOULD mean that you have training and that you are competent to carry out the work.  Sadly a lot of people who make the decissions at the lower level do not know what NAPIT is.

For the small or self employed electrical contractor I would be happy if they had EngTech or above as there are many gold card carrying electrician.  This then brings up the question of the cost and time to become EngTech or even if EngTech then neeeds to be followed with further accreditations or training courses. 

This all has to be put into context.  Domestic or sometimes refered to as house basher.  This has 2 main areas.

New builds and refurb/alterations.  Inspection and test (or initial verification) is required for both.

Fault finding on a refurb/alteration could be a whole chapter by itself with shared Neutral on lights and the running of cable through the fabric of a 100 year plus old house.

Would the average homeown know about NICEIC/NAPIT or GOLD card?  Do they care or are they bothered.  Again for New Builds this is different as the builder/Developer needs to follow more guildlines.

Commercial or industrial

This is normally a case of following the design for install.