Does anyone else get a little nervous at assessment time?

[HappyHippyDad]

I was very happy to get a desk top assessment last year as it meant not missing a day of work and also I didn't have to 'prove' myself worthy to be registered.

This year will be a normal visit. This Tuesday the inspector will call and I'm tidying up the office and getting all the paperwork ready. Each year I'm a bit nervous and each year I pass without issue.

Do you guys get a bit nervous or do you just feel supremely confident that all will go well, or perhaps you don't really give it much thought?

 

[Octopus]

Its a bit like going through security at an airport - you feel anxious

That said if you are organised and have decent sites to "show" there is nothing to worry about

Could you ask him when he expects you to get your 18th Ed exam?

 

[Toneyz]

Its a bit like going through security at an airport - you feel anxious

That said if you are organised and have decent sites to "show" there is nothing to worry about

Could you ask him when he expects you to get your 18th Ed exam?

I wouldn't let him bring it up.

 

[Octopus]

I wouldn't let him bring it up.

Why not ?

I want to hear what the schemes are saying .....

They can't expect us all to get this by 1st Jan 2019 ............. so what do they expect?

And what are they going to do to crack down on the growing numbers of people, who don't comply with the regs - scheme members and non scheme members alike - ......................

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Its a bit like going through security at an airport - you feel anxious

That said if you are organised and have decent sites to "show" there is nothing to worry about

Could you ask him when he expects you to get your 18th Ed exam?

I was about to reply saying 'of course I will Murdoch' and then let you know. However, I shall try and get away with not doing it for as long as poss and hopefully hold out till the 19th! So if he doesn't mention it then neither will I.
Plus, don't you find that each assessor asks for different things? The assessor I had for the first 3 years was the same and he insisted on me doing cal card readings, none of the others have asked for this.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Its a bit like going through security at an airport - you feel anxious

That said if you are organised and have decent sites to "show" there is nothing to worry about

Could you ask him when he expects you to get your 18th Ed exam?

Does anyone know if the other schemes allow you to choose the site you take the assessor to?

 

[Octopus]

Does anyone know if the other schemes allow you to choose the site you take the assessor to?

They have no choice but to go to sites where you have "agreed" access with the customer

Sure random checks would make sense but simply can't work

I normally have a 2 sites with access agreed with the clients - and the 2nd one normally knows that they are the "bridesmaid"

 

[Toneyz]

Why not ?

I want to hear what the schemes are saying .....

They can't expect us all to get this by 1st Jan 2019 ............. so what do they expect?

And what are they going to do to crack down on the growing numbers of people, who don't comply with the regs - scheme members and non scheme members alike - ......................

I would like to think that happyhippydad would be looking to do it in his own time as soon as possible and that he is competent in knowing what the changes are and would not rather the assessor dictate when he has to do it by.

 

[rolyberkin]

Not really anxious or nervous just one of those necessary pains once a year, like going to the dentist I suppose, I had my assessment this week with Stroma and it was the toughest yet as far as questioning goes but I did have periodics added to my scope so knew it would be a bit longer. I didn't realise that the assessors are happy to come to site, I left a site to come home and apparently he would have been happy meeting me there!? You live and learn.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I would like to think that happyhippydad would be looking to do it in his own time as soon as possible and that he is competent in knowing what the changes are and would not rather the assessor dictate when he has to do it by.

Haha. Not a chance Anthony.
I enjoy discussing the regs and having a look through BS7671 and keeping abreast of changes. However, I have no wish to take the exam as it's another £100 gone just to show the piece of paper to the assessor. I guess I can see the importance of it though. Perhaps I should rethink my morals!

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Not really anxious or nervous just one of those necessary pains once a year, like going to the dentist I suppose, I had my assessment this week with Stroma and it was the toughest yet as far as questioning goes but I did have periodics added to my scope so knew it would be a bit longer. I didn't realise that the assessors are happy to come to site, I left a site to come home and apparently he would have been happy meeting me there!? You live and learn.

I've been thinking about having that added Roly but can't quite see the point. You don't need to be registered to carry out EICR's so could I ask why you choose to add it?

 

[Dillb]

Sure random checks would make sense but simply can't work

Surely with you giving the customers details to register the works with LABC a phone call or even a site visit without you present could be possible? I know they probably couldnt do it for every memeber and customer,but if you knew there was going to be random checks then at least you would know they are trying to help maintain the standard that they expect?

 

[Toneyz]

Haha. Not a chance Anthony.
I enjoy discussing the regs and having a look through BS7671 and keeping abreast of changes. However, I have no wish to take the exam as it's another £100 gone just to show the piece of paper to the assessor. I guess I can see the importance of it though. Perhaps I should rethink my morals!

All I can say to that is the schemes are not going to expect every one of their roll members to have it straight away but to be conversant that they have a good working knowledge of the latest regulations that they are working to. Don't forget that next year there will be jobs undertaken that were designed to the 17th much will depend on that on how soon you would be expected to have some sort of formal qualification. It would be a requirement of the schemes for their members to have it within a reasonable timeframe. Not sure if schemes would be asking members to forward a copy to them for their records.

 

[mhar]

I've been thinking about having that added Roly but can't quite see the point. You don't need to be registered to carry out EICR's so could I ask why you choose to add it?

Don't think you can choose to add it with Stroma. You have to have the 2391 (or equivalent) first. As I understand it, they are not going to endorse somebody for EICRs if they do not have an inspect and test qualification

 

[haj]

I was very happy to get a desk top assessment last year as it meant not missing a day of work and also I didn't have to 'prove' myself worthy to be registered.

This year will be a normal visit. This Tuesday the inspector will call and I'm tidying up the office and getting all the paperwork ready. Each year I'm a bit nervous and each year I pass without issue.

Do you guys get a bit nervous or do you just feel supremely confident that all will go well, or perhaps you don't really give it much thought?

Yup me too got mine this week

 

[suffolkspark]

Napit told me ive gotta have it by Jan, booked on in a few weeks anyway

 

[Dean. Sinnett]

Hi all,
I have just completed my annual assessment with the niceic and was told I needed the 18th by next year's assessment.

Hope this helps with your question.

 

[solarsavings]

Every job you notify to gassafe the client gets an installation certificate and a letter asking them if they would like an inspection.

Had trouble with an assessor a few years back so had words with him and made a complaint. I was told there had been loads of complaints about him and that he was going to get the the tintac.
He used to post on here

 

[Wilko]

Hi - my Stroma Assessor announced he'd already done the 18th and that I'd better have it by next year's renewal. He's such a charmer, his Mom must've tied a chop round his neck to get the dog to play with him.

 

[Midwest]

When I did an assessment after the A3 came into being, my assessor wanted some evidence that I was aware of the changes. I had done one of Certsures on-line training packages (£50!), but when I presented the certificate of learning, he was happy (I was £50 less happy). I willing to bet the answer will be, you'll have to have that little certificate after next January.

As regards jobs to show them, I normally have two lined up. No small feat for me being small domestic works, and finding willing ex customers, to allow two hairy arsed blokes, poncing around their house, for nothing in return. I always used to pop back with some flowers for the lady of the house (obviously when the husband was present ) as a thank you gesture.

I know some suggest the assessor should pick em, but with the above can't see that feasible. Plus if I do a top quality job for my assessment, I don't think its likely, I do a badgers arse job of the rest of them.

Ps if you not a bit nervous during any assessment, your either a bit dull in the head, or too far up your own arse.

 

[rolyberkin]

I've been thinking about having that added Roly but can't quite see the point. You don't need to be registered to carry out EICR's so could I ask why you choose to add it?

My view was why not, it didn't cost me anything extra, I also added PAT testing, you have to be qualified in the area you want to add to your membership. I am of the opinion that even though you are not required to be registered for a certain area at least your customers have an indication that someone is reviewing your work in that area and if need be they have some recourse. Mind you I am not registered for Stroma for commercial, perhaps next year!

 

[Richard Burns]

I get nervous before the assessment, because I am very disorganised and rarely have enough time to get ready, they only give you a years notice!
My nervousness is because I do not know how far I can correct the questions the assessor asks!
Getting a site to visit is a pain.

 

[SparkySy]

@rolyberkin, I added EICR to my Stroma this year, like you say why not and it doesn't cost any more!
I was told by my assessor that I had till next visit to do the 18th so looks like I have until July 2018 to sort that out. I think leaving it for a while is a good idea as it takes time for the colleges to get the course running smoothly, will do mine at the start of next year I reckon, already got the books so have some interesting bed time reading!
Sy

 

[Andy78]

I get so nervous that I end up admitting to everything I ever did wrong. Just like Chunk does in The Goonies when interrogated by the Fratellis.

 

[SparkySy]

I must admit I always get nervous before the assessment. I have yet to fail one, and the guy who comes out to see me couldn't be nicer, but still find myself in a flap!!

 

[Dave OCD]

Same with me, my assessor is a decent bloke and knows what my work is like and is very complimentary about that, but you always wonder how it'll all go, and you always wonder why you worried afterwards.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Yes I get nervy as well, although the three assessors I've dealt with have been interesting, interested, and not unreasonable. Expecting a visit any time, and already panicking about which stickers I'm going to be -------ed for forgetting this time....

 

[HappyHippyDad]

It's done!!

One non-conformity. I didn't have the yellow copy of the OSG, which I now have to get.... 4 months before the new one comes out Other than that passed with flying colours.

This year was the hardest with regards questions. We must have spent about 30 minutes just on the questions part, i.e being quizzed about the regs. That's where this site comes in handy as we enjoy discussing regs and are generally up to date!

The difficulty is I usually get a different assessor each time (4 different ones so far out of 6 years) and they each have there special little ways of catching you out.

This chap (albeit a nice guy) insisted I have a sticker in the CU which labelled all my circuits, CSA of cable, reference method etc...basically it's a copy of the first part of the results part of the certificate. Luckily he let me chop the certificate up and stick that in. Point being, none of the others have asked for this!

It's over for another year!!!!!

 

[Simonslimline]

Quite an industry we are in these days.

Pay money to parasites, so they can tell you what to do.

 

[MG201]

Does anyone know if the other schemes allow you to choose the site you take the assessor to?

NICEIC LET U CHOOSE THE SITE.

 

[Deleted account]

Got mine on Monday niceic. Nice chap. We normally have a chat before start for a couple of hours.
Still get a bit nervous though before hand.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I've just thought! He didn't actually say I needed to get the 18th for next year, I wonder how far I can push it

 

[Toneyz]

I've just thought! He didn't actually say I needed to get the 18th for next year, I wonder how far I can push it

There you are I said let him bring it up.
I don't know what Scheme you are with but I thought that you only were required to have the regs book.
As for the circuit chart we were picked up on that years ago I bought some of their circuit chart stickers and got a 4 to a A4 sheet blank stickers and alined them up with the 4 stickers then printed loads off . We were told to put on outside cover.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I contacted Stroma by email and asked if I really needed to buy the yellow OSG just for use over the next 3 months and then purchase the blue. A sensible chap rang me back and said that would be silly, just buy the blue and we'll make sure it doesn't go down as a non-conformity. What an unexpected and refreshing change

 

[Midwest]

Is the blue OSG not available now? Do you need an OSG for an assessment?

 

[123]

If they need you to have an OSG, how did you pass previously without one?

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Is the blue OSG not available now? Do you need an OSG for an assessment?

The blue is available, but the assessor said it didn't come in to effect until Jan 1st so I would need a yellow until then. The sensible chap on the phone said it was mandatory to have an up to date OSG in order to pass the Stroma assessment.

If they need you to have an OSG, how did you pass previously without one?

I had one but I lost it within the last year.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Never leave your 10 year old son alone with the computer!

 

[Nigel]

The NICEIC assessment is not taking at all.

I think I had the Number 2 All Day Breakfast this time.

 

[Strima]

If you need an OSG does your local library not have a copy you could borrow?

 

[123]

If you need an OSG does your local library not have a copy you could borrow?

I wonder if mine will let me borrow them...I reckon around 3 years would be plenty enough.

 

[Nigel]

Why would anyone need an OSG? Does the average STROMA contractor struggle with BS7671?

 

[Toneyz]

If you are an NICEIC Approved Contractor you only need BS7671. Maybe the CPS schemes require the OSG with its illustrations and tables due to its spread of technical knowledge of members from Electrical Trainee through to most forum members here.

 

[Strima]

I was asked for a copy of my OSG on our last few assessments.

TBH I only use them for the copper resistances, conduit capacities etc.

 

[Leesparkykent]

I take my assessor for breakfast every year....A skim of the paperwork, a couple of tests and questions and he’s gone until the next year. I don’t really get nervous about it. I’ve just got my 10 year certificate and rosette from the NIC

 

[Toneyz]

I take my assessor for breakfast every year....A skim of the paperwork, a couple of tests and questions and he’s gone until the next year. I don’t really get nervous about it. I’ve just got my 10 year certificate and rosette from the NIC

I bet you have a signed photo of Emma Clancy on your office wall,Lee.

 

[Dave OCD]

Naked.

 

[Toneyz]

Naked.

I wonder where that rosette is placed then?

 

[Midwest]

The blue is available, but the assessor said it didn't come in to effect until Jan 1st so I would need a yellow until then. The sensible chap on the phone said it was mandatory to have an up to date OSG in order to pass the Stroma assessment.

I had one but I lost it within the last year.

I know you have to have their preferred biscuits, or buy them all day breakfast and ensure the subs are paid on the assessment day, but as the 18th came into effect in July, isn't that the latest edition?

Shirley if you tell your assessor thats what I'm designing my installs too, then its all blue from now on in?

I still don't see why Stroma insist on a OSG, I was only ever asked to produce the latest edition of BS7671 and any amendments. Seem to recall I was asked if I had a copy of electricians guide to building regs, but it was a nice to have, not a requirement.

Suppose its only a few pounds, and no different taking them out for breakfast