Who Are You Registered With?

[electric-ian]

Hi all,

I've been with NAPIT since 2005.
They've always been helpful and friendly. Assessments are always straight forward. Tech help and admin are good also.

 

[Blueblood]

Hi all

Im registered with the ECA for Commercial and Industrial work and ELECSA for Domestic Installations ,

Hi mate could you tell me how much it cost you

 

[Brian Boyd]

I`m not registered with anyone yet but am using NICEIC Certificates that are available to none registered contractors with the intention of registering soon.

 

[netblindpaul]

NICEIC as AC, becuase this was what my commercial/industrial customers requested.
Paul

 

[GT1]

just getting jobs together for NIC domestic installer
CU change plus a.n.other.. 450 quid..!! ouch

 

[Tek]

NICEIC for two years, just changed to Napit.

I can't agree with anyone posting anything like, 'A is better than B'. We've all encountered disgraceful installs by members of various organisations.

 

[Amp David]

Have now joined ELECSA. only been with them a short whiles so can't comment yet.

My vote should be cahnged now.

 

[robsparky1975]

I guess the difference is really one of how much experience do you have. Me, I'm at the latter end of my youth; my experience is soured by experience; I am not put off by money grabbing aggressive approaches of the marketing guys, I'm still more inclined to favour the personal touch as portrayed by Elecsa. I quite like Napit but they a bit out of reach when it comes to what I want.

I learnt my electrics something like IEE 12/13th Edition.. in the 70's .. gave up due to being out of touch and I then decided to become competent again and I must say I quite like the new regime

When it comes down to it I think it doesn't really matter who you join up with, just go by personal taste. At the end of the day you will become experienced and worthy by which I mean your Clients will be your advert and your recommendation! These companies that we have to register with are not to be our masters so much as our servants in time of need & like all good servants you have to pay them to keep them handy

very well said

 

[Deleted member 15799]

Not registered yet.
Met Tony Cable of NICEIC who said I could get the VAT off by going through him, so £370 inc VAT instead of £370 plus VAT.
Trouble is he said someone would call me back, but they haven't got round to it yet.
Not sure they value my (or anyone's) business very much.
Thinking ELECSA or NAPIT might give better service to their customers.
Nobody I've worked for recently gave a damn who I was registered with or even if was registered at all.
Wouldn't bother if Bristol City Council didn't want a minimum of £120 per notifiable job

 

[sparkytel]

I am with Elecsa.
As a start up, it was helpful that they din't need to see as many sites for the inspection as NICEIC.
In a previous role as PDH for a different company, I went through the NICEIC mid term assessment also.
I found the NICEIC and Elecsa inspections to be similar in terms of rigour.

I am likely to register with NICEIC later in the year also because they have a much higher public profile.

I am very impressed with the NICEIC "Learning Lounge" as well.

D

Hi Danny,

I work for Learning Lounge so thanks for the testimonial, I should just point out that Learning Lounge is a privately run company and we work in association with many orgs such as NICEIC and Megger to produce the content and you will shortly see some Elecsa sponsored content as well.

Best regs

Terry

 

[Voltimax]

Trouble is he said someone would call me back, but they haven't got round to it yet.
Not sure they value my (or anyone's) business very much.

Very true, when you are registered with them and have an issue with them, they are very awkward and don't seem to give a flying .......... about you.

 

[deafboy]

Just had my NAPIT Assesment chap was really nice and helpfull, all went well.
Hopefully i will sleep better tonight

 

[zeljuga]

Niceic

 

[SA_Paddy]

I will shortly be registering with the NIC. Although i would prefer to Register with ELECSA they unfortunately dont have the Publicity that the NIC has. I've met far too many Sparks on Building sites that have lost jobs due to the customers wanting a NIC approved Sparky - never having heard of ELECSA. We all know that its the same scheme - the customer doesnt, and the customer isnt interested in our stories because of adverts stating to only use a NIC approved electrician.

 

[tonys]

Not registered / No Intention On Registering

 

[P&Q]

Just had my NAPIT Assesment, [FONT=&quot] [/FONT]field officer was really nice and helpfull, all went well.[FONT=&quot][/FONT]

 

[moosey86]

I know this is a very very general question that people hate... but I really am at a limb on what would be best for my company.

I get in as much commercial and industrial work as pos and very rarely do domestic (naughty but never had one signed off because of all the part p malarky) but that doesn't mean to say it isn't a proper install because they all are.

I have 2391, 2330, 17th and NVQ L2.
I do periodics as part of my work too (industrial and commercial)

I'm thinking NIC coz of the reputation. But the rest of them I have no idea if they are suited to me. I've read this whole thread and still have no idea who I should go for!!

Based on my status can anyone suggest who they think I should go with?

Cheers

 

[dixon9]

I'm about to register with a part-p scheme and I must admit to being in a real dilemna over who to join.

I've narrowed it down to either Elecsa or NIC.

Why those two? Well, the bloke I work with is with Elecsa and the feedback from him and forums such as this is that they are a great no-nonsense and friendly organisation who also come under the umbrella of the ECA. The NIC because they are so well marketed and publicised. A lot of Joe Public almost see them as "Part - P" and recognise them straight away.

I do admit that I see joining the NIC almost "going over to the dark side"; I don't like the way they portray themselves as the definitive and only scheme - there's a degree of dishonesty there - but this is where I would have to have to guts to stand up to my principles and put them to one side and join Elecsa isn't it? Trouble is, when faced with the possibility of getting possibly more work with a NIC symbol on the van it's not so easy to stick to ones principles - gutless as I am.

There is the possibility of course that Elecsa will publicise themselves as aggressively as the NIC do - and why not? I would have thought that the ECA would have even more clout. So why don't they? Their members would be much better off if they did. Why moan about the NIC and their never-ending steamrolling advertising and pomposity? It's not the NIC's fault that the other schemes seem to sit meekly by and let them get on with it with no opposition whatsoever.

Once the principle aspect is overcome there is the issue of cost - both schemes seem to be much of a muchness in that respect. But then I would be a new start-up company - do the NIC allow this? At one point they wanted your company to be active for at least 12 months.

Then there is this PIR issue. As we know, you do not need to be part-p registered to carry out PIR's - but it would be nice to be able to use logo headed PIR's wouldn't it - although at what financial cost?! And do they require 2391 also for this privilidge?

I´ll weigh all this up and come to a decision soon.

 

[dixon9]

Quick follow up; I´ve just confirmed joining costs with both organisations:

NICEIC

Full Scope application + 1/2 day visit = 468 inc VAT (joining on-line)

After joining, should you wish to use NICEIC PIR paperwork you can apply for a PIR assessment when they require to inspect 2 PIR's you have carried out = 348 inc VAT

So, total cost for both is 816 inc VAT (or without PIR assessment using generic PIR's then just the 468 inc VAT).

ELECSA

Full Scope application + 1/2 day visit = 444 inc VAT (joining on-line)

Once you have passed the assessment then you are able to use ELECSA logo PIR's at no extra cost.

 

[Amp David]

Is the Elecsa rule a new one then?

 

[TPES]

Is the Elecsa rule a new one then?

No, that's always been the way, you can use Elecsa PIR's, you just can't register the PIR on there system.

 

[dixon9]

Well, they do have a PIR assessment on a seperate charge - BUT I was told that this was for those ONLY wishing to do PIR's that work for agents etc...

 

[dixon9]

No, that's always been the way, you can use Elecsa PIR's, you just can't register the PIR on there system.

Yes, I was told that anyone can download the Elecsa PIR's but you are unable to download logo ones until you have passed the full-scope assessment.

 

[derbyshirespark]

I refuse to register, can't afford to. I always tell customers I don't have it, they don't care and have never heard of part p, they still good workmanship and test certs.
Used to be with elecsa in 2008, had no problems.
If the government changes things so its affordable and easier I will register. I am fully qualified and time served and I don't have to prove it to somebody who is less qualified than me. I have proved my worth to City and Guilds.

You can all start ranting now, and call me a cowboy.

 

[TPES]

Ha ha, I'm not going to say that! But do you think the process and assessment is difficult? Just as you say they should make it easier?

 

[thekingiam]

I refuse to register, can't afford to. I always tell customers I don't have it, they don't care and have never heard of part p, they still good workmanship and test certs.
Used to be with elecsa in 2008, had no problems.
If the government changes things so its affordable and easier I will register. I am fully qualified and time served and I don't have to prove it to somebody who is less qualified than me. I have proved my worth to City and Guilds.

You can all start ranting now, and call me a cowboy.

hi ho silver!!!! like it! if we only had more people like you who said stuff it then they couldnt charge these silly amounts and bother people who just want to earn a few bucks on the weekend.
if you add up all the monney wasted on these fake site visits and fake courses ime suprised tescos havent started selling them.

 

[derbyshirespark]

What I mean by easier is, annual assessments are a pain in the arse, health & safety policy, cal cert, complaints log all needed I agree but do other trades have all this crap. What should happen is everyone show there qualifications to an organisation, if you are deemed competent with plenty of experience you get an ID card with photo on it and a unique number. Oh and should'nt have to pay no more than £50 per annum. Tell the public no card, then no electrical work sorry its illegal.

I might set it up myself who's in?

 

[derbyshirespark]

To add to that you have to sit a written & practical exam every 2 years and nothing to tricky but enough to prove you are safe and competent, if you fail your card doesn't get renewed, Until you have a further assessment. The exam itself should cost no more than £200.

Put that in Ye pipe and smoke it.

 

[thekingiam]

where do i send my monney??
hang on why not open it to some real competition i will do it for a fiver on ebay and you can pay with paypall.

oh wait there, i forgot it was set up by the government to rip electricians off by pretending to create a safer workplace but just premoting big buisenesses and even bigger back handers.

why do you have to pay so much monney per year why cant when applying for your jib card send evidence ie apprentiship, nvq3 or am2 which are all practical assesments anyway.

i am going to apply to the government for permission to set up a body which can and will garauntee safety i propose an electrician will be followed on every job by an assesor who will watch the work being done and after the job sign the work off himself.

i know what your thinking where am i going to find all those assesors, well here's the answer everyones complaining about all the forigners comming into the country and claiming benifits, well if i train all them up on a 14 week course and make them assesors then their will be more british workers on benifits than them, so no one can complain.

 

[derbyshirespark]

You'd make a great politician.

 

[baldelectrician]

I'm with SELECT (which is not the ECA as the ECA is based in England).

SELECT is the ECA of Scotland and on the whole they are probably the best of the bunch

There is no part P here, but there is the Scottish Building Standards and you need to be registered to sign off work. The only work that requires signing off are building warrant jobs (extensions, loft conversions, alterations etc)

I refuse to work for builders and as such don't carry out self certification work, although I am able to do so as part of my registration.

it would be nice if they put SELECT as an option as they have more members in Scotland than the NICEIC.

 

[andyemms]

I have just had to choose who to register with.... I have just started my new job as a Solar PV installation supervisor for a large global company, the solar PV side of the business is new as they were using MCS accredited contractors before but soon to be doing it all in house.
They already have MCS accreditation as a company but now need to be registered for the electrical side so I can sign off work and so.... I called NICEIC because they are the industry leader? I have been waiting 3 days for them to call me back. I called ELECSA and within 5 minutes the ball is rolling.
I have no time for people who want to waste my time! ELECSA were nothing short of excellent and very helpful and I will be hoping to switch the MCS to ELECSA when that is due.
I eagerly await my call from NICEIC so I can tell them where to go!
If you are with NICEIC, try giving ELECSA a call to see how it should be done. I noticed something on the website about switching for free....

 

[topquark]

I chose ELECSA, primarily from some of the feedback I've seen regarding NICEIC. Have to admit that I didn't consider NAPIT (but for no good reason really).

 

[Wully]

NICEIC Approved Contractor and SELECT.

Also registered with the Certification of Construction scheme for the Scottish Building Regs.

 

[TinyT]

Quick question. What can you do if you want to apply to one of the companys, but you dont have any jobs to show them? Might have a domestic new build job coming up, but oviously need to supply a cert? Help please!

 

[shanky887614]

im on a napit sponserd course

i have no idea how long it will go on for, we just did c+g 2330 lvl2 and plumbing lvl1 as part of the course

next term it is going to be c+g 2330 lvl3 and from then on we wont know till the end of the year


im probably going to have to go with napit, you dont bite the hand that feeds you, i do admit that my situation is differnet to most people who have done/doing the same course's as me

 

[malcbriggs]

I have been with ELECSA for the past 5 years, although I think it is pointless, since I have obtained a proper Electrical apprentiship(JIB 5 years and then 2 years approved) plus HNC, degree, numerouse qualifications and 42 years in the Electrical/Electronics field

 

[getgraham]

I am with Elecsa, I was with NICEIC last year and would say their assessments were very similar Neither would let you in if your inspection and testing wasn't up to par. Both are happy to let your first assessment be at home/friends. Both have similar ways of logging Part P jobs online.

I changed to Elecsa as I spoke to another spark who was with them and he reckoned that it had no effect on his business.

Elecsa are definately more friendly to their members. I always found NICEIC to be more distant, even if you visited their stand at a show and said you were a member.

It's up to Elecsa members to raise the Elecsa profile and explain that you don't have to be NICEIC to be Part P.

Most potential customers want a good price and service and couldn't care less who you're with.

Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against NICEIC, they do some brilliant books and DVD's.

For me (sole trader) I prefer the friendly approach of Elecsa and slightly cheaper fees.

 

[cymroaur]

Only my first year registered. Got in touch with all of them to ask about registration and assesment. Two didn't bother to reply, one said "see our website", so I went with ELECSA due to them actually replying and being helpful (and patient) when I phoned for more information. Since registering they're still helpful, not just a rouse to get me onboard!

 

[Flyingsparks]

Been an NICEIC approved contractor for over 20 years - was only them and ECA. Just stuck with them because I am used to the way they work. The guy that formed Napit used to be a lecturer at the local college in those days - he has done very well for himself since then.

 

[RWJ]

NICEIC just because we've been with them for donkeys years (well apart from a falling out we had over money owed to us so we went to Napit for 8 months lol)


To be honest if we weren't stuck in the AC rut we would probably register with Elecsa as their members are always singing their praise something the other schemes don't have!

 

[Sparkytlec]

Im with NICEIC fully approved and domestic installer. I have no problens with them i find them hellpful.

 

[GT1]

Fully approved ?
Is there a partly approved status ?

 

[RWJ]

Fully approved ?
Is there a partly approved status ?

Think he meant the AC scheme, which some (not meaning Sparkylec) think is the Holy Grail of schemes.... No different from any other scheme IMO... Just more expensive lolol
If you've been on the AC scheme for years and know and get on with your area engineer then showing him a plug top will probably get you a pass!

 

[andyb]

Think he meant the AC scheme, which some (not meaning Sparkylec) think is the Holy Grail of schemes.... No different from any other scheme IMO... Just more expensive lolol
If you've been on the AC scheme for years and know and get on with your area engineer then showing him a plug top will probably get you a pass!

That's a bit harsh RWJ,

I think you have to show him where the little wires go as well.

 

[RWJ]

That's a bit harsh RWJ,

I think you have to show him where the little wires go as well.

Naaahh

Showing him the biscuit tin is the key!

 

[Tommy C]

I am registered with NAPIT. I was going to register with NICEIC as they are more recognised by the public; but considering 90+% of people I talk to don't know who they are anyway I went with NAPIT. They were more friendly, helpful, thorough & a little cheaper I registered with them.

They have been very good so far.

 

[levi]

do the msc's work in different parts of the country or are they country wide. whitch ones would you sugest for scotland

 

[StuSpiers]

I chose Elecsa to rob me as they wanted to steal the least.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Hello all,

I will be a qualified Domestic Installer within the next couple of months and will probably choose Elecsa, purely from what I have read on this thread. I have however heard of a registering body called 'Stroma' which only charges £250.Does anyone have any info on them?

And what do you actually get from a registered body other than to become legal, a genuine question as it will help me to choose? Stroma is £250 and I will be legal!