The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) stands as the exclusive identification and competency card program for electrotechnical operatives in the United Kingdom.

The following ECS cards are currently available for people working within the Building Controls industry.

ECS Cards

Building Controls Apprentice

Eligibility & requirements:

To be eligible for this card, applicants must:

  • Provide evidence of the apprenticeship programme being undertaken for Building Controls, such as the Level 4 Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Controls Engineer apprenticeship.
     
  • Hold a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment (there are no exemptions that can be used when applying for this card).

For details about the ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment visit the HS&E Assessment page.

Evidence needed to show the individual is on the relevant apprenticeship is usually a training agreement or learning plan showing who the apprentice is, it is signed by their employer, and confirms the programme of study by the college or training provider.

This card is available for applications via the ECS website

Building Controls Associate

Eligibility & requirements:

To be eligible for an ECS Building Controls Associate card, applicants must hold the following three requirements:

1. The Building Controls qualification:

  • BCIA BCM00 Introduction to Building Controls and HVAC, or
  • BCIA BCM01 – Fundamentals of HVAC and Building Technology, or
  • CIBSE Practical Controls for HVAC Systems

2. Hold the ECS Electrical Safety Unit Assessment

3. Hold a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment. For details visit the ECS HSE Assessment page.

This card is available for applications via the ECS website.

 

Building Controls Installer (Electrical)

Eligibility & requirements:

To be eligible for an ECS Building Controls Installer card, applicants must hold the following:

1. Completion of the three technical training modules undertaken in invigilated conditions:

  • Fundamentals of HVAC & Building Technology (BCM01)
  • Measuring & Control Technology (BCM02)
  • Hydraulics in Building Services (BCM03)

2. A formal BS7671 qualification in the current edition of the wiring regulations (currently BS7671: 2018, 18th edition)

3. Hold a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment. For details visit the ECS H&S Assessment page.

This card is available for applications via the ECS website.

Building Controls Technician (Commissioning)

Eligibility & requirements

1. Completion of the three technical training modules undertaken in invigilated conditions:

  • Fundamentals of HVAC & Building Technology (BCM01)
  • Measuring & Control Technology (BCM02)
  • Hydraulics in Building Services (BCM03)

2. Approved electrical safe isolation course completed within the last 3 years (approved routes by City & Guilds, EAL or BPEC)

3. Hold a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment. For details visit the ECS H&S Assessment page.

This card is available for applications via the ECS website

 

Building Controls Experienced Worker

THE BEMS EWA IS CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND WILL LAUNCH SHORTLY

Eligibility & requirements:

To be eligible for an ECS Building Controls Experienced Worker card, applicants must hold the following:

1. BEMS EWA knowledge assessment, and

2. Hold a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment. For details visit the ECS H&S Assessment page

Further information is available via the ECS website

 

Building Controls Engineer

Eligibility & requirements:

1. Have successfully completed ONE of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Level 4 Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) Apprenticeship Standard, or
  • Level 3 NVQ in Building Management Systems, or
  • Level 3 NVQ in electrical installation and has successfully completed the Building Controls Professional Assessment (BCPA), or
  • BEMS Experienced Worker Assessment (under development)

2. Hold a current ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment. For details visit the ECS H&S Assessment page.

This card is available for applications via the ECS website.

 

Building control cards can be applied for via the ECS website

Online Course Exams for ECS Card Applications

For courses taken online, delegates cannot be invigilated whilst completing their assessment, therefore if they wish to apply for an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) card they will be required to complete an exam via ClassMarker AND an ECS invigilated exam in order to meet the requirements of ECS. 

After successful completion of the online course, the BCIA will email you the details on how to take the ECS invigilated exam. Assessments using the ECS assessment remote invigilation service are included in the price of the course and the ECS HS&E test can also be booked through the BCIA. Find out more on the Remote Invigilation Service. 

BCIA Training 

In 2016, The Sontay Academy became an official training partner of the BCIA providing their Industry renowned BC1-6 courses. Since 2018, the BCIA has reviewed their courses and the Academy will happily be offering these new and improve BCM01-06 courses.

View all BCIA training courses

Sontay CPD Courses

CPD courses have been running for a number of years now, taking place at our purpose built facility in Edenbridge, Kent as well as locations around the UK and worldwide. They are accredited by CIBSE in the UK and Engineers Ireland in ROI.

View all CPD Training Courses

For more information on any of our courses please email enquiries@sontay-academy.com or call us on +44 (0) 1732 861200.