The Experienced Worker Route: What You Need Before You Start
in our previous article, we looked at why the Experienced Worker Qualification (EWQ)—also known as the C&G 2346—is nothing to fear, especially for time-served electricians who’ve been putting it off.
Now, let’s look at what you actually need before you start the process, and what your options are if you don’t yet meet the entry requirements.
The Skill Scan: Your Starting Point
Before enrolling on the EWQ, every applicant must complete a Skill Scan and a background in industry. This isn’t an exam—it’s a structured self-assessment that maps your existing knowledge and experience against the national occupational standards for electrical installation.
Think of it as a gap analysis. It helps both you and your assessor identify:
What you already know and can demonstrate confidently
Where (if anywhere) you might need a bit of upskilling or evidence before starting the NVQ
It’s designed to save you time, not waste it. If you’re already confident and competent across the required areas, you’ll move straight into evidence collection and assessment.
The 5+ Years of Experience Requirement
To be eligible for the EWQ, you’ll need a minimum of five years’ experience on the tools (this cannot include any time spent in training). This experience should cover a broad range of electrical installation work—not just one niche area—so you can show understanding across all aspects of Electrical Installation work.
If you don’t yet have five years’ experience, or your portfolio of work is still developing, the C&G 2357 qualification might be a better route for you.
When the C&G 2357 Might Be More Suitable
The C&G 2357 NVQ Diploma is designed for those who are still building their experience. It combines both on-site and classroom learning, giving you a structured pathway to qualification. Many electricians take this route while working towards becoming fully qualified, and it’s a solid alternative if the Experienced Worker Route isn’t yet open to you.
If you would rather gain the necessary experience first, you can always complete the 2346 at a later date..
Other Key Qualifications that are needed to complete your EWQ: C&G 2391-52 and C&G 2382
Two qualifications that often go hand in hand with the EWQ are:
2391-52 – Inspection and Testing: This qualification demonstrates that you’re competent in testing and certifying installations. Many EWQ candidates already hold it, or choose to complete it during their NVQ to strengthen their credentials.
2382 – 18th Edition Wiring Regulations: This is essential for anyone working in the trade. You’ll need to show you’re up to date with the current Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) before completing your Experienced Worker assessment.
Together, these show that you’re not just experienced, but also current—something that employers, clients, and registration bodies all look for. You must hold these in order to complete your EWQ
If you haven’t yet read our first article—“The Experienced Worker Route for Electricians: It’s Not as Daunting as You Think”—make sure to check that out [here] (you can link to it once published).
Next Steps…
Fill out our contact form and one of our trained electrical assessors will be in touch to arrange that skill scan.