Why Choose A Qualified Scheme-Registered Electrician

Electrical work affects safety. When done to recognised standards, it protects people, property and legal duties. Done incorrectly, it raises the risk of electric shock, fire, and other issues.

Poor electrical work leads to:

• Increased risk of electric shock
• Higher fire risk
• Hidden faults that worsen over time
• Problems that only appear years later

In the UK, electrical work is controlled by recognised standards and testing systems for a reason.

Qualifications, testing, and external checks exist to ensure electricians understand how to work safely. Test correctly, and follow current rules.

The term “qualified electrician” is commonly used but often misunderstood.

This page explains what qualification and scheme registration mean in practice.

What “Qualified Electrician” Actually Means

A qualified electrician is someone who has completed proper training and testing to work on electrical systems. This includes learning how electrical systems work, how problems develop and how to prevent electric shock and fire.

Training covers:

• How electrical systems operate
• How faults develop over time
• How electric shock and fire risks are reduced
• How electrical installations are tested in line with current standards

Qualification involves:

Understanding current safety rules

Choosing the right safety devices

Carrying out electrical testing to ensure a system is safe to use

Testing is a key part of the process, as many electrical problems are not visible. And can only be found using the right tools and training.

Electrical testing helps identify:

• Faults that cannot be seen
• Wear or deterioration due to age
• Unsafe past alterations
• Missing or ineffective protection

A qualified electrician is also trained to work in accordance with current wiring regulations. These rules change over time. As understanding of electrical risk develops and new technologies are introduced.

Staying skilled is part of remaining competent. Especially when working in older or changed homes where risks are more common.

In practice, qualification provides a verified level of competence. It shows that an electrician has been trained, tested and understands how to apply electrical safety rules in real situations.

What Scheme Registration Means in Practice

In the UK, many electricians choose to register with a government-approved Competent Person Scheme.

These schemes exist to provide independent checks of electrical work. Confirming registered electricians continue to meet required standards.

One of the best-known schemes is NICEIC, alongside others such as NAPIT and similar bodies. Registration exists to provide accountability and independent checks.

Electricians registered with a Competent Person Scheme are subject to ongoing assessment. To confirm that their work meets current wiring rules, including BS 7671.

These checks cover:

• Technical knowledge
• On-site electrical work
• Testing methods and results
• Accuracy of certification
• Insurance and working practices

Scheme registration is essential for domestic electrical work, which falls under Part P of the Building Regulations.

Registered electricians can self-certify notifiable work. Meaning it can be tested, certified and registered with Building Control. Without extra involvement from the local authority.

This provides an official record of the work. Reducing the risk of missing paperwork/certification later.

While EICRs are not part of Part P, they are a separate legal requirement for most rented properties in England. Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations.

Why This Matters for Landlords, Homeowners and Buyers

Using a qualified, scheme-registered electrician offers real benefits beyond the work itself.

For landlords:

• EICRs completed correctly
• Repair and remedial work are recorded properly
• Certificates accepted by tenants, agents and councils
• Reduced risk of delays or repeat inspections

For homeowners:

• Electrical work tested in line with current standards
• Lower risk in older or altered homes
• Clear paperwork for insurance or future sale

For buyers and sellers:

• Easier checks during conveyancing
• Fewer solicitor or surveyor queries
• Reduced risk of disputes, delays or unexpected costs

In all cases, qualification and registration help ensure electrical work passes inspection. Now and in the future.

Registered vs Unregistered Electricians: What’s the Difference?

Not all electricians are registered with a Competent Person Scheme, even if they have experience.

Scheme-registered electricians can:

• Test and certify notifiable domestic work
• Self-certify work to Building Control where required
• Issue certificates

Unregistered electricians:

• Cannot self-certify notifiable work
• May require separate Building Control involvement
• Can create gaps or uncertainty in records

Non-registered electricians can still carry out notifiable work if Building Control is correctly notified. But using a scheme-registered electrician is simpler and avoids additional steps and delays.

For property owners and landlords, the key difference is clarity. Registration provides a clear system for checking, testing and certification. Reducing the risk of missing records. Ensuring electrical work complies with safety rules and legal requirements.

Choosing a registered electrician ensures correct installation and testing, safety and clear records. Giving you the confidence the rules have been followed.

How TM Hughes & Son Meet These Standards

TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services Ltd carry out electrical work in line with current safety rules and legal requirements.

As NICEIC Domestic Installers, our work is checked against BS 7671 and the relevant parts of the Building Regulations. Correct testing and certificates are provided where required.

Our approach prioritises inspection and testing over speed:

• Electrical systems are correctly inspected and tested
• Results are explained clearly
• All work is documented in a way that withstands future checks

This is especially important for landlords and property sales. Any situation in which compliance must be demonstrated to others.

Being scheme-registered also means our work is subject to regular outside checks. This helps ensure consistent work, proper paperwork and safe working methods.

It also allows work that must be reported to be self-certified. Avoiding extra delays or added Building Control involvement.

The focus is always on safety, clarity and proper records.

Related Guidance and Next Steps

Understanding qualifications and scheme registration is part of a wider picture of electrical safety.

The following resources provide more detail on how safety and meeting the rules work in practice:

• Electrical Safety & Compliance
• Landlord Electrical Compliance
• Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)