The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) is a trade body which provides assessment and certification services for thousands of contractors working in the building services sector including electricians, plumbers, renewable energy installers, and gas and heating engineers. Since its inception in 1956, the NICEIC register has grown from 3500 approved contractors to more than 27,000 today. All can undergo assessment and certification under NICEIC-managed schemes.

In 2004, Part P of the Building Regulations was incorporated into the Standard Building Regulations, all of which are designed to ensure that consistent standards are applied to the construction of a building, including its structure, fire safety, sound insulation, drainage, ventilation, and electrical safety. The basics of certification of any works via a third party enable the accreditation to provide the confidence that any certification of this nature is impartial and free from bias.

It is recommended that if you are looking to employ a contractor, ensure they are registered with their professional trade association. The NICEIC has a searchable directory of registered and assessed contractors to help you in your search to find a suitably certified contractor for your project.

The search facility enables individuals and companies alike to search for electricians, renewable energy installers, MCS (microgeneration certification) installers, and contractors that are on the Competent Persons Scheme.

If a company claims to be NICEIC registered and it is discovered that they are not, they must cease work on your project and are reported immediately. For further information, and to use the NICEIC contractors search facility, visit www.niceic.com