What does Scottish guidance require?
The Repairing Standard requires the electrical safety inspection to be carried out by a skilled person or people competent in that work. It consists of periodic inspection and testing of the fixed installation and in-service inspection and testing of landlord-provided electrical equipment.
One person can complete both parts if competent for both. Different competent people can also complete them.
Why EICR competence is specific
Periodic inspection requires more than installing accessories. The inspector must understand existing installations of different ages, safe isolation, test instruments, test-result interpretation, BS 7671, classification codes and the consequences of limitations.
An inaccurate report can miss danger or recommend unnecessary work. The landlord remains responsible for choosing a suitable person, so check evidence before appointment.
Recognised registration and membership
Scottish Government guidance describes accepted competence routes involving appropriate qualifications and membership of recognised organisations. SELECT is Scotland’s electrical trade association; NICEIC and NAPIT also operate assessed contractor registration schemes.
Registration is useful evidence but should be checked, not assumed. Verify the business in the organisation’s current public register and confirm that the individual attending is competent for periodic inspection and testing.
Check both business and inspector
A company logo, old certificate or scheme badge does not by itself prove that a particular person is currently authorised and competent for the inspection you need.
Questions to ask before booking
- Who will personally carry out and sign the inspection?
- What periodic-inspection qualifications and experience do they hold?
- Is the business currently registered with the organisation it names?
- Does the quotation include fixed-installation testing, PAT, or both?
- What areas, circuits or equipment could be excluded?
- Will the report include schedules of inspections and test results?
- How will urgent findings be communicated?
- What insurance covers inspection and professional reporting?
- How will completed remedial work be certified and linked to observations?
What should a complete EICR contain?
- The correct property and client details.
- The purpose, extent and agreed limitations.
- Supply, earthing and bonding information.
- A schedule of circuit details and test results.
- A schedule of inspections.
- Clear observations with C1, C2, C3 or FI codes where appropriate.
- An overall satisfactory or unsatisfactory assessment.
- A justified date for the next inspection.
- The inspector’s identity, signature and credentials.
A one-page summary without supporting schedules is not the complete report.
Who can carry out PAT testing?
PAT work must also be completed by someone competent for the equipment and testing involved. Competence depends on training, knowledge, practical ability, suitable instruments and understanding of the results—not simply ownership of a PAT tester.
The record should identify each landlord-provided item, its location, inspection or test outcome, date and required action.
Who can complete remedial work?
The inspector may complete repairs, but landlords can seek another competent contractor or quotation. Ensure the contractor receives the full report and identifies which observations are being resolved.
Depending on the work, evidence may include an Electrical Installation Certificate, Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate, updated test results or a clear remedial record. Keep it with the original EICR rather than replacing the original report.
Warning signs when comparing providers
- A guaranteed pass before seeing the property.
- No circuit testing or unexplained extensive limitations.
- No verification of the inspector’s identity or competence.
- Pressure to replace equipment based only on age or appearance.
- Classification codes without a clear defect and location.
- No complete report or test schedules.
- Remedial work offered without certification.
- A price that allows no credible time for the property and number of circuits.
Landlord appointment checklist
- Define whether you need EICR, PAT, alarms, emergency lighting or remedial work.
- Verify current credentials through the named organisation.
- Confirm the attending person’s inspection competence.
- Agree scope, access, limitations and deliverables in writing.
- Provide previous reports and known alteration history.
- Require immediate communication of C1 danger.
- Review the whole report, not only the outcome.
- Retain remedial certification with the report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a letting agent choose the electrician?
Yes, but the landlord should ensure the appointment process checks competence and produces the evidence needed to meet the Repairing Standard.
Can an electrician certify another person’s work?
A contractor asked to report on existing or completed work must carry out the inspection and testing necessary for the certificate or report they sign. A certificate should not be treated as a signature-only service.
Should landlords always choose the lowest quote?
Compare competence, scope, inspection time, reporting quality, insurance and certification. A low price is not good value if the inspection is incomplete or creates unsupported remedial recommendations.
General information only. Verify current membership, qualifications and competence directly before appointment. The appropriate evidence depends on the inspection and work involved.