Who Is Qualified to Carry Out an EICR? An EICR should be carried out by a properly qualified and competent electrical professional with suitable inspection and testing knowledge, practical experience, safe working procedures and the correct test equipment.
Not every electrician is automatically suitable for EICR work. An Electrical Installation Condition Report is not just a visual check or a quick certificate. It involves inspecting and testing the fixed electrical installation, recording results, identifying defects, applying classification codes and deciding whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
For landlords, homeowners, letting agents and businesses, the competence of the person carrying out the EICR matters. A weak or poorly completed report can miss serious defects, create confusion about remedial work, and leave the property owner with poor compliance evidence.
If you need a properly completed EICR in London, London Safety Certificate provides residential and commercial EICR inspections with clear reports, coded observations and practical next steps where remedial work or further investigation is needed.
Last Updated: 2026
Reviewed By: London Safety Certificate Compliance Team
Key Takeaways
- An EICR should be carried out by a properly qualified and competent electrical professional.
- EICR work requires inspection and testing knowledge, not just general electrical experience.
- A degree in electrical engineering is not normally the requirement for carrying out EICRs.
- The person carrying out the inspection should understand fixed electrical installations, safe isolation, BS 7671 inspection and testing principles, test results, limitations and classification codes.
- A homeowner, landlord or unqualified person should not carry out their own EICR.
- For rented properties in England, landlords must have the electrics checked at least every 5 years by a properly qualified person.
- A proper EICR should include inspection details, test schedules, observations, classification codes and the recommended next inspection date.
- Visual-only checks should not be treated as a proper EICR.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Who Can Carry Out an EICR?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who can carry out an EICR? | A properly qualified and competent electrical inspector with suitable inspection and testing knowledge, experience and equipment. |
| Can any electrician do an EICR? | Not every electrician is suitable. EICR work requires inspection and testing competence, not only installation experience. |
| Does the inspector need a degree? | No. A degree is not normally the requirement. Practical electrical qualifications, inspection/testing knowledge and competence matter more. |
| Can a homeowner do their own EICR? | No. An EICR should be carried out by a competent electrical professional. |
| What should landlords check? | Experience, inspection/testing competence, proper report format, test schedules, classification codes and next inspection recommendation. |
| Is a visual inspection enough? | No. A proper EICR involves inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation where safe and accessible. |
What Is an EICR?
An EICR, or Electrical Installation Condition Report, is the formal report produced after inspection and testing of a property’s fixed electrical installation. This includes the consumer unit or distribution board, fixed wiring, sockets, switches, lighting circuits, cooker circuits, shower circuits, protective devices, earthing and bonding arrangements, and circuits serving fixed electrical equipment.
The purpose of an EICR is to assess the condition of the existing electrical installation and identify whether it is safe for continued use. The report records what was inspected, what was tested, any limitations, electrical safety observations, classification codes, and whether the overall result is satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If you are new to the topic, read our guide on what an EICR certificate is.
What Does “Qualified and Competent” Mean for an EICR?
A qualified and competent person is someone with the right electrical knowledge, inspection and testing experience, practical skills and understanding of the risks involved in electrical installations.
For EICR work, competence is not about holding one single certificate only. The person should understand:
- fixed electrical installations
- inspection and testing principles
- safe isolation
- test equipment use
- BS 7671 requirements
- earthing and bonding arrangements
- circuit protection
- test result interpretation
- EICR limitations
- C1, C2, C3 and FI classification codes
- how to judge whether an installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory
An EICR is a technical safety report. If the person carrying it out does not understand inspection and testing properly, the report may be unreliable.
Can Any Electrician Carry Out an EICR?
No. Not every electrician should carry out EICRs.
A person may be able to complete general electrical installation work but still not have enough inspection and testing experience to produce a reliable Electrical Installation Condition Report.
EICR work needs a different level of judgement. The inspector must not only test the installation but also understand how to interpret the results, identify defects, apply the correct observation codes and record limitations properly.
A good EICR inspector should be able to explain:
- what was tested
- what could not be tested
- why limitations were recorded
- what each observation means
- whether the report is satisfactory or unsatisfactory
- what remedial work or further investigation may be needed
- when the next inspection is recommended
A poor EICR can create more problems than it solves. It may give false confidence, miss serious defects, or create confusion for landlords, agents, tenants, buyers and businesses.
Does an EICR Inspector Need a Degree?
No. A university degree in electrical engineering is not normally the requirement for carrying out EICRs.
What matters more is proper electrical competence, inspection and testing knowledge, practical experience, safe working ability and understanding of the relevant wiring regulations and reporting requirements.
A competent EICR inspector should have suitable electrical training and experience for the type of property being inspected. A standard domestic flat is not the same as a commercial building, industrial unit, HMO, restaurant, warehouse or multi-board installation.
The more complex the installation, the more important the inspector’s experience becomes.
What Knowledge Should an EICR Inspector Have?
An EICR inspector should have strong knowledge of electrical installations and inspection/testing practice.
This includes understanding:
- how domestic and commercial installations are arranged
- how consumer units and distribution boards work
- how circuits are protected
- how earthing and bonding should be assessed
- how to inspect visible wiring and accessories
- how to carry out appropriate electrical tests
- how to record test results
- how to identify damage, deterioration or poor workmanship
- how to classify observations
- how to recognise dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions
- how to record agreed limitations
- how to prepare a complete EICR report
The inspector also needs practical judgement. Not every older installation automatically fails, and not every defect has the same level of urgency. The correct classification depends on the actual risk found during inspection and testing.
What Equipment Is Needed to Carry Out an EICR?
A proper EICR requires suitable electrical test equipment and the knowledge to use it correctly.
Depending on the installation and scope, inspection and testing may involve equipment used for:
- continuity testing
- insulation resistance testing
- polarity checks
- earth fault loop impedance testing
- RCD testing
- verification of earthing and bonding
- recording circuit test results
Test equipment should be suitable for the work and kept in proper condition. The person using it must also understand safe isolation and the risks involved in testing live or potentially hazardous electrical systems.
This is one reason an EICR should not be treated as a DIY job.
Can a Homeowner Carry Out Their Own EICR?
No. A homeowner should not carry out their own EICR.
An EICR is not a simple visual checklist. It involves electrical inspection, testing, interpretation of results, identification of defects and issuing a formal report. Without the correct knowledge, equipment and experience, important safety issues can be missed.
A homeowner can look out for obvious warning signs, such as burning smells, scorch marks, damaged sockets, repeated tripping or exposed wires. But those observations do not replace a proper inspection and test by a competent electrical professional.
If you are buying, selling, renting or concerned about the condition of the electrics, arrange a proper EICR.
Can a Landlord Carry Out Their Own EICR?
No. A landlord should not carry out their own EICR unless they are themselves properly qualified and competent to carry out electrical inspection and testing.
For rented properties in England, landlords must have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years by a properly qualified person. The report must show whether the installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory and whether remedial work or further investigation is required.
Landlords should keep the EICR report, follow the recommended next inspection date and keep evidence of any remedial work completed after an unsatisfactory report.
What Should Landlords Check Before Booking an EICR?
Before booking an EICR, landlords should check whether the electrician or contractor:
- regularly carries out EICR inspections
- has suitable inspection and testing knowledge
- has experience with rented properties
- uses suitable test equipment
- can provide a full EICR report with schedules
- understands C1, C2, C3 and FI classification codes
- records limitations properly
- provides a recommended next inspection date
- can explain whether the report is satisfactory or unsatisfactory
- can advise on remedial work if defects are found
Avoid anyone offering a quick visual-only certificate. A proper EICR involves inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation where safe and accessible.
What Should Letting Agents and Property Managers Check?
Letting agents and property managers should make sure the EICR is suitable for compliance records, not just a basic document with missing or unclear information. A proper EICR should clearly include the key details needed to show that the fixed electrical installation has been inspected and tested by a competent person.
A compliant and useful EICR should include:
Property details
The report should clearly show the property address and the part of the installation covered by the inspection.
Client details
The EICR should include the name of the client, landlord, letting agent, property manager or person requesting the report.
Inspection date
The date of the electrical inspection and testing should be clearly recorded.
Inspector or company details
The report should include details of the person or company carrying out the EICR, including relevant professional details where applicable.
Extent of the installation covered
The EICR should explain which parts of the electrical installation were inspected and tested.
Limitations
Any limitations should be clearly stated, including areas that could not be accessed, tested or fully inspected.
Schedule of inspections
The report should include the visual inspection findings for relevant parts of the electrical installation.
Schedule of test results
A proper EICR should include electrical test results, not just a summary or basic pass/fail statement.
Observations and classification codes
Any defects, damage, deterioration or safety issues should be listed with the correct EICR classification codes, such as C1, C2, C3 or FI.
Overall result
The report should clearly state whether the electrical installation is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
Recommended next inspection date
The EICR should confirm when the next inspection and testing is recommended.
If the EICR is missing important sections, does not clearly explain limitations, or fails to include test results, it may not be strong enough as proper electrical safety compliance evidence for landlords, letting agents or property managers.
Can a Visual-Only Electrical Check Count as an EICR?
No. A visual-only check should not be treated as a proper EICR.
A visual check may identify obvious problems, such as damaged sockets, broken accessories, burn marks, missing covers or visible poor workmanship. But a proper EICR involves inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation where safe and accessible.
If testing cannot be carried out in certain areas, the limitation should be recorded clearly on the report. A visual-only document is not the same as a complete Electrical Installation Condition Report.
What Happens If an EICR Is Done Badly?
A badly completed EICR can cause serious problems.
It may:
- miss dangerous defects
- record incorrect classification codes
- fail to identify urgent remedial work
- give unclear or incomplete results
- fail to record limitations properly
- create weak landlord compliance evidence
- cause disputes with tenants, agents or buyers
- delay property letting, sales or insurance matters
- require a second inspection by a competent electrician
A cheap or rushed report is not a bargain if it has to be redone or fails to identify important safety issues.
What Should a Proper EICR Report Include?
A proper EICR should be more than a one-page statement.
It should normally include:
| Report Section | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Property details | Confirms the installation and address inspected |
| Extent of inspection | Shows what was included |
| Limitations | Records areas that could not be fully inspected or tested |
| Schedule of inspections | Shows inspection items reviewed |
| Schedule of test results | Records circuit test information |
| Observations | Lists defects, damage or issues found |
| Classification codes | Shows urgency and seriousness of observations |
| Overall result | Confirms satisfactory or unsatisfactory outcome |
| Next inspection date | Shows when the next inspection is recommended |
If you want to understand the document layout, read our EICR report example.
When Should You Question an EICR Provider?
You should be cautious if an EICR provider:
- offers a very low price with no explanation of scope
- promises a certificate without proper testing
- says access to rooms or consumer units does not matter
- does not ask about property type or size
- cannot explain C1, C2, C3 and FI codes
- does not provide test schedules
- refuses to record limitations
- does not provide a proper report
- treats the EICR as a quick visual check only
- cannot explain what happens if the report is unsatisfactory
The cheapest inspection is not always the safest or most useful one.
Need a Qualified EICR Inspector in London?
If you need an EICR in London, choose a competent electrical professional who understands inspection, testing, reporting, classification codes and remedial next steps.
London Safety Certificate provides residential and commercial EICR inspections for landlords, homeowners, letting agents, property managers and businesses across London. We issue clear reports, explain the result and help you understand the next step if the installation is unsatisfactory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is qualified to carry out an EICR?
An EICR should be carried out by a properly qualified and competent electrical professional with suitable inspection and testing knowledge, experience, equipment and understanding of electrical safety risks.
Can any electrician carry out an EICR?
Not every electrician is automatically suitable. EICR work requires inspection and testing competence, not only general electrical installation experience.
Does an EICR inspector need a degree?
No. A degree is not normally the requirement. Practical electrical qualifications, inspection/testing knowledge, experience and competence are more important.
Can a homeowner carry out an EICR?
No. A homeowner should not carry out their own EICR. It should be completed by a competent electrical professional using suitable inspection and testing procedures.
Can a landlord carry out their own EICR?
Only if the landlord is properly qualified and competent to carry out electrical inspection and testing. In normal cases, landlords should arrange a competent electrician or electrical contractor.
What should landlords check before booking an EICR?
Landlords should check that the contractor regularly carries out EICRs, has inspection and testing experience, provides full reports with schedules, understands classification codes and gives a recommended next inspection date.
Is a visual inspection the same as an EICR?
No. A visual inspection is not the same as a full EICR. A proper EICR includes inspection and testing of the fixed electrical installation where safe and accessible.
What should an EICR report include?
A proper EICR should include property details, extent of inspection, limitations, inspection schedule, test results, observations, classification codes, overall result and the recommended next inspection date.
What happens if the EICR is unsatisfactory?
If the EICR is unsatisfactory, the report will usually contain C1, C2 or FI observations. Remedial work or further investigation should be arranged and evidence should be kept.
How often do landlords need an EICR?
For rented properties in England, landlords must have the electrics checked at least every 5 years by a properly qualified person, or sooner if the report recommends a shorter interval.
Can a commercial electrician carry out domestic EICRs?
They may be able to if they have suitable inspection and testing competence for domestic installations. The key issue is competence for the type of installation being inspected.
Is NICEIC or NAPIT registration required for an EICR?
Recognised registration can help show professionalism and trust, but the key requirement is that the person carrying out the EICR is properly qualified and competent for inspection and testing.
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