18th edition courses have since replaced this 17th Edition.

Since writing this post we have published a free interactive online video covering all changes. View it now! —>>

The industry is buzzing with commentary on the latest amendment to the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations. The 3rd Amendment is due to be published on the 1st January 2015 and installations designed after the 1st July 2015 will need to comply with the new amendment.

The draft for Public comment was available on the IET website for feedback from 14th December, 2013 until March 7th, 2014. This means we know overall what is likely to be changing in the new amendment; however we won’t know the absolute final details of until the new book is published in January 2015. The IET is taking pre orders for BS7671 but says on its website “These changes are expected to include the final ratification of the changes by JPEL 64 is due by 1st November, 2014.

Will I Need to Re-Take my Current 17th Edition Course?

Simply put if you have taken a 17th edition course then no. If you still have your 16th edition then clearly yes (What have you been doing for the last few years?) This is an amendment only, as such you will be required to install to the latest amendment in from 1st July 2015, however there is no requirement for a formal qualification covering this amendment. You will need to own a copy of the new book and have an understanding of the changes in it. As such anyone who has taken the current C&G 2382 qualification will still be fine to register with a scheme provider. It is worth remembering that between 1st January and the 30th June, 2015 designers and installers can use BS 7671 2013 or 2015 version.

From July 1st 2015 you will need to design and install to Amendment 3 which means you will need to know what is in the amendment and as such we will be ensuring that all students that take a current 17th edition course with Trade Skills 4U will have access to our online student support website which will publish the latest course materials and amendment details for you to brush up on.

When will the new C&G course be available?

Currently we don’t know for sure but it is likely to be in the first quarter of 2015. Once the amendment has been published City & Guilds will need to update the courses and exams to reflect the changes. This means as an estimate the course will not change until February or March 2015. Rest assured once it is available we will be delivering it here. If you are thinking of booking a 17th edition course in the meantime the key thing is not to worry too much. You can still take the course now and then get updated on the amendments later on.

Will the book change?

There will be a brand new book for the latest amendment and the colour will be yellow. This means for those of you training in the New Year you will possibly want to hold back on buying any books until nearer the time. You will need to check with us to find out exactly which book you should bring for your course and it will depend on your specific course start date and not the date you book the course.

Once City & Guilds have released the most up to date course for delivery we will be setting a date from which the new qualification will be taught and if you book a course that starts from that date you will need to ensure you buy the latest book.

Will you be delivering seminars on the amendment?

We will be scheduling some free seminars once the amendment has been finalised. These will be available to existing Trade skills 4U customers in the first instance and if space is available we will open these up to the public. However as stated above all students that take the a 17th edition course with us between now and the changes coming into place will have access to the latest details on our student support website. We provide all students with access on the first day of their course and this access is available for as long as the site is live which we envisage to be for many, many years to come.

The key message from us is simply we will keep you up to date whether you train now or in the future.