CERTIFICATION BODYS

[solo3uk]

After many years in electrical work I passed 2381 and 2391 several months ago and I`m looking for a Certification Body to belong to.

Can anybody recommend one and the reasons why I should belong to it. They all seem to have advantages and disadvantages and it is difficult to judge. I do not intend to work full time now, but I want to certify my own work.

Thank you

[Jimbo]

I belong to the NICEIC and find them to be increasingly after money, I have heard that NAPIT are a little easier to get along with and seem to be a bit more user friendly, the rest I dont know about. All in all its your personal choice, one is just as bad or good as the other in my opinion but non of them are cheap. Regards Jimbo

[jango]

NICEIC are a pain in the arse to deal with. NAPIT are nowhere near as established as the NICEIC but they are a lot easier to deal with and there's nothing you can do with the NICEIC that you can't do if your registered with NAPIT and they're cheaper.

[solo3uk]

Many thanks Jimbo & Jango, as I expected it won`t be easier to choose but my thin wallet will dictate what I can afford, although I have read somewhere here that Insurance Co.like NICEIC better

[Jimbo]

Solo3UK, I think your right that Insurance companies ask for the NIC but any certification body is as valid as any other. You say its what your wallet decides but remember its a big investment and you do get a welcome pack from the NIC which contains 7671, OSG, Inspection and testing all in all I think the retail value is about £130 ish so bear that in mind. I am not trying to sell the NIC , have a look round and see what they all have to offer and ask when your in the wholesalers that normally is a good indicator of your area. All bodies carry out an initial inspection of your work and equipment, post on the board nearer the time and I will walk you through it. Regards Jimbo

[Girlyspark]

I would still be interested to hear more opinions about the various bodies, as I am also looking to register with one at the moment.

Another spark I have been working with is registered with the NIC but I have been shocked by some of their antics, and they seem to be a pain to deal with.

NAPIT easier more user friendly? Sounds good. How about ELECSA? Had heard a similar comment about them.

[Voltimax]

Well since I have been registered with both the NICEIC as a domestic installer and then NAPIT, I feel suitably qualified to comment on both schemes.

First off the NICEIC. In my humble opinion they don't give a stuff about the membership to be frank. I was with them for a couple of years and all they were interested in was getting their hands on my money. When I finally left, they tried to get my next years registration fee from me, when I had informed them long before it was due, that I no longer wanted to be registered. They tried several times to get this money and when finally they accepted the fact that I didn't owe it, they sent me a nasty little letter. At no time did they ask why I wanted to leave and if there was anything they could do to keep me.

Next NAPIT. So far I have been pleased. They allow the use of their certificates in any installation whether it be domestic, commercial, industrial etc. They are always helpful and friendly when contacted and if you should ever phone their technical helpline and not be able to get an adviser, they WILL phone you back guaranteed. They even give you legal aid with customers who won't pay their bills which is included in their overall fee. Granted they are not a big or as well known as the NICEIC, but they are growing.

[rogerb]

Don`t bother joining NAPIT...... I did and became a full member in June 2005. After 12 months I sent off my cheque and relevent details for my second years membership. NAPIT lost everything I sent ,except the cheque which they banked, and a few weeks later expelled me for non payment. When I proved to them they had already had my money NAPIT put my name back on their member list. I wrote for an explanation to John Andrews ( Boss of NAPIT ), who ignored my letter. I wrote to " Proffesional Electrician " who also ignored me ( I wonder if it was all the money they get from NAPIT in adverts ). NAPIT are only interested in the contents of your wallet... they even charge you for van stickers promoting their name.

[Andy c]

I am in the NICEIC and have to pay the fees in full,do the other schemes accept monthly payments?cheers Andy

[Girlyspark]

Well, I registered with Elecsa in January and they have been fine so far. Not sure if they take monthly payments. The Assessor was very professional but put you at your ease and was full of useful advice.