With electric cars becoming an everyday sight, every new driveway charger, workplace charging bay and public rapid charger needs a qualified installer. EV charger installation training is a short, focused add-on for electricians: the main Level 3 Award in electric vehicle charging equipment installation usually takes 2 to 3 days and opens up a fast-growing area of work.
Below we explain the skills and qualifications you need first, what EV charging courses cover, the rules installers must follow, and the career opportunities across domestic, commercial and public charging.
Skills you need before you start
✔ A recognised Level 3 electrical installation qualification
✔ Up-to-date 18th Edition (BS 7671) wiring regulations
✔ Ideally, inspection and testing experience
✔ Confidence with earthing arrangements, load calculations and cable sizing
If you are not yet an electrician, the realistic first step is an electrical apprenticeship or college course. EV charging is then a natural specialism once qualified.
What EV charging courses cover
Mode 3 home and workplace units, AC and DC rapid charging basics.
Maximum demand, load management and supply capacity.
PEN fault protection, RCD types and earth electrodes.
Practical installation, commissioning and certification.
The IET Code of Practice for EV charging equipment.
Courses are offered through approved centres by awarding bodies such as City & Guilds and LCL Awards. Private course fees are commonly a few hundred pounds; some employers and regional green Skills Bootcamps fund them.
Rules every installer must know
- Smart charging: chargers sold for homes and workplaces in Great Britain must meet smart charge point regulations, including default off-peak settings and security standards.
- DNO notification: the local network operator must be notified, and larger installations may need approval before connection.
- Building regulations: new circuits are notifiable, so installers usually work through a competent person scheme.
- Grant schemes: some government EV charging grants require installers to be authorised by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).
Where the work is
| Sector | Typical work |
|---|---|
| Domestic | Driveway and garage chargers, often linked to solar and batteries |
| Workplace and fleet | Multi-charger car parks, load-managed systems for company vans |
| Residential blocks | Shared charging for flats and new-build developments |
| Public charging | Rapid and ultra-rapid hubs, on-street chargers and maintenance contracts |
Building a career in EV charging
Many electricians start by fitting home chargers, then move into commercial projects, maintenance contracts for charge point operators, or design and surveying roles. Combining EV charging with solar PV and battery storage qualifications makes you far more attractive to customers who want a complete home energy system – read our solar installer training guide for that next step.
Course and regulation details summarised from UK industry and government guidance.
Independent guide – not linked to any training provider.