To install EV chargers, you need a full electrical qualification for your country, plus EV-specific training. In the US, that means a state or local electrician license, with EVITP certification required for NEVI-funded and some state-funded projects. In the UK, it means a Level 3 electrotechnical qualification, an EV charging award such as City & Guilds 2921-34, and usually Competent Person Scheme membership. Rules vary by state and country, so check with your licensing body first.
Qualifications by Market
| Market | Base qualification | EV-specific training | Business registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | State or local electrician license (rules vary) | EVITP certification; required on NEVI projects and some state programs | Contractor license where required; permits and inspections |
| United Kingdom | Level 3 electrotechnical qualification (for example 2357 NVQ) and current BS 7671 knowledge | EV charging award such as C&G 2921-34 or an equivalent from another awarding body | Competent Person Scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT; OZEV authorisation to claim grants |
| Other markets | Licensed or registered electrician under local law | Varies; often manufacturer training | Check your national or state electrical regulator |
United States: License First, Then EVITP
Electrician licensing is handled by states and, in some places, cities or counties. Most electricians qualify through a registered apprenticeship and a licensing exam. Charger work usually needs a permit and an inspection.
EVITP (the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) is the main EV credential. According to EVITP, you must be a state licensed or certified electrician to enroll. Where a state does not license electricians, you need documentation of at least 8,000 hours of hands-on electrical construction experience. The online course and proctored exam take about 20 hours combined.
The federal NEVI standard (23 CFR 680.106) requires electricians on funded projects to hold EVITP certification or a certificate from a registered apprenticeship program that includes charger-specific training. On multi-electrician projects, at least one must meet that rule and at least one must be enrolled in a registered apprenticeship.
United Kingdom: Level 3, an EV Award and a Scheme
EV charging courses in the UK are designed for practising electricians. The City & Guilds 2921-34 Level 3 Award covers domestic and small commercial installations. Training providers list entry requirements such as a Level 3 electrotechnical NVQ or experienced worker qualification. If that was achieved more than five years ago, you also need the current Wiring Regulations qualification.
- Work to the current edition of BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment Installation.
- Join a Competent Person Scheme so your firm can self-certify notifiable work.
- Apply for OZEV authorisation if you want to claim government chargepoint grants for customers.
- Install chargers that meet the Smart Charge Points Regulations 2021 where they apply.
Skills Beyond the Certificate
Paper qualifications get you through the door. These skills keep installs safe and customers happy:
- Load calculations and load management; see load calculation basics.
- Correct protection: US GFCI rules and UK RCD types; see RCD protection for EV chargers.
- Circuit sizing: in the US, EV charging is a continuous load, so the breaker is 125% of charger current (40 A charger, 50 A breaker).
- Checking that the charger is certified by an OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (US) or carries the right marks (UK and EU).
- Commissioning apps, RFID and OCPP networking for commercial sites.
Learning a few product families helps too. EVDANCE makes the EV-ACT5006T 48A wall charger for North America and the EV-ACT3204E 22 kW wallbox for Type 2 markets. Installers can browse the full product range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate license just for EV chargers?
Usually not. Most places treat charger installation as electrical work under the normal electrician license. Check your local rules.
Can a handyman install an EV charger?
Not if the job involves new circuits or panel work, which most places limit to licensed electricians. Plugging a portable charger into an existing, suitable outlet needs no installer.
How long is EVITP certification valid?
Renewal terms can change. Check EVITP’s website for the current validity period and use its certification check to confirm an electrician’s status.
Related Reading
- Can I Install a Level 2 Charger Myself?
- Does an EV Charger Need GFCI Protection?
- EV Charger Certifications Explained: CE, UKCA, UL, ETL, CB
Key Takeaways
- Every market expects a full electrical qualification first.
- US installers add EVITP, which NEVI projects require.
- UK installers add an EV award and join a Competent Person Scheme.
- Load, protection and commissioning skills matter as much as certificates.