Routes to Obtaining an ECS Card

What are ECS Cards?

Working on any registered construction site in the UK requires that trades people can demonstrate their competency and safety awareness. The only recognised way to do this is by carrying a CSCS or ECS card. As such, it is a critical piece of documentation for any reputable tradesperson or construction professional and can be likened to a driving licence for trade professionals.

ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) is a sub-division of CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) who administer the scheme and set the criteria for gaining an ECS card. Network Cabling (referred to as Network Infrastructure) is one of the recognised trades covered by ECS.

As with a driving licence, there are different categories. Training and associated testing will vary accordingly and be more extensive for the higher-level cards such as the Gold and Black ECS cards.

Network Infrastructure Installers

For Network Infrastructure Installers there are three levels of ECS Card:

ECS Network Infrastructure Installation Assistant

The Network Infrastructure Installation Assistant ECS card is for people working in the Network Infrastructure industry in a supportive role, assisting other qualified staff with the installation of cables and other work under supervision of a person with a level 3 ECS card. To be eligible for the Network Infrastructure Installation Assistant card, applicants must follow one of two routes: They can either hold a Level 2 Award in Communication Cabling, such as the City & Guilds 3666, 3667, or 3668 qualifications, or complete the Network Infrastructure Awareness Assessment. In both cases, a valid ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment or an approved exemption is also required.

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ECS Network Infrastructure Installation Copper OR Fibre

The ECS Network Infrastructure Installer Level 3 card is awarded to individuals who hold an industry-recognised Level 3 qualification and are responsible for installing and maintaining structured cabling systems for data communications. Two distinct cards are available to reflect specific qualifications: the Copper card covers work with cabling types such as UTP, STP, FTP and Coaxial, while the Fibre card applies to work with single and multi-mode fibre optic cables.

In addition to installing cabling, Network Infrastructure Installers also handle the installation of containment systems, connection units, earthing and bonding cables, and the setup of enclosures with structured cabling termination equipment such as hubs, switches, routers, patch panels, and other related hardware.

Applicants must hold a recognised Level 3 qualification in copper or fibre installation, such as those awarded by BTEC, Open Awards, City & Guilds, or EAL (Electrotechnical Awarding Body). Alternatively, they can complete the Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) in copper, fibre, or both. They must also provide evidence of at least 12 months’ installation experience and hold a valid ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment certificate. The Experienced Worker Assessment is available through Open Awards-approved providers for those with experience but no formal qualifications.

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ECS Network Infrastructure Installation – Copper AND Fibre

This card is for data network installers with a recognised Level 3 Network Infrastructure qualification, working on the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of copper and fibre structured cabling systems. In addition to installing cabling, network infrastructure installers also handle the installation of containment systems, connection units, earthing and bonding cables, and the setup of enclosures with structured cabling termination equipment such as hubs, switches, routers, patch panels, and other related hardware.

Applicants must complete one of the three following routes: a) Level 3 Network Cable Installer Apprenticeship b) previously qualified for the ECS Advanced Datacomms Specialist gold card c) Passed the Experienced Worker Assessment (See below).

They must also provide evidence of at least 12 months’ installation experience and hold a valid ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment.

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Routes to Gaining ECS Cards for Network Infrastructure Installers

Networks Centre supports all routes to the ECS Card for Network Infrastructure Installers via our training partners. The route chosen by applicants may depend on their existing accreditations, experience and the level of ECS card required.

City & Guilds (C&G): Level 2 and Level 3 (Both required for gold cards)
Cablenet Training (CNET): Level 3 only

The above accreditations will be required in addition to either an Apprenticeship Certificate in Network Infrastructure or the Experienced Worker Assessment as outlined below:

Apprenticeship Certificate

The level 3 Network Infrastructure Apprenticeship Standard (the Network Cable Installer Apprenticeship) is to be completed including the network infrastructure endpoint assessment. During the Apprenticeship the ECS network infrastructure apprentice card recognises the network infrastructure apprenticeship standard is ongoing. Networks Centre’s training partner, CNET can provide more information.

NCI Apprenticeship

Experienced Worker Assessment

The EWA is specifically designed for those who believe they do not need any training. The assessment initially involves the trainer talking to the candidate first to assess their knowledge.

Additional training days can be offered for any knowledge gaps prior to the assessment. Total Comms Training offer EWA’s and supplementary training leading to an assessment. Eligibility will be dependent upon the applicant’s knowledge and experience. The duration and cost of pre-assessment training will vary but pre-assessment is strongly recommended before taking the assessment.

Summary ECS for Installers

The course options and durations are outlined in detail in the sections below.

Level 2 – ECS Network Installation Assistant - White Card with Green Stripe

Card Type: White with Green Stripe

Note: Only applicable for supervised workers.

Course Options:

201 (Principles of Communications) + 203 (Copper Structured Cabling) – 4 Days

201 (Principles of Communications) + 202 (Fibre Optic Cabling) – 6 Days

201 (Principles of Communications) + 202 (Fibre Optic Cabling) + 203 (Copper Structured Cabling) – 9 Days

Must also be undergoing and Apprenticeship in Network Infrastructure

Level 3 – ECS Network Installer (Copper or Fibre) Gold Hatch Card

Card Type: White with Gold Cross Hatch

Recommended for: Experienced installers

Course Options:

City & Guilds:
301 (Safe Working Practices and Behaviours) + 302 (Telecoms Fundamentals) + 306 (Copper Structured Cabling) – 4 Days

301 (Safe Working Practices and Behaviours) + 302 (Telecoms Fundamentals) + 303 (Fibre Optic Cabling) – 5 Days

301 (Safe Working Practices and Behaviours) + 302 (Telecoms Fundamentals) + 303 (Fibre Optic Cabling) + 306 (Copper Structured Cabling) – 7 Days

301 (Safe Working Practices and Behaviours) + 302 (Telecoms Fundamentals) + 305 (Passive Optical Networks) – 5 Days

CNET:
CNET CNCI - Certified Network Cable Installer - Copper Cabling - 5 Days

CNET CNCI - Certified Network Cable Installer - Fibre Cabling - 5 Days

CNET CNCI - Certified Network Cable Installer - Copper & Fibre Cabling - 10 Days

* An Experienced Worker Assessment may be an applicable alternative route on a case by case basis.

Experienced Worker Assessment – ECS Network Installer Gold Card

Assessment Options:

Copper – 1 Day*

Fibre – 1 Day*

Copper & Fibre – 2 Days*

Duration may vary depending on candidate’s experience.

Advanced / Higher Level ECS Cards

Network Infrastructure Advanced Installer

The Network Infrastructure Advanced Installer card is a progression from the Level 3 Network Infrastructure Installer card. It is intended for experienced data network professionals qualified at Level 3 who install, commission, and maintain copper and fibre structured cabling, along with supporting services like IPCCTV, Access Control, Wireless, AV, and building management systems.

Applicants must have held or met the requirements for the Network Infrastructure Installer Gold Card for at least three years and hold a CPD qualification in a specialist area such as AV, IP Security, Wireless, or VOIP.

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Network Infrastructure Advanced Installer

The Network Infrastructure Advanced Installer card is a progression from the Level 3 Network Infrastructure Installer card. It is intended for experienced data network professionals qualified at Level 3 who install, commission, and maintain copper and fibre structured cabling, along with supporting services like IPCCTV, Access Control, Wireless, AV, and building management systems.

Applicants must have held or met the requirements for the Network Infrastructure Installer Gold Card for at least three years and hold a CPD qualification in a specialist area such as AV, IP Security, Wireless, or VOIP.

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Network Infrastructure Manager

The Network Infrastructure Manager oversees complex infrastructure projects, focusing on project management, customer relations, team coordination, progress tracking, risk management, and issue resolution. Networks Centre supports the ECS Manager Card through the BTEC Level 4 Certified Telecommunications Project Manager (CTPM) course by CNET.

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Network Infrastructure Designer

The Network Infrastructure Designer is responsible for creating structured cabling designs for a range of network projects, including copper, fibre, and active/passive components. They interpret customer requirements to deliver standards-compliant solutions and may also contribute to bid documents, costings, and delivery plans. Networks Centre supports this ECS Card through the BTEC Level 5 Certified Network Infrastructure Design Professional (CNIDP) course by CNET.

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