EV Charging Course: What You'll Learn & Career Opportunities

The City & Guilds 2921-34 is the UK's recognised qualification for electric vehicle charging equipment installation. Its full title is Requirements for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation (2921-34), and it is designed for qualified electricians who want to add EV charger installation to their skill set.

The course covers the design, installation, and commissioning of EV charging equipment in domestic and small commercial settings. It is aligned with BS 7671 (the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations), specifically Section 722, and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation.

With over one million electric vehicles already on UK roads and the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales set for 2035, the demand for qualified EV charger installers is growing rapidly. This course is the quickest way for a qualified electrician to enter this market.

The 2921-34 is aimed at electricians who already hold their core qualifications and want to specialise in EV charging. It is not an entry-level course — you need a solid foundation in electrical installation before you can understand the specific requirements of EV charger installation.

Ideal candidates

• ✓Qualified electricians looking to expand into EV charging work
• ✓Electricians registered with NICEIC, NAPIT, or other competent person schemes
• ✓Self-employed electricians wanting to offer EV installation as an additional service
• ✓Electricians working for companies that install EV chargers or plan to
• ✓Experienced electricians looking to future-proof their career with green skills

The course is comprehensive despite its relatively short duration. It covers everything from the basic principles of EV charging through to the specific regulatory requirements and practical installation considerations.

EV charging fundamentals

• ✓How electric vehicles charge: battery technology, charging curves, and power requirements
• ✓Charging modes: Mode 1 (domestic socket), Mode 2 (portable EVSE), Mode 3 (dedicated wallbox), Mode 4 (DC rapid)
• ✓Connector types: Type 1, Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO
• ✓Single-phase vs three-phase charging and when each applies

Regulations and standards

• ✓BS 7671 Section 722: the specific wiring regulation requirements for EV installations
• ✓IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment Installation
• ✓Approved Document S: building regulations for new buildings
• ✓OZEV Minimum Technical Specification for grant-funded installations
• ✓Part P of the Building Regulations and notification requirements

Design and installation

• ✓Site survey and assessment procedures
• ✓Circuit design: cable selection, protective devices, and circuit calculations
• ✓Earthing arrangements: TN-S, TN-C-S (PME), and TT systems
• ✓PME concerns and protective measures (PEN fault detection, earth electrodes)
• ✓Load management: ensuring the charger does not exceed the available supply capacity
• ✓Smart charging and demand-side response

Commissioning and documentation

• ✓Testing procedures specific to EV charging circuits
• ✓Commissioning the charger and verifying correct operation
• ✓Documentation: Electrical Installation Certificates, user handover
• ✓Ongoing maintenance requirements and inspection intervals

The C&G 2921-34 course is typically delivered over 3 to 5 days, depending on the training provider. At Total Skills, we combine classroom theory with practical demonstrations to ensure you leave the course confident and competent.

Typical course schedule

• ✓Day 1: EV technology fundamentals, charging modes and connectors, BS 7671 Section 722
• ✓Day 2: IET Code of Practice, earthing requirements, PME concerns and protective measures
• ✓Day 3: Circuit design, cable selection, load management, and smart charging
• ✓Day 4: Practical installation workshop, commissioning procedures
• ✓Day 5: Revision, mock questions, and the online examination

Some providers compress this into 3 days, while others extend it to include more practical time. The exact schedule varies by cohort. Check the course page for current dates.

The 2921-34 is assessed through an online multiple-choice examination. The exam is open-book, meaning you can refer to BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice during the test. This is intentional — the regulations are reference documents that electricians use daily, and the exam tests your ability to find and apply the relevant requirements rather than memorise them.

Exam details

• ✓Format: online multiple-choice questions
• ✓Duration: typically 60 to 90 minutes
• ✓Open-book: you can use BS 7671 and the IET Code of Practice
• ✓Topics: EV charging modes, BS 7671 Section 722, earthing, load management, installation requirements
• ✓Pass mark: set by City & Guilds (typically around 60 to 65%)

Completing the 2921-34 opens up a range of career opportunities in the rapidly growing EV charging market. The qualification is recognised across the industry and is increasingly expected by employers, manufacturers, and scheme providers.

What you can do with the 2921-34

• ✓Install domestic EV chargers (up to 7kW single-phase wallbox units)
• ✓Carry out workplace charging installations (small-scale)
• ✓Register as an approved installer with EV charger manufacturers
• ✓Apply for OZEV-approved installer status for grant-funded work
• ✓Add EV charging as a service line to your existing electrical business
• ✓Work for EV charging installation companies and charge point operators

Earning potential

EV charger installers typically earn between 300 and 500 pounds per day. A standard domestic installation takes 3 to 5 hours and is charged at 800 to 1,500 pounds to the customer. Experienced installers who build relationships with manufacturers and property developers can secure a steady pipeline of well-paid work.

Progression to commercial installations

The 2921-34 is focused on domestic and small commercial installations. If you want to progress to larger commercial and rapid charging installations (22kW to 150kW+), you can take the C&G 2921-32 and 2921-33 qualifications, which cover three-phase systems, load balancing across multiple chargers, and large-scale infrastructure design.

The City & Guilds 2921 suite includes three qualifications. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right course for your intended market:

C&G 2921-34: Domestic and small commercial

• ✓Single-phase installations up to 7kW
• ✓Home wallbox chargers (Zappi, Wallbox, Easee, Pod Point, etc.)
• ✓Most common type of EV charging work
• ✓Shorter course duration (3 to 5 days)
• ✓Lower barrier to entry for qualified electricians

C&G 2921-32/33: Commercial and large-scale

• ✓Three-phase installations from 22kW to 150kW and above
• ✓Workplace, fleet depot, and public rapid charging
• ✓Multiple charger coordination and load management systems
• ✓Network communication and back-office systems
• ✓Higher complexity, higher earning potential per project

Most electricians start with the 2921-34 to build experience with domestic installations, then progress to the 2921-32/33 once they have a track record of successful EV charger work.

The EV charging market is growing rapidly, and qualified installers are in high demand. The C&G 2921-34 is the fastest way to enter this market if you are already a qualified electrician. At Total Skills, we run this course regularly at our Nottingham training centre with small class sizes and experienced tutors.