Fact vs Fiction

You may hear a lot of discussion about the EWA and what it is or isn’t. Take a look below where we bust some myths about the EWA and AM2E.

If you’ve heard something and are not sure what’s true – please contact us! We are happy to give you the correct and authoritative advice. What you read on social media may not be correct…

Fiction

“If you already hold an AM2, or it’s a certain number of years old, you’ll still have to complete the full AM2E.”

Some variations on this include:

“You can’t use an existing AM2 for the EWA.”

“If your AM2 is more than XX years old you won’t be able to use it against the EWA.”

“If the AM2 was achieved before 2010, then it will not be recognised at all for the 2346-03 and the candidate will need to take the AM2E.”

Fact

If you are completing the Experienced Worker Assessment and have already passed the AM2, you will only have to undertake a supplementary AM2E unit rather than the whole assessment.

The unit to be completed depends on when the original AM2 was passed:

  • Before April 2010: Testing and Safe Isolation supplementary unit
  • After April 2010: Containment and Safe Isolation supplementary unit

Some assessments in 2010 were carried out after the April changeover, but as part of NET’s checks during the application process it will be confirmed which unit you will need to carry out.

Fiction

“After December 31st, candidates who have already achieved the AM2 will only have the choice of the NVQ 2357 and/or 2346-03.

However, some of the older qualifications (2360 etc) don’t fully map over to the NVQ 2357 andthese candidates may only have the option of the NVQ 2346-03 and will need to take the AM2E.”

Fact

An alternative approach for those with older qualifications is under discussion – we have not stated that individuals with older qualifications have to take AM2E.

Fiction

Some candidates have been wrongly advised by training providers to complete qualification pathways which are not eligible for ECS card recognition, such as City & Guilds 5357 with AM2, and are being told they must sign up to complete the full Experienced Worker Assessment and AM2E process.

Fact

Please DO NOT sign up to the EWA if you are in this position – please email [email protected] so we can give you authoritative, independent advice.

Fiction

The Experienced Worker Assessment is an easy route to gaining a gold card.

However, some of the older qualifications (2360 etc) don’t fully map over to the NVQ 2357 andthese candidates may only have the option of the NVQ 2346-03 and will need to take the AM2E.”

Fact

It’s not an easy route or short cut. It mirrors the electrical apprenticeship and covers the same level of performance that apprentices must achieve. To complete the assessment you must gain:

  • an accredited industry qualification involving six Level 3 performance units
  • the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
  • the Level 3 award in Initial Verification.

Once these three elements are successfully completed and you have gained the Experienced Worker qualification, you must then take the AM2E assessment.

It’s a comprehensive assessment route to ensure the candidates meet an industry benchmark – anyone who does not have the right level of knowledge and practical skills will not meet the standard or complete the assessment.