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Introduction to the IECEx Personnel Competency Scheme
The IECEx certification of personnel competency scheme is commonly known as the IECEx Certified Persons Scheme.
The scheme provides the means for an individual working in, or associated with, hazardous areas to obtain a Certificate of Personnel Competence (CoPC), that enables the assessment of personnel competence against detailed requirements which provides independent validation of the ability of the applicant to apply their knowledge and practical skills, in line with requirements of international standards.
The safety of commercial facilities with hazardous locations depends strongly on the competence of all people dealing with safety management, planning, installation, operation; inspection, maintenance, repair, and many other activities. The IECEx CoPC Scheme offers the evaluation and certification of competencies of individuals working in or for hazardous locations.
Based on a modular competence structure taylor-made competence profiles can be certified which perfectly fit the actual obligation and tasks of the candidates in their jobs. The IECEx Personnel Competency Scheme is a verification by assessment, by an independent organization – IECEx approved Certifying Body, that has the expertise to assess the competence of the individual to apply skills, knowledge and experience in the workplace to reduce risks associated with activities undertaken.
Certificates of competence provide independent evidence of individual knowledge and skills and support both the employers and employees in selecting the right people and getting the right jobs.
The IECEx Personnel Competency Scheme is a globally recognized certification program providing industries with confidence in the skills and knowledge of individuals working within hazardous areas and are deemed to be competent for the Ex scope they have been assessed for.
How is this done?
It is necessary that personnel working in explosive atmospheres are competent. The potential for accidents in explosive atmospheres is increased if personnel are not competent. The need for competence is included in many legal documents (legislation), but is often not clearly defined. Competence includes the ability to carry out specific tasks versus prescribed general requirements specified in regulations, standards and installation procedures.
Competence depends on knowledge, skill, experience and training. Measurement of competence is a difficult task and requires specific assessment methods which have been developed by the IECEx Certification of Personnel Competence Scheme. Competence evolves with years and may deteriorate, so continued training and assessment is necessary.
The IECEx Personnel Competency Scheme includes twelve “Units of Competency” that addresses the specializations required for each unit.
Scope of certification:
Unit Ex 000 Basic knowledge and awareness to enter a site that includes a classified
hazardous area.
Unit Ex 001 Apply basic principles of protection in explosive atmospheres
Unit Ex 002 Perform classification of hazardous areas
Unit Ex 003 Install explosion-protected equipment and wiring systems
Unit Ex 004 Maintain equipment in explosive atmospheres
Unit Ex 005 Overhaul and repair of explosion-protected equipment
Unit Ex 006 Test electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
Unit Ex 007 Perform visual and close inspection of electrical installations in or
associated with explosive atmospheres
Unit Ex 008 Perform detailed inspection of electrical installations in or associated with
explosive atmospheres
Unit Ex 009 Design electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
Unit Ex 010 Perform audit inspection of electrical installations in or associated with
explosive atmospheres
Unit Ex 011 - Basic knowledge of the safety of hydrogen systems
At present the above Units of Competence are focused on electrical equipment for hazardous
areas however as ISO/IEC Standards are available for non-electrical equipment it is likely that
additional Units of Competence will be added to include these requirements.
Please review this animation video to learn more about CoPC
Initial considerations for obtaining a Personnel Competence Assessment Report (PCAR) & Certificate of Personnel Competence
The basic and initial investigation process for persons considering applying for certification under the IECEx CoPC Scheme is outlined in the figure below:
The approved IECEx ExCB conducts the practical and theoretical assessments of the person for the appropriate IECEx Unit of competence. Upon the successful completion and passing the assessment the ExCB issues a Personnel Competence Assessment Report (PCAR).
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The ExCB creates the Certificate of Personnel Competence (CoPC) on the IECEx on-line certification system which is available to the public.
The Ex expert can then do one of the below:
- Obtain a copy of the certificate from the IECEx on-line certificate system for their personal records and their Curriculum Vitae, to demonstrate successfully passing the IECEx personnel competencies.
- Refer their current or future employer to the IECEx on-line certificate system to consult the certificate details.
In order to maintain the CoPC, the Ex expert is re-assessed every 5 years to maintain their CoPC.
The certificates displayed are examples only. To view issued PCAR or Certificate, please visit the IECEx "On-Line" Certificate of Conformity System (OCS).
How to get certification - Personnel Competencies Scheme
Contact an approved certification body (ExCB) to obtain your IECEx certification.
Individuals or organizations seeking to sponsor their employees for the confirmation of personnel competencies and seeking to obtain IECEx certification for specific competency units should contact an approved IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) of their choice.
Applications for IECEx Certificates of Conformity are made directly to the IECEx Certification Bodies.
Refer to the following documents and short animation on the process to obtain IECEx certification.
Get the briefing paper
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