Become a Certified Network Cable Installer
Get your ECS Gold Card – the industry's most recognised certification for network cable installers. No course required for experienced professionals.
JIB Preferred Training Provider
Official endorsement from the ECS scheme administrators
Why Get Certified?
Access More Sites
Many commercial sites require ECS Gold Card
Earn More Money
Certified installers command higher rates
Prove Your Skills
Industry-recognised credential
Lifetime Qualification
No renewals or refresher courses
Starting from
£650
(excl. VAT)
Assessment time
1 Day
Why Become a Certified Network Cable Installer?
The ECS Gold Card is the industry's gold standard certification, required by major contractors and recognised across the UK construction and telecommunications sectors.
Site Access Guaranteed
Work on commercial and industrial sites that require certified installers
Higher Earning Potential
Certified installers earn £25,000-£45,000+ with ECS Gold Card
Industry Recognition
Credential trusted by employers, contractors and site managers nationwide
Qualification for Life
No renewals or refreshers needed - certified once, qualified forever
Two Routes to Certification
Whether you're new to the industry or an experienced professional, we have a pathway for you.
Apprenticeship Route
For new entrants
Our 12-month Level 3 Network Cable Installer Apprenticeship is perfect for those starting their career in data cabling.
- Comprehensive curriculum covering copper & fibre
- Blended learning with one-to-one mentoring
- Up to 95% government funding available
- ECS Gold Card eligibility on completion
Experienced Worker Route
For experienced professionals
Already have 5+ years experience? Get certified in just one day through our Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA).
- One-day assessment - no classroom training
- All equipment and materials provided
- Qualification for life - no renewals
- Apply for ECS Gold Card immediately
Certification Pathways & Pricing
Choose the assessment pathway that matches your skills. All pathways lead to ECS Gold Card eligibility.
Copper Pathway
For installers specialising in UTP/FTP structured copper cabling
- Copper multiple-choice test
- Copper practical assessment
- Level 3 ECS Card eligibility
Fibre Pathway
For installers specialising in fibre optic installation and splicing
- Fibre multiple-choice test
- Fibre practical assessment
- Level 3 ECS Card eligibility
Copper & Fibre Combined
Complete certification in both copper and fibre for full Gold Card
- Both pathways combined
- Complete skill validation
- Full Gold ECS Card
How to Become a Certified Network Cable Installer
Follow these simple steps to get your ECS Gold Card certification
Check Eligibility
Confirm you have 5+ years experience and 12+ months verifiable installation work
Book Assessment
Choose your pathway (Copper, Fibre, or Combined) and book online
Prepare
Receive preparation handbook via email after booking
Attend Assessment
Complete one-day assessment at our Harrogate centre
Get Certified
Receive qualification and apply for your ECS Gold Card
Assessment Centre Location
Our Harrogate assessment centre is easily accessible by car or train, just 5 minutes walk from Harrogate Station.
Address: Cambridge Terrace, Harrogate, HG1 1NZ
Phone: 01423 740006
Email: 01423 740006
Facilities Include:
- Fully equipped assessment bays
- All tools and materials provided
- Nearby parking available
- Local accommodation options
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about becoming a Certified Network Cable Installer
What is a Certified Network Cable Installer?
A Certified Network Cable Installer is a professional who has demonstrated competency in installing, commissioning, and maintaining copper and fibre structured cabling systems. The certification is validated through qualifications like the ECS Gold Card, which is the industry's gold standard credential.
How do I become a Certified Network Cable Installer?
There are two pathways: 1) Complete a Network Cable Installer Apprenticeship (12 months), or 2) Pass an Experienced Worker Assessment (1 day) if you have 5+ years of industry experience. Both routes lead to ECS Gold Card eligibility.
What does the Certified Network Cable Installer assessment involve?
The assessment includes a multiple-choice knowledge test and practical assessments demonstrating your competency in cable installation, termination, and testing. The copper pathway takes up to 2 hours, fibre up to 5 hours, or combined up to 7 hours.
How much does Certified Network Cable Installer certification cost?
Assessment costs are £650 for Copper only, £750 for Fibre only, or £1,250 for the combined Copper & Fibre pathway. This includes all equipment, materials, and preparation resources.
Where can I get certified as a Network Cable Installer?
VQ Solutions offers Experienced Worker Assessments at our Harrogate centre in North Yorkshire. We're one of only a handful of JIB Preferred Training Providers for ECS Gold Card assessments in the UK.
Is the Certified Network Cable Installer qualification recognised by employers?
Yes, the ECS Gold Card is widely recognised across the UK construction and telecommunications industries. Many major contractors require workers to hold valid ECS certification as proof of competency.
Ready to Get Certified?
Join hundreds of network cable installers who have achieved their ECS Gold Card certification with VQ Solutions.