Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) for Network Cable Installers
The Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) is a fast-track route for seasoned network cable installers to achieve formal recognition of their skills and obtain the ECS Network Infrastructure Installer (Level 3) Gold Card. Ideal for professionals with at least 5 years of experience, this one-day assessment validates your expertise in copper, fibre, or both pathways—without needing a full apprenticeship. Conducted at our Harrogate centre, it combines multiple-choice tests and practical observations to ensure you're ready for high-demand roles in UK construction and infrastructure projects.
Engineers can complete one of three distinct pathways based on their expertise and the type of certification they are pursuing. Each pathway assesses different skill sets and competencies, ensuring engineers are thoroughly tested in the areas most relevant to their role. These pathways include specialised tests for copper, fibre, or a combination of both, depending on the certification requirements and the engineer's area of focus. Below is an overview of the requirements for each pathway.
| Pathway | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Copper Pathway | - Copper multiple-choice questions test - Copper practical test |
| Fibre Pathway | - Fibre multiple-choice questions test - Fibre practical test |
| Copper and Fibre Pathway | - Copper multiple-choice questions test - Copper practical test - Fibre multiple-choice questions test - Fibre practical test |
Upon successful completion, you'll be eligible for the ECS Gold Card (White with Gold Crosshatch for single pathways or full Gold for combined), boosting your career and site access opportunities.
Practical Observations with Questioning
Experienced engineers are required to undertake either one or both practical tasks during the assessment.
The practical observation with questioning must be carried out over a maximum total assessment time of seven (7) hours for both tasks. The copper task will be allocated a maximum of two (2) hours, and the fibre task will be assigned a maximum of five (5) hours. If the experienced engineer wants to be assessed for both pathways, both tasks should be carried out on the same day.
The two tasks are:
Install, Terminate, and Test Copper Cable
- Lay cable
- Looming of cables into cabinet
- Install containment using spirit level
- Terminate copper (Unshielded Twisted Pair and Foil Twisted Pair [UTP/FTP]) including:
- One (1) UTP and one (1) FTP outlets at low level
- Six (6) copper (UTP) panel to panel links.
Install, Terminate, and Test Fibre Optic Cable
- Lay cable
- Looming of cables into cabinet
- Install containment using spirit level
- Terminate fibre optic cables including:
- One (1) fibre cable panel to panel link with four (4) spliced fibres and four (4) direct terminated type fibres.
Preparation and Revision Guide: Skills to Practice Before Your Assessment Day
To succeed in the EWA, focus on revising key knowledge and practising hands-on skills. This guide outlines what to review without revealing full assessment details (which we'll provide post-payment). Aim to demonstrate safe, efficient work as per industry standards like BS EN for testing.
General Skills (All Pathways):
- Select and wear appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, eye protection).
- Use tools and equipment safely and correctly (e.g., strippers, punchdown tools, fusion splicers).
- Maintain a safe, clean, and tidy workspace throughout tasks.
Copper Pathway Revision:
- Review copper cable types (e.g., Class E UTP/FTP) and installation best practices.
- Practice preparing cables, installing into containment (e.g., basket trays, conduit), and terminating to outlets/panels.
- Brush up on labeling systems and certification testing (e.g., using testers for permanent links, checking calibration).
Fibre Pathway Revision:
- Study fibre optic cable types (e.g., tight-buffered single-mode, multi-mode) and colour codes.
- Practice fusion splicing techniques, including stripping, cleaving, splicing, and protecting splices with sleeves.
- Hone testing skills: Continuity checks, loss budget calculations, ILM (Insertion Loss Measurement), and OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) setup/comparison.
Copper and Fibre Pathway: Combine the above, ensuring you can handle both in one day (7-hour max).
Pro Tip: Review ECS Health, Safety, and Environmental guidelines, as they're prerequisites. Practice in a simulated environment to build confidence—focus on precision to avoid common faults like improper dressing or faulty splices.
Equipment
VQ Solutions supplies all the equipment needed for the practical assessment in the technical training centre. Just bring your PPE!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA)? A one-day evaluation for network cable installers with 5+ years of experience to earn an ECS Gold Card.
- What skills do I need to practice for the EWA copper pathway? Focus on safe cable installation, termination (UTP/FTP), labelling, and testing with certification equipment.
- How should I prepare for the fibre practical test? Revise fusion splicing, colour coding, and advanced testing, such as ILM and OTDR.
- Can I do both pathways in one day? Yes, within 7 hours total—copper (2 hours max) and fibre (5 hours max).
- What if I fail the assessment? You'll receive feedback and can rebook; contact us for details.
Ready to book? Head to our booking page or contact us for more info.