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International Qualification Recognition

Have your international qualifications for gas or electrical work recognised so you can work in Ireland.

On 30 June 2023, the CRU published an Information Note setting out updated requirements for ‘eligible persons’ under Regulation 3 of S.I. No. 8/2017 - European Union (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) Regulations 2017 and who meet requirements under Regulation 4 who are seeking to have their qualifications recognised in respect of the Safe Electric and RGI schemes. These changes improve compliance with EU Directive 2005/36/EC, as amended. Applicants who are not an ‘eligible person’ and do not meet the requirements must continue to apply using the current process in place.

Gas qualifications

The CRU regulates the safe activity of gas installers. We do this through the Registered Gas Installer (RGI) scheme. This is operated by the Gas Safety Supervisory Body (GSSB) for the CRU. You need certain professional qualifications to register with the RGI scheme.

Process for recognition

If you hold professional qualifications from outside the Republic of Ireland, you must have them recognised. Then you can apply to register as an RGI. The process is as follows.

  1. Read the Guidance Notes and Gas Essential Learning Outcomes
  2. Complete the application form detailing your professional qualification(s) and experience
  3. An expert panel will review your application
  4. If approved, you can apply to register as a member of the RGI Scheme.

Please note that approval by the Panel of Experts does not automatically give membership of RGI, it only facilitates access to apply to join the scheme.

If you have questions you can email: gasrecognition@rgi.ie

tel: (091) 480974

Electrical qualifications

The CRU regulates the safe activity of electrical contractors. We do this through the Safe Electric Scheme. The Safe Electric Scheme covers all Registered Electrical Contractors (RECs) working in Ireland. This is operated by the Electrical Safety Supervisory Board (ESSB) for the CRU. You need certain professional qualifications to register with the Safe Electric Scheme.

Process for recognition

If you hold professional qualifications from outside the Republic of Ireland, you must have them recognised. Then you can apply to register with the Safe Electric Scheme. The process is as follows.

  1. Read the Guidance Notes and Electrical Essential Learning Outcomes
  2. Complete the application form detailing your professional qualification(s) and experience
  3. An expert panel will review your application
  4. If approved, you can apply to register with the Safe Electric Scheme.

Please note that approval by the Panel of Experts does not automatically give membership of the Safe Electric Scheme, it only facilitates access to apply to join the scheme.

Direct applicants

If you hold a City & Guilds qualification you may be able to apply directly to join the Safe Electric Scheme. For example a Level 3 Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (C&G 2357).

If you have questions you can email: electricalrecognition@safeelectric.ie

tel: (091) 480974

EU Directive

The European Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC) applies to eligible people holding qualifications from, or recognised by, a European Economic Area member state.

If you hold relevant professional qualifications from outside the Republic of Ireland:

  • you must have them recognised before you can apply for scheme registration
  • applicants who meet the full requirements will be prioritised
  • applicants from non-EEA countries may be delayed

It is essential that you read the Guidance Notes and Essential Learning Outcomes/Key Understandings documents before completing the application form.