If you work in electrical engineering, you may have heard of CompEx – but what exactly is it, and why is it important?

What is CompEx Certification?

CompEx stands for Competency in Explosive Atmospheres and is a globally recognised certification scheme for professionals working with electrical and instrumentation equipment in potentially explosive or hazardous environments.

It is particularly relevant across industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, manufacturing and energy, where electrical equipment needs to be carefully selected, installed, inspected and maintained to minimise risk.

Why is CompEx important?

The UK’s energy and engineering industries are changing rapidly, with growing investment in areas such as hydrogen, carbon capture and renewable energy. As new technologies and industrial facilities develop, so does the need for specialist skills and knowledge.

For electrical and instrumentation professionals, CompEx provides a way to demonstrate that they have the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to work safely in hazardous areas.

Unlike qualifications based solely on classroom learning, CompEx candidates complete both written and practical assessments, demonstrating their ability to apply their knowledge in a workshop environment.

Who is CompEx for?

CompEx is aimed at electricians, electrical technicians and instrumentation technicians who work in hazardous areas.

There are no mandatory legal entry requirements, although candidates are strongly recommended to have a recognised electrical or instrumentation qualification and relevant industrial experience.

CompEx certification is valid for five years, after which professionals need to recertify to maintain their certification.

Building skills for what’s next

As the UK’s industrial and energy sectors continue to evolve, specialist engineering skills will become increasingly important.

For electrical professionals looking to work across hazardous environments and emerging areas of the energy industry, CompEx certification can be a valuable addition to their professional skills and experience.

At NETA Training, we deliver CompEx training and assessment to help professionals develop and demonstrate their hazardous-area competence.