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Qualifications

Learn more about the wide range of qualifications we offer

Who is CompEx?

CompEx is the international scheme for competency validation and certification of personnel who work in explosive atmospheres. Through a network of independent training providers, the CompEx Scheme supports practitioners in a range of industrial sectors including oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing and utilities.

When working in these types of environments, it’s crucial that practitioners keep their certification for core competence up to date. However, pre-course learning is also vital ahead of attending new or recertification courses.

Who should go on a CompEx Course?

Individuals seeking to enhance their proficiency and understanding in Ex and hazardous areas are encouraged to attend CompEx courses.  Whether you’re building your foundational knowledge or you’re a seasoned professional looking to refine your expertise, CompEx qualifications offer valuable insight and practical skills tailored to meet a diverse range of learning objectives.

Regardless of your background or experience level, if you’re eager to expand your capabilities and stay abreast of the latest advancements in Ex, CompEx qualifications are designed to empower and inspire your growth.

CompEx qualifications cover a wide range of industries and offer a selection of courses which are aimed at different abilities.  Entry criteria are different for each qualification.  If you are unsure which course is right for you, please contact your local CompEx Approved Training Provider to discuss.  To find your nearest training centre, please click here.

Which course is right for me?

We would always recommend that you start your CompEx journey with the theory only Foundation (ExF) course. This allows candidates to discover the basics of Ex principles, hazardous area classification, safe work practices, and basic protection concepts for certifying Ex equipment.

If you’re a recently qualified electrical technician, the course can enhance your knowledge base and is an essential first step before you pursue more advanced CompEx qualifications.

Successful candidates will receive an internationally recognised CompEx certificate for Foundation in Hazardous Awareness.

You can then move on to the Core Practitioner and then the more advanced CompEx courses as listed below.

Selecting the appropriate level of qualification and the importance of completing suitable pre-course learning is something that both us and the local training provider promote heavily. This ensures that candidates have the very best chance of passing their course first time.

Practitioners who need to re-certify Gas and Vapours (Ex01-04) can do the refresher course, Recognized Practitioners Programme (Ex01-04RPP). Please note that the recertification of modules other than the Ex01-04 is achieved by undertaking the original qualification again to gain your Certificate of Core Competence for a further 5 years.

Click here to see the different levels.

Preparation is key

Whether pre-learning is done through reading, doing, or listening, by putting in the time ahead of the course, learners can understand the level of knowledge that the course instructor expects all candidates to have when they arrive for the first day of learning.

Candidates who engage with pre-learning materials often have greater involvement in group discussions and feel more comfortable asking questions.

Practitioners should also dedicate a minimum of 20 hours each year towards Continuous Professional Development (CPD), allowing you to stay on top of any updates in your industry and changes in regulations. Whether this is through attending industry webinars, monitoring the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website for changes in guidance or reading trade publications, there are plenty of resources available to assist you in your CPD programme.  In fact, most individuals are already contributing to their CPD without realising.

How important is the subject matter and what happens if it is misunderstood?

The consequences of an incident that takes place in a hazardous area is far greater than one that might take place in a non-hazardous area. When working in electrical safety the potential of risk is higher, therefore it’s fundamental that candidates acknowledge and understand those risks to avoid potentially life changing consequences.

When working in explosive environments, practitioners could be responsible for their own wellbeing and safety, as well as their colleagues, and potentially members of the public too. This is why, alongside their employers, practitioners must ensure that they understand the requirements of the environments they work in.

What materials can practitioners pre-learn from?

There are many ways that candidates can prepare themselves ahead of attending a course including a wide range of supporting CompEx materials. Using supplied course notes and looking over the learning framework are good starting points, alongside completing any pre-course self-evaluation questionnaires, pre-reading or e-learning supplied by the training or scheme provider.

Some individuals might also find it more useful to discuss the course with their employer to question anything they are unsure of.

Coming soon!

We will be launching an interactive website tool that will help you navigate the courses and help choose the right one. Watch this space for updates.

For more information on all our courses, please see below and visit the relevant pages.

Qualifications available

Recognised Practitioners Programme (Ex01R-Ex04R)

Renew your certification with the Recognised Practitioners Programme.

cruise ship

Maritime Fuels (MTEx01 – MTEx04)

The CompEx Maritime Fuels qualification has been developed for technicians and engineers working on vessels that use gas or low flashpoint fuels such as LNG.

Hazardous logos and signs

Foundation (ExF)

ExF is an introductory level, theory only course designed to provide an overview into potentially explosive or flammable environments where gases, vapours and dust can form a hazardous atmosphere.

Person using testing equipment

Foundation plus (ExF+)

ExF+ has been designed to provide an introduction into potentially explosive or flammable environments where gases, vapours and dust can form a hazardous atmosphere.

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Gas and vapours (Ex01 – Ex04)

Ex01-Ex04 has been developed for electrical and instrument operatives working in hazardous locations where gases or vapours can form explosive atmospheres.

Factory workshop with dust in atmosphere

Dust (Ex05 – Ex06)

Ex05-06 has been designed for practicing electrical or instrumentation technicians who work in hazardous locations where combustible dust, fibres or flyings can form an explosive atmosphere.

Petrol Filling Station

Fuel forecourts (Ex07 – Ex08)

Ex07-Ex08 has been designed for electrical and instrument workers who operate in fuel filling stations. This qualification consists of two units which cover the minimum requirements for safe working practices in these areas.

Sewerage plant

Water utilities (Ex09 – Ex10)

Ex09-Ex10 has been developed for electrical and instrument operatives working in water supply, wastewater and water treatment sectors where gases and vapours can potentially create a hazardous environment.

Cogs

Mechanical (Ex11)

Ex11 has been developed for mechanical operatives working in hazardous locations where gases, vapours or dusts can form explosive atmospheres.

Blue prints

Application design engineer (Ex12)

Ex12 has been developed to ensure the core competence of application design engineers who specify electrical equipment in hazardous areas.

Two smartly dressed men in a factory

Responsible person (Ex14)

Ex14 has been developed for persons in senior supervisory roles, such as those responsible for managing staff, processes and procedures relating to potentially explosive atmospheres, electrical and non-electrical (mechanical) equipment, protective systems and installations.

functional safety

Functional safety foundation (FSF)

An introduction into Functional Safety

learner resources

Retain Certification

CompEx certification lasts for 5 years. It’s important to make sure knowledge and skills are up to date and workers remain competent to work in explosive atmospheres.

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Learner resources

Develop your understanding, build your knowledge and maintain your skills

Industries we work with

From food and drink or manufacturing businesses, to pharmaceutical and chemical production, or traditional power generation sectors such as oil and gas, CompEx offers a wide range of qualifications for a variety of industries which are suitable for those working in hazardous environments

Find a centre

Find your nearest licensed CompEx centre and get full contact details using our simple map facility

Retain certification

Achieving CompEx core competency is essential for practitioners who work in potentially explosive environments, but competency must be maintained following certification.

Resources

Essential forms, documentation and downloads that you may need for CompEx training and registration.

Make an enquiry

If you would like to make an enquiry about the CompEx Scheme or require further information about any of our qualifications, please contact us by completing our enquiry form.

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