Competence Professional
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Last Revised 24/09/07 © Copyright Sira 2007    


Confidence Comes With Competence

There has been an increasing call from all sides of industry for professionals working in hazardous areas to demonstrate competence to carry out their tasks.

New regulations now stipulate a requirement for people in certain safety-related activities to be competent in the field of explosion protection through experience and professional training.

Competence Professional Satisfies This Need


After listening to the needs of industry, Sira Certification Service (SCS) has launched a pioneering, industry recognised and UKAS accredited personnel certification scheme called 'Competence Professional'.

The scheme provides necessary assessments, both in knowledge and experience, to enable all personnel within an organisation, management through to operatives, to discharge their duties within HSE guidelines and if appropriate under the DSEAR regulations.

The scheme will be flexible and cost-effective, presented in a modular format to enable the competence criteria to accurately match the precise requirements for an individual person or industry sector.

The result is an industry recognised, UKAS accredited certificate of competence.


What sets this scheme apart from other Ex competence schemes?

  • Open, transparent and accountable, industry supported and respected
  • Competence assessment independent of training organisation
  • Flexible approach based on individual needs
  • UKAS accreditation
  • Competence assessment that can be delivered at locations in the UK or overseas
  • Commercial but customer friendly approach
  • Training can be carried out by an SCS recommended provider or a trainer of your choice in a time frame and location convenient to you


The scheme will have the following technical features:

  • A technical syllabus that will be up to date, forward looking and freely available
  • An internationally recognised standard of competence assessment based on IEC 17024
  • A framework that reflects a competence route favoured by the HSE
  • An on-going candidate review process to ensure continued competence


How will the scheme be managed and competence levels set?

There will be collaboration between regulators, relevant trade associations and industry to ensure a common competence standard. The scheme also engages an appointed independent steering group, open to all, made up of industry representatives who will review all aspects of the scheme on a regular basis.


Why is the scheme important?

The scheme answers the fundamental question:

"Can you demonstrate you are competent?"


How do I gain competence?

The scheme has been designed to assess two important elements - Knowledge and Experience. Format assessment of an individual's knowledge (supported by relevant training) and evaluation of a work experience journal are required in order to demonstrate competence.

Knowledge + Experience = Competence