ECS (FESS) Systems Operative
The ECS Fire, Emergency, and Security Systems (FESS) Systems Operative card is designed for professionals specialising in the installation and maintenance of FESS systems. To apply for this card, applicants must now complete both an ECS Fire, Emergency, and Security Systems (FESS) multiple-choice assessment and an ECS Health & Safety assessment.
Training Support
To help candidates prepare, Skills for Security offer ECS online training courses tailored to the required FESS assessments. These courses are available via our Skills On-Demand* platform.
*This training is not compulsory, and is only available as additional support. Completion of any training held on the Skills On-Demand platform does not exempt any candidates from sitting the FESS operative Assessment.
In addition to the ECS training courses, subscribers to Skills On-Demand will also gain unlimited access to our comprehensive library of CPD-accredited Fire & Security, personal development, Health & Safety, and soft-skill courses.
For more information, visit Skills On-Demand.
Eligibility and requirements
To qualify for the ECS Systems Operative card, applicants must have completed both of the following:
1. ECS FESS Assessment
Complete an ECS FESS assessment in one of the following disciplines:
- Fire
- Fire & Emergency Lighting
- Fire & Security
- Security
2. ECS Health & Safety Assessment
- Hold a valid ECS Health, Safety, and Environmental Assessment certification.
Exemptions
Some individuals may have an exemption due to holding a relevant qualification.
For full details on FESS ECS card requirements in England and Wales, click here.
For full details on FESS ECS card requirements in Scotland, click here.
Assessment Details
Each ECS FESS assessment consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, covering topics relevant to the chosen discipline. Applicants have 30 minutes to complete the test and must correctly answer 24 questions (80%) to pass.
Additional Resources
England & Wales: Free guides and revision materials, including sample questions for each pathway, are available for download from the ECS website.
Scotland: Free guides and revision materials, including sample questions for each pathway, are available for download from the SJIB website.
Cost Breakdown
- £180.00* – 12 months access to our Skills On-Demand training platform *purchase made separately
- £55.00 – Health & Safety Assessment (if not already held or exempt)
- £55.00 – FESS Assessment (if not already held or exempt)
All prices include VAT.
Booking Process
To access training, please do this separately through Skills On-Demand.
Scotland: For candidates based in Scotland, assessments must be booked individually via the SJIB webpage.
England and Wales: Click the link at the bottom of the page. Please allow 2-3 working days for processing after submitting your details. For block bookings, contact our team directly at: info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk.
Before the Assessment
Delegates must provide the following information in the booking form:
• Photographic identification (e.g., passport, photo driving license, or valid ECS card).
• A recent headshot.
• Date of birth.
• National Insurance number.
• A valid personal email address (used for sending assessment results).
Failure to provide complete information may delay the booking process. Our bookings team may reach out to verify submitted details, so please monitor your email.
*Please allow for up to 3 working days for assessments to be processed.
*For those booking assessments in Scotland, bookings should be made exclusively via the SJIB webpage.
For additional enquiries or multi-delegate bookings, contact info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk