Overview
The IECEx Certification of Personnel Competencies (CoPC) Scheme enables individuals working in potentially explosive atmospheres to provide independent proof that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to work on, service or install Ex equipment. QPS was the first Certification Body in North America to be accredited to certify personnel under this Scheme.
What is the IECEx CoPC (IECEx05) Scheme?
It is a conformity assessment Scheme operated under the International IECEx System that provides the global Ex industries with a single system that is transportable across borders, for the assessment and qualification of persons meeting the competency prerequisites needed to properly implement the safety requirements based on the suite of IEC International Standards covering explosive atmospheres, e.g. the IEC 60079 series of standards.
The objective of the Scheme is to ascertain the competence of personnel as it relates to installation of, and working with equipment used in, or associated with explosive atmospheres.
What Requirements are used to Assess and Certify Personnel?
The following documents provide the basis for the IECEx Certification of Personnel Competence Scheme:
- IECEx 05, IECEx Scheme for Certification of Personnel Competence for Explosive Atmospheres – Rules of Procedure
- IECEx OD 501, Assessment Procedures for IECEx acceptance of Certification Bodies (ExCBs) for the purpose of issuing and maintaining IECEx Certificates of Personnel Competence
- IECEx OD 502, Application for an IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence, documentation and information requirements
- IECEx OD 503, ExCB Procedures for issuing and maintaining IECEx Certificates of Personnel Competence
- IECEx OD 504, Specificatiion for Units of Competence assessment outcomes
What are the Units of Competence?
IECEx Units of Competence are as shown in the following Table:
| Reference | Title | Scope Limitation a) |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Ex 000 |
Basic Knowledge and Awareness | Not Applicable |
| Unit Ex 001 |
Apply basic Principles of protection in explosive atmospheres | Not Applicable |
| Unit Ex 002 |
Perform classification of hazardous areas | 3 |
| Unit Ex 003 |
Install explosion-protected equipment and wiring systems | 1,2,3,4 |
| Unit Ex 004 |
Maintain equipment in explosive atmospheres | 1,2,3,4 |
| Unit Ex 005 |
Overhaul and repair of explosion-protected equipment | 1,2,4 |
| Unit Ex 006 |
Test electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres | 3,4 |
| Unit Ex 007 |
Perform visual and close inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres | 3,4 |
| Unit Ex 008 |
Perform detailed inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres | 3,4 |
| Unit Ex 009 |
Design electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres | 3,4 |
| Unit Ex 010 |
Perform audit inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres | 3,4 |
How can QPS help?
QPS is accredited in the IECEx Certification of Personnel Competencies Scheme as a Certification Body (ExCB). The scope of our accreditation currently covers the following Units of Competence:
- Ex 000: Basic Knowledge and awareness
- Ex 001: Apply basic principles of protection in explosive atmospheres
- Ex 002: Perform classification of hazardous areas
- Ex 003: Install explosion-protected equipment and wiring systems
- Ex 004: Maintain equipment in explosive atmospheres
- Ex 007: Perform visual and close inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
- Ex 009: Design electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
To obtain an IECEx CoPC Certificate, a candidate makes an application to QPS. An assessment of qualifications and experience will be conducted by QPS, followed by an open book exam and/or practical exam. Successful candidates will be awarded an IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence, which is required to be renewed on a regular basis to ensure that the certified individual maintains his/her competency.
The successful candidate will be listed on the IECEx Website along with the unit(s) of competence.
For more information on QPS activities in regards to Personnel Certification, please contact:
Dave Adams, P. Eng.
Certification Manager, Hazardous Locations Department
dadams@qps.ca
Office: (587) 351-3000
Mobile: (780) 224-4414
Or
Rob Kohuch, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Hazardous Locations Department
rkohuch@qps.ca
Office (780) 634-0826
Mobile: (780) 224-6005
