NFPA Credentials

The Certified Electrical Safety Worker (CESW) program is a way for electricians, electrical testing technicians, or other electrical personnel to display their education and experience in workplace safety requirements by passing a rigorous exam.

Based on NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, the CESW certifies proficiency in core competencies that are typically required for training in the electrical industry.

NFPA recommends that candidates be familiar with both the NFPA 70E standard and the NFPA 70E, Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2021 editions.

Because the CESW certification is designed to be obtained by electricians and other hands-on electrical workers, the eligibility requirements are centered on training and experience in the field.

A candidate for the CESW certification must have the following qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent AND
• Completed a minimum of 40 hours of electrical safety training within the last 3 years of submitting the application AND
• Must be an electrician, electrical testing technician, or other electrical worker who has met one of the following three requirements:
  • Completed an apprenticeship program that provides both a minimum of 576 hours of related instruction and 8,000 hours (4 years) of variable work experience with electrical power systems OR
  • Completed a minimum of 250 hours of related instruction and a minimum of 12,000 hours (6 years) of verified work experience with electrical power systems OR
  • Be a certified (NETA or equivalent) Level III or IV Electrical Testing Technician in good standing

Candidates will be able to take the exam after their application to NFPA has been approved and the testing fees have been paid.

The CESW Exam is a 3-hour, 110 multiple-choice question exam. The exam is open-book so candidates can bring a copy of the 2021 NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace to their exam. The exam is available in a computer-based format at test centers throughout the world.

To keep certifications active, they must recertify every 3 years. CESW certification holders are required to demonstrate their continuing participation in professional development activities. NFPA awards points for different activities.

Certification holders are required to submit a minimum of 50 points of documented professional development for recertification. The 50 points must be submitted during the 3-year recertification cycle and must be related to the electrical safety profession.