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Archives: FAQs

How long does ATEX certification last?

ATEX certificates have no defined expiry date and can remain valid for the products lifetime provided the design, manufacturing process, and standards do not change.

What is the different between ATEX and DSEAR?

ATEX is European legislation for the protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres and for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002) is UK legislation that requires employers to control fire and explosion risks in the workplace.

Does ATEX mean explosion proof?

No. ATEX is European legislation for the protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres and for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Explosion proof is one of many Ex equipment protection methods.

What is the difference between Zone 21 and Zone 22?

Zone 21: an area in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely (put likely in bold) to occur, occasionally, in normal operation Zone 22:  an area in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely […]

Who should attend a CompEx course?

CompEx courses are designed for electrical and instrumentation personnel involved in the selection, installation, inspection, and maintenance of equipment used in potentially hazardous and explosive atmospheres.

Is e-learning included with EPIT CompEx courses?

Yes. Delegates booking selected CompEx courses with EPIT receive complimentary access to relevant explosion protection e-learning modules before attending classroom training, helping improve understanding and preparation.

Is CompEx globally recognised?

Yes. The CompEx scheme is internationally recognised across a wide range of industries where hazardous and explosive atmospheres are present, including oil & gas, petrochemical, energy, and manufacturing sectors. CompEx certification demonstrates competence in hazardous area working practices and is accepted by employers worldwide.

How much does the CompEx exam cost?

CompEx course costs vary depending on the module, training location, and delivery format. Course fees typically include training materials, assessments, and refreshments during classroom attendance. For current pricing and available course dates, please contact EPIT directly or visit the EPIT training calendar.

What is the pass rate for CompEx refresher?

EPIT has achieved excellent pass rates for delegates attending CompEx training and RPP courses. Delegates who complete EPIT’s recommended e-learning modules before attending training have achieved pass rates in excess of 90%.

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  • Failure to attend without prior cancellation will result in the loss of the fee.
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  • 15 working days or less prior to the course start date, 100% cancellation charge will apply.
  • 16-20 working days prior to the course start date, 50% cancellation charge will apply.
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CompEx Entry Requirements Guidance

Gases & Vapours (EX01 – Ex04)

Electrical / Instrument Craftpersons & Engineers Install, Inspect & Maintain: Gas & Vapours

Header Column #1
IndustriesPrincipal to all Ex environments, with direct application in hazardous vapour and gas environments.
Entry Qualifications
Guidance		Level 3, ECS Gold Card, National Diploma or equivalent. Disipline:
  • Electrotechnical
  • Instrumentation
Subject to knowledge, skill and experience candidates may benefit from Ex F+
Entry Knowledge - Expected
  • Knows the relevant legislative, regulatory, local requirements
  • Understands procedures for safe working practice and systems of work in an industrial setting
  • Can read and interpret relevant engineering drawings, related specifications, quality standards and equipment manuals
  • Understands the hierarchy of responsibilities in relation to reporting and decision-making
Entry Skills - Expected
  • Practical skills in engineering assembly of a complexity consistent with that of a level 3 craftsperson
  • Can apply safe working practices including safe isolation to meet the requirements of statutory and non-statutory regulations
  • Can safely install, inspect, test, commission, diagnose and correct faults in electrical plant, instrumentation, associated cabling, cabling supports and equipment
  • Can select, gland & terminate industrial type cables to a suitable component and associated cable tray in line with details on the appropriate specification
  • Can interpret manufacturers documentation for correct installation,maintenance and inspection
Job Roles
Aspiring to or operating in
  • Installation or Maintenance Electrician
  • Electrical or Instrument Technician
  • Engineers
Entry Experience
Guidance
  • 2 + years' experience operating in a site / industrial environment
  • Installing, inspecting, testing and/or maintaining equipment in an industrial setting
Entry Knowledge - Desirable
  • Understands the need for and methods of achieving safe working practice in gas and vapour Ex environments
  • Has basic practical, theoretical and technological knowledge and understanding of gas and vapour Ex environments
  • Has a basic understanding of the requirements, materials and equipment considerations, in relation to working in gas and vapour Ex environments
Entry Skills - Desirable
  • Can select and install a variety of Ex certified cables glands and terminate conductors into equipment
  • Can understand the principles of electrical protection concepts including selection, installation and maintenance
  • Understands intrinsically safe concept of protection and installation including the importance of documentation
  • Can inspect new and existing equipment in accordance with appropriate inspection techniques relevant to the different grades of inspection

CompEx Entry Requirements Guidance

Gases & Vapours (EX01 – Ex04)

Electrical / Instrument Craftpersons & Engineers Install, Inspect & Maintain: Gas & Vapours

Header Column #1
IndustriesPrincipal to all Ex environments, with direct application in hazardous vapour and gas environments.
Entry Qualifications
Guidance		Level 3, ECS Gold Card, National Diploma or equivalent. Disipline:
  • Electrotechnical
  • Instrumentation
Subject to knowledge, skill and experience candidates may benefit from Ex F+
Entry Knowledge - Expected
  • Knows the relevant legislative, regulatory, local requirements
  • Understands procedures for safe working practice and systems of work in an industrial setting
  • Can read and interpret relevant engineering drawings, related specifications, quality standards and equipment manuals
  • Understands the hierarchy of responsibilities in relation to reporting and decision-making
Entry Skills - Expected
  • Practical skills in engineering assembly of a complexity consistent with that of a level 3 craftsperson
  • Can apply safe working practices including safe isolation to meet the requirements of statutory and non-statutory regulations
  • Can safely install, inspect, test, commission, diagnose and correct faults in electrical plant, instrumentation, associated cabling, cabling supports and equipment
  • Can select, gland & terminate industrial type cables to a suitable component and associated cable tray in line with details on the appropriate specification
  • Can interpret manufacturers documentation for correct installation,maintenance and inspection
Job Roles
Aspiring to or operating in
  • Installation or Maintenance Electrician
  • Electrical or Instrument Technician
  • Engineers
Entry Experience
Guidance
  • 2 + years' experience operating in a site / industrial environment
  • Installing, inspecting, testing and/or maintaining equipment in an industrial setting
Entry Knowledge - Desirable
  • Understands the need for and methods of achieving safe working practice in gas and vapour Ex environments
  • Has basic practical, theoretical and technological knowledge and understanding of gas and vapour Ex environments
  • Has a basic understanding of the requirements, materials and equipment considerations, in relation to working in gas and vapour Ex environments
Entry Skills - Desirable
  • Can select and install a variety of Ex certified cables glands and terminate conductors into equipment
  • Can understand the principles of electrical protection concepts including selection, installation and maintenance
  • Understands intrinsically safe concept of protection and installation including the importance of documentation
  • Can inspect new and existing equipment in accordance with appropriate inspection techniques relevant to the different grades of inspection