Overview
Designing electrical installations for hazardous areas requires a thorough understanding of the standards and a robust approach to equipment selection.
CompEx Ex12 Application Design Engineer is a five‑day training programme for engineers who design and specify Ex‑certified electrical equipment. Developed in consultation with the UK regulator and industry, the course aligns with IEC 60079‑14 and validates the core competence of application design engineers.
Participants gain the knowledge and skills to select suitable equipment for both non‑intrinsically safe (Ex12a) and intrinsically safe (Ex12b) installations, ensuring designs meet legal and safety requirements.
Who Should Attend
This course is aimed at practising or aspiring application design engineers who are responsible for specifying electrical equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres:
- Design engineers – professionals involved in the design, selection and specification of Ex electrical equipment.
- Project engineers and consultants – engineers who support hazardous area projects and need to ensure designs comply with IEC 60079‑14.
- Senior technicians transitioning to design roles – individuals with practical hazardous area experience who wish to develop design competencies.
Entry to the Ex12 programme is at the discretion of employers. Candidates would normally hold a Higher National Certificate/Diploma (HNC/HND) or equivalent, have at least two years’ experience working in hazardous areas and possess a good working knowledge of electrical application design practice. Familiarity with IEC 60079‑14 and manufacturer documentation is recommended.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, delegates will be able to:
- Meet the competency requirements of IEC 60079‑14 for designers. Understand the design and selection requirements for both non‑intrinsically safe and intrinsically safe installations in hazardous areas.
- Apply relevant legislation and standards. Interpret ATEX, DSEAR and IEC 60079 series standards as they relate to design and equipment selection.
- Select certified equipment. Identify suitable Ex‑certified electrical apparatus for predetermined hazardous zones and document design decisions.
- Design safe electrical installations. Produce compliant designs that consider zone classification, equipment protection levels and installation methods.
- Demonstrate knowledge of non‑IS and IS circuits. Differentiate between Ex12a (non‑intrinsically safe) and Ex12b (intrinsically safe) requirements and apply appropriate design techniques.
- Prepare and review documentation. Develop and analyse design documentation, data sheets and certificates, and ensure traceability and quality control.
Assessment & Certification
The Ex12 programme comprises several theory‑only assessments that cover both Ex12a and Ex12b learning objectives. Assessments may include core knowledge exams, marking exercises, standards assessments and design assignments.
Candidates who successfully complete all assessments receive a CompEx Certificate in Core Competence – Application Design Engineer (Ex12). This internationally recognised certificate demonstrates competence in designing electrical installations in hazardous areas.
Key Info
Duration & Delivery
The Ex12 course runs over five days, typically from 09:00 to 16:00 each day. Guided learning hours range from 20–25 hours of theory and 2–4 hours of applied learning.
You can attend via:
- In person at our Summit House centre in Sunbury‑on‑
- On‑site delivery – we bring the course to your organisation and can tailor it to your design processes.
- Live online sessions may be available for remote teams; please enquire for details.
Scheduled public sessions are planned for:
- 8–12 December 2025
- 16–20 March 2026
Other dates may be added subject to demand – please contact us for bespoke or on‑site options.
Pricing & Booking
The course fee is £1800 + VAT per person. This includes training materials, assessments and certification. For on‑site or group bookings, pricing is available on application (P.O.A.) and can be adjusted to suit your company’s requirements.
Contact us on 01932 963463 or email support@ecfio.co.uk to book your place. Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.
Water - Area Manager
“The E-learning is a great alternative to travelling to a classroom. We were able to sit the training while we waited for the weather to clear up. The team are very helpful, it was nice to be able to pick up the phone and speak to a real person – Thanks for your help Clio!”
Course Content
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Benefits for Learners and Managers
Completing the Ex12 Application Design Engineer course delivers value to both delegates and their employers:
- Assured design competence: Engineers gain the knowledge to design compliant installations, reducing the risk of non‑conformities and safety incidents.
- Compliance with standards: Understanding ATEX, DSEAR and IEC 60079 ensures that designs meet legal requirements.
- Efficient equipment selection: Participants learn to select suitable certified equipment, improving project efficiency and cost control
- Documentation traceability: Enhanced ability to manage and document design information, data sheets and certificates.
- Foundation for career progression: Ex12 certification provides a benchmark of competence for application design engineers, supporting professional development.
Course Content
The Ex12 syllabus covers both theoretical and applied aspects of hazardous area design. Key topics include:
- Legislation, standards and codes of practice – ATEX, DSEAR and the IEC 60079 series as they apply to design and selection.
- Zone classification and risk assessment – understanding gas and vapour classifications and their impact on equipment selection.
- Equipment selection and design principles – design considerations for non‑intrinsically safe (Ex12a) and intrinsically safe (Ex12b) installations, including protection concepts and EPLs.
- Circuit design and fault assessment – designing circuits with appropriate fault levels, ingress protection and segregation.
- Documentation and manufacturer data – interpreting certificates, data sheets and technical documentation and incorporating them into design files.
- Assessment exercises – applied learning tasks to demonstrate competence in selecting equipment and producing compliant designs.
Key Information
Course Outcomes
- Meet the design competency requirements of IEC 60079‑14 for both non‑intrinsically safe and intrinsically safe installations.
- Interpret ATEX, DSEAR and IEC 60079 standards in relation to design and equipment selection.
- Select appropriate certified equipment for predetermined hazardous areas.
- Produce compliant designs that reflect zone classification, EPLs and protection concepts.
- Manage design documentation and manufacturer data.
- Demonstrate knowledge of non‑IS and IS circuit design techniques.
Who Should Attend
- Practising or aspiring application design engineers.
- Project engineers and consultants supporting hazardous area projects.
- Senior technicians moving into design roles.
- Candidates with a HNC/HND (or equivalent) and at least two years’ hazardous area experience.
Delivery & Pricing
- Duration: Five‑day course (09:00–16:00) with 20–25 hours of guided theory and 2–4 hours applied learning.
- Formats: In person at Sunbury‑on‑Thames, on‑site delivery tailored to your facility and live online sessions by arrangement.
- Cost: £1800 + VAT per person including assessments and certification.
- On‑site pricing:O.A. for group bookings and bespoke delivery.
- Upcoming dates: 8–12 Dec 2025, 16–20 Mar 2026.
Certification & Recognition
- Receive a CompEx Certificate in Core Competence – Application Design Engineer (Ex12) upon successful completion.
- Assessments cover Ex12a (Non‑IS) and Ex12b (IS) design and selection requirements.
- Certification demonstrates competence in designing and selecting Ex electrical equipment and is recognised internationally.
FAQs
It is a five‑day programme that assesses and validates the core competence of engineers who design electrical installations for hazardous areas. The qualification covers design and selection requirements for non‑intrinsically safe and intrinsically safe circuits.
Aspiring or practising application design engineers, project engineers and consultants who specify Ex certified equipment for installations in potentially explosive atmosphere.
Employers typically expect candidates to hold a HNC/HND or equivalent, have at least two years’ hazardous area experience and a solid understanding of electrical application design practice. Knowledge of IEC 60079‑14 and familiarity with manufacturer documentation are recommended.
The course runs over five days (09:00–16:00). It can be attended at our training centre, delivered on site or, subject to arrangement, live online.
Several theory‑only assessments covering Ex12a and Ex12b learning objectives, including core knowledge, marking, standards and design assignments. Successful candidates receive a CompEx Certificate in Core Competence – Application Design Engineer.
No previous CompEx units are mandatory; however, candidates should meet the entry requirements and have relevant design experience.
Yes. We offer on‑site delivery for groups of five or more and can tailor the course to your specific design processes and standards.
For more information or to book your place, contact the ECFIO team on 01932 963463 or email support@ecfio.co.uk.