Certification Overview
The IECEx CoPC Design and Classification Certification confirms that the candidate has demonstrated the competence required to design and classify electrical installations intended for use in explosive atmospheres. This certification is intended for engineers and technical professionals responsible for ensuring that hazardous area electrical systems are designed and documented in accordance with the IEC 60079 series of standards. The certification covers the IECEx units relevant to design and classification, validating the individual’s ability to apply engineering principles that support safety, compliance, and conformity within explosive atmosphere installations.
- Basic knowledge and awareness to enter a site that includes a hazardous area
- Apply basic principles of protection in explosive atmospheres
- Perform classification of hazardous areas
- Design electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres
About Our IECEx CoPC Certification
| Unit Code | Description |
| Ex 000 | Basic knowledge and awareness to enter a site that includes a hazardous area |
| Ex 001 | Apply basic principles of protection in explosive atmospheres |
| Ex 002 | Perform classification of hazardous areas |
| Ex 009 | Design electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres |
- Basic Knowledge and Awareness (Ex 000): Gain an understanding of hazardous areas, including the types of explosive atmospheres, and learn the basic safety protocols required when working in or around these environments.
- Principles of Protection (Ex 001): Learn the key principles of explosion protection, including the various protection techniques and how they are applied in the design of equipment and systems for hazardous areas.
- Classification of Hazardous Areas (Ex 002): Develop the ability to accurately classify hazardous areas based on the presence and concentration of explosive substances, ensuring the correct safety measures are applied in engineering designs.
- Design of Electrical Installations (Ex 009): Learn to design electrical installations that are compliant with international standards for explosive atmospheres, ensuring both safety and functionality in hazardous environments.
The IECEx CoPC Engineer Certification process is typically completed over two days, involving both theoretical assessment and practical evaluation. These examinations are designed to validate an engineer’s competence in designing and classifying electrical installations intended for use in explosive atmospheres.
The IECEx CoPC Engineer Certification is intended for engineers, designers, and technical professionals who are responsible for the design, classification, and verification of electrical installations in explosive atmospheres.
It is also suitable for individuals seeking to achieve or renew their IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence (CoPC) in engineering-related IECEx units, demonstrating their capability to apply sound engineering principles within hazardous area environments.
The applicant shall have a degree, diploma or equivalent in a technical subject attained relevant to the application through documents such as college certificates and vocational Certifications, etc. For an operative, a minimum of 3 years’ experience in industrial design practices, Competence in this unit requires a degree, diploma or equivalent in a technical subject.
The area classification should be carried out by those who understand the relevance and significance of properties of flammable materials and those who are familiar with the process and the equipment, along with safety, electrical, mechanical, and other qualified engineering personnel. Visit the Prerequisite Knowledge for IECEx CoPC Units page for specific details on each unit. Prerequisite Knowledge
Upon successful completion of the examinations, candidates are issued an IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence (CoPC) for the relevant units assessed under this certification pathway. This certificate formally recognises the individual’s demonstrated competence to perform duties within explosive atmospheres as defined by the IECEx Personnel Competence Scheme.