Work demonstrably safely in electrical engineering after earning your Stipel personal certification! Stipel is an independent foundation that forms the national standard for safety in the field of energy technology. Since then, Stipel has grown to become the hallmark for safety in the energy sector.
The contents of regular NEN-3140 exams, also test whether there is sufficient knowledge about NEN 3140, but are not bound to national requirements. Therefore, exams can differ from each other. Stipel exams set the bar higher than regular NEN 3140 exams. The knowledge you need to acquire for the Stipel exam is broader than for regular exams. Professionals taking the Stipel exam are expected to understand complex safety requirements beyond knowledge of the NEN-3140 standard.
Notice: As of Jan. 1, 2025, Stipel is implementing a new operating area and star system. Vhe certification will change for electrical technicians working according to the standards NEN 3140 (low voltage) and NEN 3840 (high voltage). The new system will replace the old Stipel scheme.
What does the work area system entail?
The updated Stipel work area system, effective Jan. 1, 2025, is an updated certification scheme that aligns with the NEN 3140 and NEN 3840 standards. This system introduces several changes in certifications:
Certificates that focused exclusively on high voltage will be dropped
The designations of existing certificates are changed
An additional profile will be added for Skilled Person Low Voltage
The Sufficiently Educated Person (VOP) profile according to Stipel is no longer offered
With these changes, Stipel aims to bring the certifications more in line with practice and further increase safety within the electrical engineering sector.
Distribution of work areas according to STIPEL
The work of an electrical engineer is divided by Stipel into four work areas. This classification takes into account the risks and hazards associated with the complexity of the installation and the current and voltage present. The work areas are defined as follows:
W*: Low voltage installations with limited current and voltage
W**: Low Voltage Installations
W***: Low-voltage installations and high-voltage end users without distribution
W****: Low voltage and high voltage installations including distribution
This classification, with stars, helps ensure safety and ensures that electrical engineers have the right qualifications to work on specific installations. If you choose and pass the NEN 3140 Stipel exam, employers can be sure that your knowledge and skills in working safely with low-high voltage meet the highest quality standards.
It's not just the bar on knowledge that is raised. Regular NEN 3140 exams often include only a theoretical exam. To determine a Stipel exam, a practical exam is mandatory. If you have a Stipel NEN 3140 certificate, employers will not only be sure that you have the necessary knowledge to work safely, but also that you can apply this knowledge in practice.
About the Stipel NEN 3140 exams.
The exams consist of both a theoretical exam and a practical exam. You can schedule the theoretical exam, as with the regular NEN 3140 VOP and NEN 3140 VP exams, at one of PBNA's 60+ exam locations. The practical exam takes place in Ede. If you pass both exams, you will receive the Stipel NEN 3140 certificate.
Already obtained a Stipel certificate?
If you already have a Stipel certificate that is less than 5 years old, you can switch to the new profile without a basic test via recertification. Older certificates require a complete new exam. The VOP profile expires, so you may have to switch to another profile. Please check your certificate and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
