Yes, you need to buy another book. BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 – the Orange Book – replaces the Brown Book, the Amendment 3 PDF bolt-on, and everything else. It rolls all previous amendments into one document and adds new chapters. The Brown Book you bought in 2022 will be withdrawn in October.

Unlike Amendment 3, which was a free PDF bolt-on, this one is a full paid publication. The changes are genuine though – new chapters on battery storage, Power over Ethernet and ICT earthing that did not exist before. If you install batteries, solar or smart home systems, this is not just paperwork.

Here is what is actually in it, when you need to have it, and what happens if you do not.

If you have been keeping up, you currently have two documents on the go: the Brown Book and the free Amendment 3 PDF. The Orange Book replaces both. One book, no more cross-referencing separate amendments.

After 15 October 2026, the Brown Book is officially withdrawn. If your scheme provider asks to see your copy of BS 7671, it needs to be the Orange Book.

To be fair, this is not just a money grab. There are genuine new chapters covering things the regs have not addressed before. Here is what is actually changing.

Here is the bit that costs you money and time. EAL is launching a replacement Level 3 Award covering Amendment 4 in April 2026. The current qualification closes for new registrations on 31 July 2026 and for certifications on 31 December 2026.

The good news: if you already hold the 18th Edition, you should not need to resit the full exam. NICEIC, NAPIT and TradeSkills4U are all launching shorter CPD refresher courses from April 2026. These cover the Amendment 4 changes only and are quicker and cheaper than the full qualification.

The updated EAS also tightens individual competence requirements. The direction of travel is clear: if you carry out EICRs or other high-risk work, the expectation is moving towards every individual holding their own relevant qualification – not just relying on a QS to sign things off.

1. Budget for the Orange Book. BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 is available from the IET Bookshop and authorised resellers from 15 April 2026. It is not optional – it replaces everything you currently have and your scheme provider will expect you to have it by October.

2. Book your CPD. If you already hold the 18th Edition qualification, look for Amendment 4 refresher courses from your scheme provider or training centre. Do this before October 2026.

3. Review your current battery and solar work. If you install battery storage systems, the new Chapter 57 will change how you approach location selection, isolation procedures and documentation. Start reviewing your methods now.

4. Check your PoE and ICT work. If you install structured cabling, smart home systems or PoE-powered devices alongside electrical work, the new sections on PoE and ICT earthing will apply to you.

5. Update your certificate forms. Amendment 4 introduces new test schedules for medical locations and bonding conductors. If you work in healthcare environments, your certificate templates will need updating.

6. Check your individual qualifications. The updated EAS tightens competence requirements. If you carry out EICRs, Solar PV, or EV charging work, confirm you hold the relevant individual qualifications – not just your company’s scheme membership.

Amendment 4 Is Coming

iCertifi will be updated to reflect the Orange Book when it lands. If you are already using it, you will not need to do anything.

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