Skills Assessment Tests for Electricians Moving Abroad

Introduction

Relocating from Global to Romania as a professional electrician can be one of the most rewarding career moves you make. Romania offers an attractive balance of European Union standards, growing investment in infrastructure and renewable energy, and a lower cost of living than many Western EU countries. However, to work legally and safely in Romania, you must navigate immigration rules, get your trade credentials recognized, and often pass skills assessment tests aligned to Romanian electrical standards and the EU framework. If you plan ahead, this process is straightforward and opens doors to solid jobs in residential, commercial, industrial, and renewable energy sectors.

This guide explains, in practical detail, what to expect from electrician skills assessments in Romania, how to convert your existing qualifications to Romanian authorizations (notably ANRE authorization), which documents you need for immigration, and how to prepare for success. You will find salary ranges, cost-of-living estimates, and tips from other expats who have made the move. Whether your specialization is industrial wiring, renewable energy systems, residential installations, or smart buildings, use this roadmap to confidently relocate, certify, and start working in Romania.

Why Romania?

Romania is a member of the European Union and is aligning closely with EU technical directives and standards, including the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and related regulations. For electricians, that means a familiar and modern safety framework.

Key reasons electricians choose Romania:

Strong demand for electricians: New residential builds, industrial expansion, logistics hubs, data centers, and EU-funded infrastructure projects require skilled electrical professionals.
Growing renewable energy sector: Utility-scale solar, wind repowering, and distributed photovoltaic installations are scaling up, creating steady work for electricians with renewable energy experience.
EU market access: Working in Romania positions you within the broader European supply chain and standards ecosystem, giving you a platform for future mobility within the EU.
Competitive salaries for the region: While salaries are generally lower than in Western Europe, they are competitive relative to the local cost of living, allowing a comfortable lifestyle, especially outside Bucharest.
Quality of life: Vibrant cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi offer good public transport, cultural events, and access to nature. Healthcare and education systems are improving, and many employers support training and safety.

Job Market Overview

Romania's electrical and construction services market spans residential, commercial, industrial, and energy sectors. Employers include electrical contractors, construction firms, manufacturing and industrial facilities, and renewable energy companies.

Where electricians work in Romania:

Residential and commercial construction: New apartment blocks, office towers, shopping centers, and mixed-use developments need low-voltage installations, distribution boards, lighting systems, and smart building integrations.
Industrial automation: Factories in automotive, FMCG, and electronics require electricians skilled in 3-phase systems, motor controls, variable frequency drives, PLC panel wiring, and instrumentation.
Renewable energy: Solar PV EPCs, wind O&M contractors, and energy storage providers need DC and AC wiring expertise, inverter commissioning, protection settings, and grid-connection compliance.
Power distribution and infrastructure: Contractors supporting distribution networks, street lighting, and EV charging networks need electricians familiar with Romanian norms and EU safety practices.

Typical cities and their focus:

Bucharest: Highest concentration of construction, commercial fit-outs, data centers, public infrastructure projects, and headquarters of major contractors.
Cluj-Napoca: Dynamic tech scene, commercial construction, and solid demand for industrial and automation electricians.
Timisoara: Strong industrial base, cross-border logistics connections, and growing renewable energy projects in the region.
Iasi: Expanding residential construction and public sector projects, with emerging demand for commercial installations.

Notable employer categories:

Electrical contractors and integrators: Companies delivering design-build electrical installations, often seeking ANRE-authorized electricians for low and medium voltage.
Construction firms: General contractors who subcontract electrical works or employ dedicated electrical teams.
Industrial facilities: Automotive suppliers, electronics factories, and logistics centers with in-house maintenance teams.
Renewable energy companies: EPCs and O&M firms specializing in solar, wind, and hybrid systems.
Multinationals in building technology: Firms working on smart building systems, BMS, energy efficiency upgrades, and EV charging deployment.

Legal Requirements

Your legal pathway depends on nationality. The following overview targets Global citizens relocating to Romania.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: No visa needed. You can enter with a passport or ID, sign an employment contract, and register your residence to obtain a registration certificate. You still need to secure professional authorization (such as ANRE) for specific electrical work.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (Global): You will generally need a work authorization, a long-stay visa for employment, and then a residence permit.

Key steps for Global citizens:

Employer sponsorship and work authorization:
- Your Romanian employer applies for a work permit (authorization to hire a foreign worker) through the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). Categories include permanent workers, seasonal workers, trainees, seconded workers, and highly qualified workers (Blue Card track).
- The employer must show a valid job offer, proof that no suitable local candidate filled the role, and compliance with salary thresholds.
Long-stay visa for employment:
- Once the work permit is approved, you apply for a Romanian long-stay visa for employment at a Romanian embassy or consulate in your country. This is commonly known as a D-type visa for employment.
- Documents typically include the work authorization, employment contract or firm offer, valid passport, proof of accommodation or intent, criminal record certificate, and health insurance for the visa period.
Entry and residence permit:
- Enter Romania with the D-type employment visa.
- Within the permitted timeframe (often 30 days from the start of employment), apply at IGI for a residence permit (sometimes called the single permit when it combines work and residence). You will need your employment contract, proof of accommodation, medical insurance, and other supporting documents.
- Processing times typically range from 30 to 60 days. The residence permit is usually valid for one year initially, renewable while you remain employed.
Family reunification:
- After obtaining your residence permit, you can sponsor family members under family reunification rules, subject to income, housing, and documentation requirements.

Important notes:

Always verify the latest requirements with the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and IGI. Codes, fees, and document lists can change.
If you qualify as a highly skilled worker, the EU Blue Card route may be available. This requires meeting a higher salary threshold and recognized qualifications.

Certification & License Recognition

Romania regulates electrical work through laws and technical norms aligned with EU standards. The key professional authorization for electricians is issued by ANRE (Autoritatea Nationala de Reglementare in domeniul Energiei). Even if you hold strong foreign credentials, employers often require ANRE authorization matching the tasks and voltage levels you will handle.

Understanding ANRE Authorization (Grades I-IV)

ANRE issues personal authorizations for electricians that cover the scope of work you are allowed to perform. While the exact structure and terminology can be updated by ANRE over time, you will commonly encounter authorization grades I through IV, with distinctions based on:

Voltage level: Low voltage (LV, up to 1 kV) and, for higher grades, medium voltage (MV) and high voltage (HV).
Activity type: Design versus execution/operation (in practice, authorizations clarify whether you can install, maintain, test, or design electrical installations).

Typical orientation of grades (for guidance only; consult ANRE for current definitions):

Grade I: Activities at low voltage such as operation and basic maintenance under supervision.
Grade II: Execution and maintenance at low voltage, including testing and commissioning responsibilities.
Grade III: Design responsibilities at low voltage, often requiring higher theoretical knowledge and experience.
Grade IV: Advanced responsibilities, which may include design and execution at medium and high voltage, often requiring substantial experience and formal education.

ANRE authorization is personal (issued to you), time-limited (renewable), and tied to demonstrated knowledge of Romanian regulations, safety, and practical competence. Employers usually assign tasks based on the authorization level you hold.

Romanian Electrical Standards and EU Framework

Romanian wiring practices are aligned with European standards. Core references you will encounter include:

EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU): Ensures safety of electrical equipment within specified voltage ranges.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (2014/30/EU): Governs emissions and immunity of equipment.
Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and related harmonized standards: Relevant in industrial environments.
National standards derived from IEC/HD 60364 for low-voltage electrical installations (often referenced in Romania as SR HD 60364).
National normative documents for design and execution of electrical installations (for example, norms commonly referenced as I7 for low-voltage installations). Employers and project documents will specify the applicable versions.

Compliance expectations in Romania include:

CE-marked equipment for installations.
RCD use in specified circuits, correct earthing, cable sizing, and fault protection according to SR HD 60364 principles.
Periodic verification of earthing and insulation (often referred to in practice as PRAM measurements) with documented test results.
Work safety training, lockout/tagout, and adherence to SSM (occupational safety and health) and PSI (fire safety) procedures.

Recognition of Foreign Qualifications

Your path depends on your education and experience level:

Vocational certificates and trade qualifications: Expect to submit diplomas, transcripts, and documented experience for evaluation. Romania's National Authority for Qualifications (ANC) and sectoral bodies may be involved in recognizing vocational skills. Employers may also validate skills through practical trade tests while you pursue ANRE authorization.
Technicians and engineers: If you hold a post-secondary or university degree, the National Center for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas (CNRED) may assess your diploma for academic recognition. This can support applications for higher ANRE grades or engineering roles.
Apprenticeship or on-the-job pathways: Demonstrated experience (logbooks, reference letters, portfolios) is crucial. Romania values documented hands-on skills, especially for ANRE authorization at execution levels.

Documentation principles:

Official translations: Provide notarized or certified translations into Romanian by authorized translators.
Apostille or legalization: Depending on your country, documents may require an apostille under the Hague Convention or consular legalization.
Detailed CV: Use a clear, project-focused CV (Europass format is widely accepted) outlining voltage levels, system types, and responsibilities.

Skills Assessment Tests: What to Expect and How to Pass

Skills assessment tests in Romania evaluate both your theoretical knowledge and practical capabilities, aligning with national norms and EU standards. They are used by employers, training providers, and as part of ANRE authorization processes.

What assessments typically include:

Theoretical knowledge
- Electrical theory fundamentals: Ohm's law, power calculations (kW, kVA, power factor), 3-phase systems, protection coordination basics.
- Wiring rules and protection: Cable sizing, voltage drop, circuit breakers, fuses, RCDs/RCBOs, short-circuit current considerations.
- Earthing and bonding: TT, TN, and IT systems, touch voltage, fault loop impedance principles.
- Testing and verification: Insulation resistance, continuity, polarity, RCD trip tests, earth electrode resistance, documentation of test results.
- Romanian and EU standards: Awareness of SR HD 60364 concepts, CE marking, and employer-specified norms (including national normative references such as widely applied I7 rules for LV installations).
- Safety and procedures: Lockout/tagout, work permits, confined spaces, work at height, arc flash awareness (especially in industrial contexts), PPE selection.
Practical assessments
- Safe isolation: Prove you can isolate a circuit correctly, verify absence of voltage, and lock/tag in line with SSM procedures.
- Circuit assembly: Build or modify a lighting circuit with switches and socket outlets following Romanian color codes and materials.
- Distribution board work: Terminate conductors neatly, label circuits, select protective devices to match cable size and load, and ensure RCD coverage where required.
- 3-phase motor control: Wire a DOL or star-delta starter, set overload protection, and demonstrate correct phase rotation checks.
- Troubleshooting: Diagnose faults in a simulated panel or circuit (e.g., tripping RCD, reversed polarity, open neutral) using a multimeter and insulation tester.
- Renewable energy tasks: For solar roles, assemble DC strings correctly (polarity, connectors), route cables with UV-rated fixings, and connect AC to an inverter with proper earthing and surge protection.
Documentation and communication
- Read and interpret schematics, single-line diagrams, and panel schedules.
- Complete test sheets and commissioning records legibly and accurately.
- Communicate hazards and corrective actions in simple English or Romanian as required on site.

How to prepare effectively:

Map your experience to Romanian expectations: List the types of installations you have worked on and identify any gaps relative to local LV wiring rules, PRAM testing culture, or documentation styles.
Refresh EU-centric content: Study summaries of SR HD 60364 practices, RCD deployment rules, and conventional color codes (brown, blue, green/yellow). Learn the naming used locally for earthing systems and protective devices.
Practice with the tools you will use: Multimeter, insulation tester, loop/PSC tester, RCD tester, torque screwdriver. Ensure you understand calibration and safe limits.
Review safe systems of work: Lockout/tagout steps, verifying isolation, arc flash boundaries in industrial settings, and hot work permits.
Simulate a trade test: In a home workshop or training center, assemble a small board, route conductors, and complete a set of tests, documenting results.
Prepare a professional portfolio: Include photos of projects (with permission), test sheets, commissioning reports, and references that highlight your workmanship and safety record.

Common pitfalls to avoid:

Underestimating documentation: In Romania, paperwork matters. Poor or incomplete test reports reduce credibility even if your practical skills are strong.
Mixing non-CE tools or uncertified accessories: Employers expect CE-marked equipment and compliant accessories. Leave non-compliant gear at home.
Assuming identical voltage practices: Romania is 230/400 V at 50 Hz; ensure your assumptions on protection and cable sizing reflect this.

Your Path to ANRE Authorization

While requirements may change, a common sequence is:

Determine target grade: Based on your job offer and past experience, decide which ANRE grade fits your role (e.g., Grade II for LV execution, Grade III for LV design).
Prepare documentation: Diplomas, experience letters, training certificates, health and safety certificates, ID, and translations.
Training refreshers: Consider short courses aligned to Romanian norms and exam content (some providers offer pre-ANRE exam prep and practical refreshers).
Submit application: File with ANRE or an approved body per current procedures. Pay the fee and select an exam date.
Sit the exam/assessment: Expect a combination of theory and practical or oral components, plus a focus on regulations.
Receive authorization: On success, you will be issued with an authorization specifying scope and validity. Keep it current with renewals and CPD.

Note: Steps and grade definitions can be updated by ANRE. Always check the latest official guidance.

Salary & Benefits

Romanian electrician salaries vary by city, authorization level, and sector. The following figures are realistic ranges as of 2025 and serve as guidance only. Salaries are usually paid in RON (lei). EUR conversions are rounded.

Entry-level or helper (limited experience, no ANRE): 3,500 - 5,000 RON net per month (approximately 700 - 1,000 EUR).
Electrician with ANRE Grade I-II (LV execution/maintenance): 4,500 - 7,500 RON net per month (approximately 900 - 1,500 EUR).
Senior LV electrician/foreman (strong experience, commissioning): 6,500 - 10,000 RON net per month (approximately 1,300 - 2,000 EUR).
Industrial/automation electrician (VFDs, PLC panel wiring, complex troubleshooting): 7,500 - 12,000 RON net per month (approximately 1,500 - 2,400 EUR).
Renewable energy site electrician (utility-scale solar/wind O&M): 6,500 - 11,000 RON net per month (approximately 1,300 - 2,200 EUR), with potential travel allowances.
Project-based day rates for specialized work: 500 - 900 RON per day (approximately 100 - 180 EUR), depending on complexity and region.

City differentials:

Bucharest: Typically pays at the top end due to cost of living and project complexity.
Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara: Slightly below Bucharest, still strong for skilled roles.
Iasi and secondary cities: Moderate ranges, but lower housing costs help net take-home value.

Common benefits:

Meal vouchers (tichete de masa): 30 - 40 RON per working day.
Overtime pay: Typically 125% to 200% of base rate depending on hours and weekends.
Safety gear and tools: PPE and some tools provided; specialized tools may be reimbursed or supplied.
Transport or travel allowances: Especially for sites outside city limits.
Training support: Many employers cover ANRE exams, safety trainings, and refresher courses.
Paid leave: At least 20 working days per year is common, often more by company policy.

Taxes overview (simplified):

Romania applies a flat income tax rate of 10% on wages, plus employee social contributions (for pension and health). Employer contributions also apply. Net pay depends on gross salary structuring, benefits, and deductions. Ask employers for gross-to-net simulations.

Cost of Living

Romania's cost of living is lower than Western Europe, with variations between cities. Below are typical monthly expenses for a single person.

Housing (rent):

Bucharest: 1-bedroom apartment
- City center: 600 - 900 EUR
- Outside center: 400 - 600 EUR
Cluj-Napoca: 1-bedroom apartment
- City center: 500 - 750 EUR
- Outside center: 380 - 550 EUR
Timisoara: 1-bedroom apartment
- City center: 400 - 600 EUR
- Outside center: 320 - 500 EUR
Iasi: 1-bedroom apartment
- City center: 350 - 550 EUR
- Outside center: 300 - 450 EUR

Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage): 80 - 150 EUR per month, depending on season and building efficiency.

Internet and mobile: 8 - 20 EUR per month for high-speed internet; mobile plans 6 - 15 EUR per month.

Transport:

Public transport passes: 15 - 25 EUR per month in major cities.
Fuel: Comparable to EU averages; car ownership raises monthly costs.
Rideshare/taxi: Affordable compared to Western EU.

Groceries and dining:

Groceries for one: 150 - 250 EUR per month.
Coffee: 2 - 3 EUR; lunch menus: 6 - 10 EUR; mid-range dinner: 10 - 20 EUR.

Lifestyle:

Gym memberships: 25 - 50 EUR per month.
Healthcare: Public healthcare contributions via payroll; private clinics are available at moderate prices.

Bottom line: An electrician on 6,500 - 10,000 RON net can live comfortably in most cities, with Bucharest requiring more budgeting for rent.

Cultural Integration

Language:

Romanian is the official language. Many technical teams use a mix of Romanian and English on multinational sites.
Basic Romanian phrases help with safety briefings and teamwork. Technical terms often mirror international usage, especially in wiring diagrams.

Workplace culture:

Punctuality and reliability are valued. Turning up on time with the right PPE and a readiness to follow safety procedures earns quick respect.
Hierarchy exists, but site foremen appreciate proactive communication. If something looks unsafe or non-compliant, speak up.
Documentation culture: Keep test sheets, permits, and handover documents tidy and complete.

Safety culture:

SSM (Occupational Safety and Health) training is standard for new hires and site mobilizations.
PSI (Fire safety) rules are enforced in industrial and commercial sites.
Expect daily toolbox talks and documented risk assessments on larger projects.

Social integration:

Join expat communities in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara. Many have networks specific to construction and engineering.
Sports clubs, hiking in the Carpathians, and local festivals are great ways to meet people.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Follow this checklist to reduce surprises.

Research your target city and sector
- Identify whether you want residential, commercial, industrial, or renewable projects.
- Review job listings in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi to understand employer expectations (ANRE grade, languages, tools, experience).
Prepare your documentation
- Passport valid for at least 6-12 months beyond the intended start date.
- Diplomas, vocational certificates, and transcripts. Get apostilles or legalization if required.
- Experience letters detailing voltage levels, systems, and responsibilities.
- Safety certificates (first aid, work at height, confined spaces) if you have them.
- Police clearance/criminal record certificate as required for visas.
- Updated CV (Europass format recommended), plus a portfolio of project photos and test sheets.
- Certified Romanian translations of key documents by authorized translators.
Engage with employers and recruiters
- Target electrical contractors, EPCs, and industrial facilities. Highlight any renewable energy or automation experience.
- Ask about support for work permits and ANRE authorization exam fees.
- Request a gross-to-net salary simulation and clarify benefits (meal vouchers, transport, tools, overtime rate).
Work authorization and visa
- Once you have a job offer, your employer applies for a work permit at IGI.
- Apply for the D-type employment visa at the Romanian embassy/consulate with the approved work permit and supporting documents.
Pre-arrival skills preparation
- Study EU low-voltage practices and Romanian norms often used on sites (SR HD 60364 principles, PRAM testing culture).
- Practice safe isolation, RCD testing, and board assembly to perform well in any trade test upon arrival.
- If you plan to work in solar, review DC string wiring, connectors, torque settings, and inverter AC terminations.
Arrival and residence permit
- Register your address and apply for your residence permit at IGI within the required timeframe.
- Complete mandatory SSM and PSI inductions with your employer.
ANRE authorization
- Submit your application for the appropriate grade with your translated credentials.
- Attend any required training and sit the theory/practical assessment.
- Keep your authorization and CPD up to date.
Settle in
- Secure housing close to your site or public transport lines.
- Set up a Romanian bank account and mobile plan.
- Learn key Romanian phrases and safety terminology.

Success Tips (from Other Expats)

Bring a well-organized portfolio: Include photos of distribution boards you built, test sheets, and commissioning records. Romanian employers respond well to tangible evidence.
Polish your testing routine: Be ready to demonstrate insulation resistance, continuity, RCD trip tests, and loop impedance on the spot.
Understand PRAM: Expect regular earthing and insulation checks to be scheduled and documented. Know how to read and fill these forms.
Gear up wisely: Bring your personal hand tools, torque screwdriver, and a reliable multimeter. Check that your tools are compatible with 230/400 V systems and local plug types.
Ask for mentorship: Many companies pair new hires with a senior electrician to navigate local codes and practices. Accept the guidance.
Keep translations handy: Carry translated copies of your key certificates and a glossary of technical terms in Romanian.
Respect safety paperwork: Permit-to-work and lockout/tagout procedures are not optional. Doing them right builds trust quickly.

Conclusion

Romania is a strong destination for electricians from Global seeking European-standard work, competitive regional salaries, and a lower cost of living. Your path to success runs through careful preparation: secure your visa and residence permit, align your qualifications with ANRE authorization, and be ready for realistic skills assessment tests that reflect Romanian and EU standards. With the right documentation, focused study, and a professional portfolio, you can transition smoothly into residential, commercial, industrial, or renewable energy roles across Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi, and beyond.

Ready to take the next step? Start by mapping your experience to ANRE grade requirements, arranging translations and apostilles, and practicing the specific trade tests you are most likely to face. Reach out to Romanian employers and training providers now so you can arrive confident and job-ready.

FAQ

1) Do I need ANRE authorization to work as an electrician in Romania?

In most cases, yes. ANRE authorization is the gold standard for defining what electrical work you can perform and at what voltage level. Some entry roles may start under supervision while you finalize your ANRE paperwork, but employers typically expect you to work toward the appropriate grade. Always verify the exact requirement with your employer.

2) What kinds of skills assessment tests will Romanian employers use?

Expect a mix of theory and practical tasks. Theory covers LV installation rules (aligned with SR HD 60364), protection and cable sizing, earthing systems, and safety procedures. Practical tasks may include safe isolation, wiring a distribution board, RCD testing, 3-phase motor connections, and troubleshooting faults. Renewable energy roles may add DC string wiring and inverter terminations.

3) How long does ANRE authorization take?

Timeframes vary. Once your documents are prepared and translated, scheduling and passing the exam can take several weeks to a few months, depending on availability and the grade sought. Many employers help you plan timelines and may allow supervised work while you complete the process.

4) Can I work in Romania if I do not speak Romanian?

Yes, particularly in multinational teams and larger projects where English is used. However, basic Romanian greatly helps with safety briefings, site coordination, and documentation. Learning key technical and safety phrases should be part of your first-month plan.

5) What visa do I need as a Global citizen?

Typically, you will need a work permit sponsored by your Romanian employer and a D-type long-stay visa for employment, followed by a residence permit after arrival. Specific codes and requirements can change, so confirm with the Romanian embassy or consulate and the General Inspectorate for Immigration.

6) How do Romanian electrician salaries compare to my home country?

Romanian salaries are generally lower than Western Europe but competitive for Central and Eastern Europe. Given the lower cost of living, your purchasing power can be strong, especially outside Bucharest. Skilled electricians with ANRE authorization and specialized experience (industrial automation, renewables) earn at the higher end of Romanian ranges.

7) Should I bring my own tools?

Bring your personal hand tools and measurement instruments if they are CE-compliant and compatible with 230/400 V systems. A reliable multimeter and a torque screwdriver are essential. Many employers supply larger tools and PPE. If in doubt, ask the employer for a tool list and check compatibility with Romanian plugs and standards.

8) Will my foreign electrician certificate be automatically recognized?

Automatic recognition is not guaranteed for Global citizens. You will typically need official translations, possibly an apostille or legalization, and a review by Romanian authorities or sectoral bodies. For engineering degrees, CNRED may evaluate academic equivalence. You will usually still need to obtain ANRE authorization to perform electrical work.

9) What are PRAM measurements and why do they matter?

PRAM refers to periodic verification of earthing and insulation in Romania. It is a practical culture of documented testing to ensure installations remain safe. As an electrician, you should know how to perform, interpret, and record these tests accurately, using calibrated instruments and accepted procedures.

10) How quickly can I bring my family to Romania?

After you obtain your residence permit, you can typically apply for family reunification if you meet income, housing, and documentation requirements. Processing can take a few months. Your employer or a relocation specialist can help you prepare a strong application.