As electrification accelerates across China’s automotive market, the technical qualifications required for engineers working on prototype and test vehicles have become increasingly critical. If you are deploying engineers to China for HV vehicle programmes — or planning to join one — understanding EFK and AuS certification is not optional. It is a prerequisite.
What EFK and AuS Mean
EFK (Elektrofachkraft) — Qualified Electrical Person — is a German-origin certification that defines the competency level required to independently perform electrical work on high-voltage systems. In the automotive context, EFK is required for anyone who plans, specifies, executes, or assesses electrical modifications on prototype vehicles, particularly BEVs and PHEVs.
AuS (Elektrotechnisch unterwiesene Person) — Electrically Instructed Person — is a lower qualification level, required for engineers who work under the supervision of an EFK but may come into contact with HV components during normal duties such as mounting, vehicle preparation, or test setup.
For vehicles with systems above 60V DC or 25V AC — which covers virtually all modern BEVs and PHEVs — additional 1000V qualification is required for direct work on the HV system.
How These Qualifications Apply in China
While EFK and AuS are German-defined standards, they are widely accepted and required by European OEMs operating in China — including Volkswagen Group China, BMW, and their joint ventures. Chinese counterpart certifications exist but German OEM engineering teams typically operate under the German standard.
What is unique to China is the addition of the Chinese prototype vehicle licence (样车驾驶证 / 试验车辆牌照). This document is issued by the relevant authority and grants legal authorisation to operate non-homologated (not yet type-approved) prototype vehicles on Chinese public roads and approved test sites. Without it, engineers cannot legally drive or operate prototypes in the country — regardless of their European qualifications.
The Qualification Process
Obtaining EFK certification requires a combination of formal training, documented professional experience, and a qualifying examination. The exact requirements depend on the OEM’s internal standards, but typically include:
- Completion of an accredited HV safety training programme (minimum 8 hours, typically 16–24 hours for full EFK)
- Documentation of at least two years of relevant professional experience in electrical or automotive engineering
- A practical and theoretical examination conducted by a certified assessor
- Regular recertification — typically every three years
The 1000V extension adds specific training on systems above the standard 60V threshold and typically requires a separate practical assessment.
What NTM Engineering Brings
All NTM Engineering senior engineers are fully EFK and AuS certified, hold 1000V qualifications, and carry valid Chinese prototype licences. This means that when a client engages NTM Engineering for vehicle testing or prototype build-up, the qualification chain is complete from day one — no waiting for training, no scheduling audits, no compliance gaps.
For OEMs deploying their own engineers to China for the first time, NTM Engineering can also provide guidance on the local qualification process and support the coordination of prototype licence applications.