CompEx Exam GCC: Certification Guide for UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar & Oil Gas Jobs
The CompEx Exam, short for Competency in Ex-Hazardous Areas, is a certification that verifies the competency of individuals working in potentially explosive atmospheres. In the GCC countries, which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, the CompEx certification is highly sought after by employers in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and mining.
The CompEx Exam assesses the knowledge and skills of individuals who work with electrical equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. The exam is divided into two parts: theoretical and practical. The theoretical exam covers topics such as the principles of explosion protection, the types of hazardous areas, and the requirements for selecting and installing equipment in hazardous areas. The practical exam tests the individual’s ability to apply these principles in a simulated hazardous environment.
To be eligible to take the CompEx Exam in the GCC countries, individuals must have relevant experience working with electrical equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. The number of years of experience required varies depending on the level of certification being sought. For example, to take the CompEx Ex01-Ex04 certification, individuals must have at least two years of relevant experience. To take the CompEx Ex05-Ex06 certification, individuals must have at least five years of relevant experience.
The CompEx certification is recognized by many companies in the GCC countries as a requirement for employment in hazardous areas. In addition, the certification is often a mandatory requirement for contractors and sub-contractors working in the oil and gas, petrochemicals, and mining industries. Employers value the CompEx certification because it demonstrates that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely in hazardous environments.
The CompEx Exam in the GCC countries is administered by licensed training providers who have been authorized by the Joint Industry Board (JIB) to provide CompEx training and certification.
Kingsmen offer both theoretical and practical training, as well as practice exams, to prepare individuals for the CompEx Exam. The training is delivered by experienced trainers who have in-depth knowledge of the principles of explosion protection and the requirements for selecting and installing equipment in hazardous areas.
Why CompEx Certification Matters in GCC Oil & Gas
GCC energy sector mandates proven competency for explosive atmosphere work. CompEx Ex01-Ex04 validates installation, inspection, and maintenance skills for gas/vapor environments—essential for ADNOC, Aramco, QP, PDO projects.
- UAE/ADNOC: Mandatory for Mussafah, Ruwais electrical contractors
- Saudi Aramco: Required for Abqaiq, Shedgum facility access
- Qatar/QP: North Field expansion projects specify CompEx
- Oman/PDO: Duqm refinery construction compliance
CompEx Exam Format: Theory and Practical Assessment
The 5-day program combines 3 days intensive training and 2 days assessment covering IEC 60079 standards, area classification, cable glands, and explosion protection methods.
| Exam Module | Duration | Format | Pass Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex01 Core | 1 day | Theory + Practical | 75% both sections |
| Ex02 Install | 1 day | Cable gland tasks | Visual inspection pass |
| Ex03 Inspect | 1 day | Equipment verification | Fault identification |
| Ex04 Maintain | 1 day | Repair simulation | Documentation accuracy |
GCC Country-Specific Requirements
UAE (Abu Dhabi/Dubai): 2+ years electrical experience. ADNOC ADQCC mandates Ex01-Ex04 for offshore/onshore roles. Weekly batches available at Mussafah centers.
Saudi Arabia (KSA): Aramco requires SASO certification alongside CompEx. Training is available in Dhahran and Jubail with a minimum of 3 years field experience.
Qatar: QP North Field LNG projects require dust certification (Ex05-Ex06) along with gas modules. Facilities are located in Doha and Mesaieed.
Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait: PDO, Bapco, and KOC follow IECEx standards. Regional centers serve all six GCC nations.
Eligibility and Prerequisites
- Level 3 electrical or instrumentation qualification
- 2-5 years hazardous area work experience
- Basic knowledge of IEC 60079 standards
- English proficiency for theory exams
Refresher Requirements
CompEx certifications expire every 5 years. Renewal requires completion of the Ex01R-Ex04R refresher course including reassessment, ideally scheduled 90 days before expiry.
Career Impact
Certified technicians earn significantly higher salaries in the GCC:
- UAE: AED 15,000–25,000/month
- Saudi Arabia: SAR 18,000–30,000/month
- Qatar: QAR 16,000–28,000/month
How to Register and Pass the CompEx Exam in GCC
Follow these practical steps to successfully complete your CompEx certification in GCC countries:
Step 1: Choose the right CompEx module
- Ex01–Ex04 (for gas and vapour hazardous areas)
- Ex05–Ex06 (for dust hazardous areas)
Step 2: Select an authorized training centre
Ensure the provider is CompEx-approved and operates in GCC countries (UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Oman etc.).
Step 3: Submit registration documents
- Passport / Emirates ID
- Experience proof (if required)
- Employer NOC (if applicable)
Step 4: Attend technical training
- Classroom training
- Practical lab sessions
- Mock assessments
Step 5: Attempt the CompEx exam
Complete the theory test and practical assessments in the simulated hazardous-area setup.
Step 6: Receive certification
Successful candidates receive official certification valid for 5 years.
Step 7: Book refresher before expiry
Plan refresher training (RPP) before certificate expiry.
FAQs
The CompEx exam is an internationally recognised competency assessment designed for professionals working in hazardous locations where explosive gases, vapours or dust may exist. In GCC countries, it is commonly required for electrical and instrumentation technicians, supervisors, engineers and contractors involved in oil, gas, energy, petrochemical and industrial projects.
In the GCC, the most widely available modules are Ex01 to Ex04, which cover work activities in gas and vapour explosive atmospheres. Some centres also offer Ex05 and Ex06 for personnel involved in environments where combustible dust presents a risk, depending on regional industry requirements.
The CompEx assessment consists of two main parts:
- A written theory examination to test knowledge
- Practical assessments that evaluate safe working practices, installations and inspections in simulated hazardous-area conditions.
Applicants must pass both parts to achieve certification.
CompEx certification is typically valid for five years from the date of issuance. After this period, candidates are expected to retake the assessment or complete an approved refresher programme if their employer or project specifications require continued validation.
Yes, non-native English speakers can take the exam. Many training centres in the GCC offer additional training support or extended preparation programmes for candidates who need language assistance. Candidates should always confirm accommodation options with the test centre before registering.
Yes. CompEx certification is recognised throughout the GCC region, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait. This allows certified professionals to work on projects across multiple countries without needing to retake the assessment.
Candidates should have a technical background in electrical or instrumentation work. Depending on the centre, proof of work experience, employer approval or prior technical qualifications may be requested to ensure the candidate is suitable for the assessment.
If a candidate fails either the theory or practical portion, most centres allow a retake for the failed section only. The retest must usually be completed within a specific period, as defined by the training provider’s policies.
No. While Ex01–Ex04 focuses on gas and vapour hazard environments, additional modules (Ex05–Ex06) address dust explosion risks. These are relevant for industries such as manufacturing, food processing, chemical plants and pharmaceuticals where combustible dust may be present.
In most cases, CompEx is not a government-mandated legal requirement. However, it is widely required by employers, safety policies and project contracts, especially in high-risk industries. Many companies treat CompEx as a mandatory competency standard for working in hazardous areas.
Candidates should always choose a test centre that is officially approved. This can be confirmed through provider websites or by contacting recognised certification services in the region. Working with authorised centres ensures your certification is valid and accepted internationally.
Common requirements include:
- Government-issued ID or passport
- Proof of technical experience (if required)
- Employer confirmation or sponsorship (for some candidates)
- Previous CompEx records (for resits or renewals)
Exact requirements may differ between centres.
