Quick answer: IECEx is the global standard for hazardous area work in Saudi Arabia. Aramco references it in its SSMS contractor rules. SASO accepts IEC-aligned standards for Ex equipment and personnel. Most engineers on KSA projects need Ex 001 and Ex 002 at a minimum.
Are you putting together a file for an Aramco site? Or checking what you need before a Saudi bid? This guide gives you straight answers. You’ll see what Aramco and SASO expect. You’ll find out how IECEx compares to other options. And you’ll get a clear path to getting certified in KSA.
For a full overview, read the complete IECEx certification guide. It covers the CoPC units, equipment schemes, and how the system works globally.
Why Saudi Arabia Prioritizes IECEx Certification
Saudi Arabia has some of the world’s biggest oil, gas, and petrochemical sites. That raises one key question: how do you prove your engineers can work safely near explosive gases and vapors?
IECEx gives a clear answer. The IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence (CoPC) is issued by a certified body called an ExCB. It’s stored in the IECEx On-Line Certification System (OCS). Any employer can verify it online in seconds. No local Saudi scheme offers that kind of independent check.
IEC 60079 is the technical standard behind IECEx. It covers hazardous area classification, equipment protection, installation, inspection, and maintenance. These are the same standards used on Aramco sites, SABIC plants, and EPC refinery contracts across KSA.
This matters in practice. A drawing made to IEC 60079-10 looks the same in Dammam as it does in Abu Dhabi or Doha. Certified engineers bring skills they can use right away.
Does Aramco Require IECEx Certification?
Saudi Aramco accepts IECEx. It references competency needs for contractors in its Suppliers Safety Management System (SSMS). The SSMS is Aramco’s contractor safety manual. It sets out what personnel must know in high-risk areas. IECEx CoPC meets those needs for Ex-related roles.
Aramco doesn’t always name IECEx in one clause for every role. Requirements often appear at the project level—in technical specifications, ITB documents, and pre-qualification forms. In practice, most Aramco contractors working in Zone 1 or Zone 2 hazardous areas must demonstrate IECEx competency for electrical and instrumentation (E&I) engineers and technicians.
EPC firms bidding on Aramco projects in Ras Tanura, Ju’aymah, or Shaybah often include IECEx unit details in their CV packages. HSE managers know what to look for. A CV without hazardous area certification is a weak point during pre-qualification.
The short version: IECEx is not always mandatory under Saudi law. However, Aramco contractors commonly use it to demonstrate personnel competency. Without it, your bid may be at a disadvantage.
Where SASO Stands on IECEx
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) is Saudi Arabia’s national standards body. SASO aligns with IEC standards, including the IEC 60079 series that forms the basis of the IECEx system.
For equipment, SASO recognizes compliance with the IEC 60079 standards. Equipment certified under the IECEx Scheme and listed in the IECEx On-Line Certification System (OCS) can support compliance with applicable Saudi requirements, subject to the relevant regulations and product conformity requirements.
For personnel, SASO does not operate its own hazardous area competency certification scheme. The IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence (CoPC) is widely used to demonstrate Ex competency and is based on ISO/IEC 17024, the international standard for personnel certification.
If you hold a valid IECEx CoPC and work with IECEx-certified equipment, you are following an internationally recognized framework that is widely accepted across Saudi Arabia’s oil, gas, petrochemical, and industrial sectors, including by many Aramco contractors and project owners.
IECEx vs. Local Alternatives in Saudi Arabia
Saudi employers sometimes ask about CompEx or other options. Here is how the main choices compare for KSA work.
| Aspect | IECEx CoPC | CompEx | Saudi-Specific Schemes |
| Geographic recognition | 40+ countries, including all GCC states | Mainly UK and ATEX-region projects | No national Ex personnel certification scheme in KSA |
| Standard basis | IEC 60079 — the standard widely used on Aramco and GCC projects | Based on IEC 60079 with a UK-focused assessment framework | N/A |
| Aramco acceptance | Widely accepted and commonly requested by contractors | Accepted on some projects, depending on client requirements | N/A |
| SASO alignment | Aligned with IEC standards used in Saudi Arabia | Partially aligned through IEC 60079 | N/A |
| Certificate verification | Instant online verification through the IECEx OCS | Verification through the relevant assessment or certification body | N/A |
| Exam format | Open-book, competency-based assessment | Varies by module and assessment center | N/A |
| Modular flexibility | Individual competency units can be taken separately | Depends on the selected CompEx module | N/A |
| ISO/IEC 17024 alignment | Yes | No | N/A |
| GCC employer preference | Widely recognized across GCC oil, gas, and industrial sectors | Accepted by some employers and legacy projects | N/A |
For a full breakdown, see IECEx vs CompEx in Saudi Arabia.
CompEx has a long-established reputation in the UK and Europe. For many GCC projects—particularly those involving Aramco and other major operators—IECEx is the more widely recognized certification. If your goal is to work on projects in Saudi Arabia, IECEx is generally the credential employers are most familiar with.
Which IECEx Units Saudi Employers Ask for Most
The units you need depend on your role. Use this checklist to see what applies to you.
E&I Technicians (Installation & Maintenance):
✅ Ex 001 — Apply Basic Principles of Protection (needed for all CoPC pathways)
✅ Ex 003 — Install Ex Equipment and Wiring Systems
✅ Ex 004 — Maintain Ex Equipment
✅ Ex 006 — Test Electrical Installations
Inspection Engineers:
✅ Ex 001 — Apply Basic Principles of Protection
✅ Ex 007 — Visual and Close Inspection
✅ Ex 008 — Detailed Inspection
QA/QC Engineers:
✅ Ex 001 — Apply Basic Principles of Protection
✅ Ex 006 — Test Electrical Installations
✅ Ex 007 — Visual and Close Inspection
✅ Ex 008 — Detailed Inspection
Design Engineers:
✅ Ex 001 — Apply Basic Principles of Protection
✅ Ex 009 — Design Electrical Installations
HSE Managers and Compliance Auditors:
✅ Ex 001 — Apply Basic Principles of Protection
✅ Ex 010 — Audit Inspection
Site Supervisors:
✅ Ex 001 — Apply Basic Principles of Protection
✅ Ex 003 — Install Ex Equipment
✅ Ex 004 — Maintain Ex Equipment
✅ Ex 006 — Test Electrical Installations
For Aramco pre-qualification, Ex 001 and Ex 002 are commonly requested as a starting point for personnel competency reviews. Senior engineers and supervisors are often expected to hold additional units based on their job responsibilities and project requirements.
How to Get IECEx Certified While Working in Saudi Arabia
You can get certified while working full-time. Extrainings is an IECEx Recognized Training Provider (RTP) partner through KL Training Academy / Karandikar Laboratories. It offers training in KSA, UAE, and Qatar, with weekend and evening batches available for working professionals.
- Find out which units you need. Check your project ITB, employer’s pre-qualification checklist, or contact Extrainings for guidance based on your role and career requirements.
- Check your eligibility. Most units require a relevant technical background in electrical, instrumentation, or mechanical fields. Experience in hazardous area environments is typically recommended.
- Enroll with a verified IECEx RTP. Extrainings provides training through KL Training Academy. Verify the RTP status through the IECEx official registry before enrollment. Assessment arrangements depend on the selected certification pathway and location.
- Complete pre-course study. Most training providers offer self-paced learning before the classroom session. Use this time to become familiar with IEC 60079 terminology, protection concepts, and hazardous area requirements.
- Attend training. Units such as Ex 003 to Ex 008 include practical assessments. Training duration depends on the selected units and assessment requirements.
- Pass your assessments. Assessments evaluate your ability to apply IEC 60079 requirements to real workplace situations. Practical assessments use Ex equipment and industry-based scenarios.
- Submit your documents. The ExCB reviews assessment results, verifies competency requirements, and issues the IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence (CoPC) once all requirements are satisfied.
- Get your CoPC and IECEx ID card. Your certificate is recorded in the IECEx On-Line Certification System (OCS), allowing employers to verify your certification status online.
- Plan for renewal. IECEx CoPC certificates require ongoing maintenance of competency. Monitor your certificate status and complete any required renewal or reassessment activities before expiry.
Common Mistakes Engineers Make with Saudi IECEx Requirements
Knowing the rules is one thing. Getting the details right at the bid stage is another. These are the most common errors.
Assuming one certificate fits all roles. Ex 001 + Ex 007 may cover inspection-related activities, but it does not cover installation work. Check the competency units required for your specific role before submitting your CV.
Submitting an expired certificate. A CoPC that is no longer valid may show an inactive status in the IECEx OCS. Always verify your certificate status before submitting bid documents or joining a project.
Mixing up equipment and personnel certification. IECEx covers both equipment certification and personnel competency, but they are separate schemes. A CoPC confirms a person’s competency; it is not an equipment certificate. Both may be important on hazardous area projects, but they serve different purposes.
Choosing CompEx without checking project requirements. Some projects specify IECEx CoPC requirements in their technical specifications. Selecting an alternative certification without confirming client requirements can create compliance issues during the bid or approval process.
Weak work experience records. Some IECEx competency units require verified work experience. Ensure your employer or supervisor provides accurate experience confirmation in the format required by the ExCB to avoid delays.
Using a non-recognized training provider. Training should be completed through an IECEx Recognized Training Provider (RTP) as part of the CoPC pathway. Training from providers without IECEx recognition may not support your certification application.
Your Next Step Toward IECEx Certification in KSA
IECEx is one of the most widely recognized ways to demonstrate competency for work in explosive atmospheres. It supports the requirements of many Aramco contractors, EPC firms, and organizations following IEC 60079-based hazardous area practices.
Whether you are an E&I engineer preparing for a KSA project or an HSE manager completing a competency file, the process to achieve an IECEx CoPC can be more straightforward than many professionals expect.
Extrainings, through its RTP partner KL Training Academy / Karandikar Laboratories, supports candidates in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. See the full certification process or contact the team to identify the right units and create a certification plan that fits your schedule.
If you are based in the UAE, learn more about IECEx certification in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Saudi Aramco legally require IECEx for all hazardous area roles?
No single Saudi regulation requires IECEx for every hazardous area role. However, Aramco contractor requirements include competency expectations for personnel working in hazardous areas. In practice, E&I engineers and technicians working in classified zones are often expected to demonstrate IECEx CoPC competency. Project ITBs and pre-qualification requirements usually define the exact requirements.
What is the minimum IECEx certification for an Aramco site?
It depends on your job role and project requirements. Field technicians commonly require units such as Ex 001, Ex 003, Ex 004, and Ex 006. Inspection engineers may require Ex 001, Ex 007, and Ex 008. Always review the project specification before selecting your units.
Does SASO recognize IECEx for hazardous area personnel?
SASO aligns with IEC standards, including the IEC 60079 series. SASO does not operate a separate Ex personnel competency certification scheme. IECEx CoPC, based on the ISO/IEC 17024 personnel certification framework, is widely recognized for demonstrating Ex competency in KSA.
Can I do IECEx training while based in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Extrainings, through KL Training Academy / Karandikar Laboratories, provides IECEx training support for candidates in Saudi Arabia, including locations such as Dammam and Riyadh. Weekend and evening batches are available for working professionals.
How long does IECEx certification take in KSA?
The timeline depends on the number of units required and the candidate’s experience level. Many candidates complete an individual unit, including preparation, training, assessment, and certification processing, within several weeks. Multi-unit certification pathways take longer but can be planned around work schedules.
