Designer Qualifications and Resources
The Designer Qualification Program for Applicant Design and Contract Design (AD/CD) pre-qualifies non-SDG&E designers to perform SDG&E gas and/or electric design. The program also provides no-cost access to SDG&E design tools and systems.
About the Designer Qualification Program
Applicant Design (AD)
Applicants may select a pre-qualified design contractor to perform distribution line extensions in accordance with the utility's design and construction standards as specified under Rule 15 Gas and Electric Tariffs.
Contract Design (CD)
The utility may choose to hire an external contract firm who has pre-qualified designers to perform gas and electric design normally performed by the utility. The contracted firm may also subcontract with firms having pre-qualified designers.
Interested applicants may enroll in one or more of the four design disciplines:
- Overhead Electric
- Underground Electric
- Gas
- Transformer Vault
How to Become a Qualified Designer (AD/CD)
- Schedule and take an exam within one of the four design disciplines.
Note: It is the responsibility of the designer’s company to provide training for the exam. The Designer Qualification Program will provide information needed for the exam such as manuals, standards, and calculators.
- Pass an exam within one of the four disciplines.
- Once you meet the minimum approved design hour requirements within each discipline, you'll become a Qualified Designer within the given discipline.
If you're interested in learning more about the Designer Qualification Program, please review the fact sheet.
How to Register for the Exam
There are two ways to register for an exam. Please read the following carefully.
-
If you have an active SDG&E contractor email ([email protected] or [email protected]), register as an "Internal Applicant" using the Internal Applicant Instructions below.
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If you do not have an active SDG&E contractor email ([email protected] or [email protected]), register as a "Guest" using the Guest Applicant Instructions below.
Internal Applicant Instructions
Guest Applicant Instructions
Please note exam registration closes 72 hours prior to exam.
Resources
We've created a self-service hub for all the information and resources you'll need to pass the exams.
Electric Manuals
Design Tools
Firms interested in Contract Design work with SDG&E
To be eligible for contract design work with SDG&E, your firm must:
- Be a signatory to a design contract with SDG&E
- Have at least one qualified designer or enrollee on staff
Please note: If your firm is interested in performing contract work, please coordinate with Supply Management and the business units you wish to support.
- Subcontractors may not be onboarded under the prime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Register for the Exam
There are two ways to register for an exam. Please read the following carefully.
-
If you have an active SDG&E contractor email ([email protected] or [email protected]), register as an "Internal Applicant" using the Internal Applicant Instructions below.
-
If you do not have an active SDG&E contractor email ([email protected] or [email protected]), register as a "Guest" using the Guest Applicant Instructions below.
Internal Applicant Instructions
Guest Applicant Instructions
DQP exams take place online through virtual proctoring. For more information, check out our DQP Remote Testing Video and our ProctorFree Guide Video.
Hours are accumulated by performing Contract Design work and are tracked via RUBRICs. Once approved and graded by an SDG&E design reviewer, the recorded hours may be added to the qualifying designer’s profile.
See our the Fact Sheet for details.
Yes, you must have passed a test for at least one of the disciplines; overhead electric, underground electric, gas or transformer vault. You can then perform SDG&E design work for the disciplines you've passed.
Email the Designer Qualification Program at [email protected]