The foreword of the German regulations VDE 0185-305-3 require the planning, installation and testing of lightning protection systems to be performed by a lightning protection specialist. This requirement prescribes an equivalent training level in Europe that is specified in the new European lightning protection standard EN 62305-3. All lightning protection specialist knowledge that is specified is exclusively used to protect life and property.
 
Lightning protection specialist
A lightning protection specialist is able to plan, install and test lightning protection systems due to his specialist training, knowledge and experience as well as familiarity with the relevant standards.
The planning, testing and installation stages require different aspects of specialist knowledge. A lightning protection specialist must be continually informed of the valid building regulations and the relevant generally recognised rules of technology. Verification for the consumer can be documented by regular participation in the respective national training programs.
A lightning protection specialist has many years of work experience and has performed recent professional activities in the field of lightning protection. A lightning protection specialist must meet at least one of the following requirements (points a – c):

• Requirements for planning:
  For planning, knowledge is required concerning the extensive physical interrelationships, use and application of various planning methods and normative calculation methods to be applied, installation guidelines for lightning protection components and overvoltage protection devices, technical construction requirements and fundamental installation techniques.
   
• Requirements for installation / assembly:
  For installation and assembly, knowledge is required concerning the extensive physical interrelationships, detailed knowledge of installation guidelines for lightning protection components and overvoltage protection devices, extensive technical construction requirements and fundamental installation techniques.
   
• Requirements for testing:
  For testing, knowledge is required concerning the extensive physical interrelationships, use of various planning methods and normative calculation methods to be applied, installation guidelines for lightning protection components and overvoltage protection devices, general technical construction requirements and installation techniques.