ESO is short for Electrical System Officer, a very important role in a Formula Student team building an electric car. An ESO is supposed to keep an eye on the work the team performs on the electric car to identify hazards or dangerous practices. This is necessary to ensure safety at all times!
To ensure that ESOs are able to recognize hazards and make decisions, some events require certified training which should be based on the DGUV 209-093 guideline. The VDE Nord e. V. offers this training free of charge for all participants. The training usually takes place in January/February every year at changing locations and will be held in German only.
When you are interested in joining one of our trainings, please use the following form to put your team on the mailing list.
The registration for our trainings in 2027 will start on 1st of November 2026. You will receive the link to the registration via our mailing list and on this website.
Please do not request English-language training. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to offer it.
Registration does not guarantee participation in the training. Each team can register up to 5 participants.
New in 2027: one combined training
From 2027, all participants take part in one combined 2E/3E training. Participants who pass receive the Level 2E certificate – which is all you need to register as an ESO at Formula Student events.
The training also covers Level 3E content. The Level 3E qualification itself is granted by each team’s captain, based on conditions the team leadership has to check. We will share the details with all teams at a later date.
Who can participate?
Requirements (Level 2E)
- At least 3rd semester of a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or similar background).
- Minimum of 12 hours practical experience working on electrical components in an electric vehicle (e.g., as team member or mechatronics apprentice).
General requirement
- All participants must be VDE members (first year free, then €16/year). You can join on site. Membership also grants access to exclusive VDE events and professional networks.
Training concept
- Based on DGUV I 209-093 safety standard, adapted for Formula Student.
- Ensures compliance in case of accidents and liability – courts would expect proper safety measures.
- Focus: Safe work practices on Formula Student electric vehicles.
- Teams must integrate theory into their daily operations:
- Certain tasks only allowed with trained personnel present.
- Define work/rest times on HV components.
- Set workshop safety rules for non-electricians.
Training structure
- Two days on site, combining Level 2E and 3E content.
- Theory: 12 units of 45 minutes, including an exam.
- Practical training: 8 units of 45 minutes.
- To pass, participants must complete both the exam and the practical part.
- Afterwards: 16 hours of self-study practice with the team in their own workshop.
If you have further questions, please email Nicole and Janine: eso@vde-erace.de