Q1. How do I become an electrician?
To work as a fully qualified electrician, you will need a combination of practical on-the-job experience, theoretical training, and qualifications. There are two main routes to take: complete
an apprenticeship with an NVQ or SVQ qualification at the end, or study for a City & Guilds diploma or technical certificate – either full-time or part-time to fit around your work commitments.
You can learn more and download or FREE guide to becoming an electrician here.
Q2. How much does it cost to become a fully qualified electrician?
City & Guilds 2365 Levels 2 Diploma – £2200.00 plus VAT
City & Guild 2365 Level 3 Diplomas – £2550.00 plus VAT
City & Guilds 2357 – £1500.00 plus VAT
AM2 Qualification (The recommended price for the AM2 assessment as of April 2025 is £860.00 but this may vary from centre to centre. PTT don’t offer this course but can arrange it for you)
In addition to the above, you will also need your C&G 2382-22 Wiring Regs (£455.00 plus VAT) if you wish to gain your Gold Card.
Many candidates will also want to take C&G 2391-52 Test & Inspection (£895.00 plus VAT) but this does not have to be done immediately in order to qualify for your AM2.
Q3. How long does it take to become qualified?
Find out more about course durations here.
Q4. I have electrical qualifications from overseas. How do I become an electrician in the UK?
You will need to get your qualifications converted, for full details see our blog page on the subject.
Q5. What is the difference between the C&G 2392 inspection/testing course and the 2391-50 or 2391-51?
2392-10 is a “Level 2” qualification for people testing their own work, which would be a small single-phase installation that they have designed and installed themselves. 2391-50 Initial verification and 2391-51 Periodic Inspection are “Level 3” qualifications for electricians testing single and 3-phase installations up to the largest possible size, and includes performing Periodic Inspections (2391-51) and Testing of installations that they have not necessarily been involved with before. The Level 3 qualification is much harder to achieve, and consists of a 2 hour online exam on every aspect of inspection, testing and certification, as well as 2½ hour practical assessments on a simulated 3-phase commercial installation. If you do not have testing experience or knowledge of working with 3 phase you are recommended to take the 2392 prior to the 2391.
Q6. How often do I have to take a wiring regulations course?
When the wiring regulations are reissued with a new Edition number, such as going from the 17th to 18th edition. There may also be a requirement to be updated when the regulations undergo significant amendment, as can occur between the Edition numbers.
Q7. I am colour-blind with red/green deficiencies, can I become an Electrician?
Theoretically, yes. The colour coding that was introduced in 2004 removed the colour red and emphasised the requirement to label conductors L1, L2, N etc. However, there is still a substantial amount of legacy wiring, pre-2004, that is red and black with no labelling, and very early wiring with green (rather than green/yellow striped) for earth, so there is still scope for confusion depending on the extent of your red/green deficiency. We would strongly recommend that you took an eye test to establish the degree of your deficiencies and then decide what to do.
Q8. I have some electrical experience helping on wiring projects – how can I get formally qualified?
We suggest you phone us first, so we can assess what level you are already at. But here is some information relating to the Experienced Worker route to becoming formally qualified:
EAL 5982 Level 3 Electrotechnical Experienced Worker Qualification
Q9. I don’t live nearby, is there accommodation nearby?
Yes, there are options available to suit all budgets and tastes, see our hotel page for some suggestions, and if you stay in somewhere nice, let us know and we’ll recommend it to others.
Still, have questions that haven’t been answered? Contact us here and speak to a specialist today. We help electricians develop their professional career, by providing world class, nationally recognised city & guilds and EAL training courses.
Q10. Do I have to be registered with one of the Part P bodies in order to carry out periodic testing for Landlords?
The short answer is – No. However Landlords are responsible in law to ensure that anyone they engage is competent to carry out any work. An easy way to prove competency is to be a member of a competent persons’ scheme. Also you will need to be a member of the scheme for signing off new installations in domestic properties.