How to build your NVQ Level 3 Electrical Portfolio  

You have done your level 2, level 3 electrical installation and 18th edition, now you want to become fully qualified. What’s Next? The 2357 NVQ is an essential part of becoming fully qualified, but what is actually needed? 

This article is for apprentices, improvers and adult career-changers who are ready to convert real site experience into a recognised Level 3 competence. We’ll give you a clear, printable checklist of everything assessors expect, explain each unit in plain English, and show exactly how to gather, label and upload evidence so nothing stalls your portfolio. 

You’ll see what to prepare before you start: the Skill Scan, proof of Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas, 18th Edition, and how we use OneFile to track progress. We’ll outline the seven practical units you must complete, what a good site looks like for observations, and the two Health & Safety assessments that must be months apart. You’ll get a ready-to-use pack list for RAMS, Work Programmes, EICs, MWCs and Witness Testimonies, plus our photo-evidence standard, because “before, during, after” with a short write-up is what speeds assessor sign-off. We’ll also cover common pitfalls, realistic timelines, and what happens after you pass AM2 on the way to your JIB Gold Card. 

If you’re already working and want the shortest route to sign-off, jump to nvq level 3 electrical fast track. If you prefer the standard route with guidance at every step, start with nvq level 3 electrical.  

New to the trade and still mapping your path? Read How To Become A Qualified Electrician in the UK first, then come back to this checklist. Curious about the payoff once you’re qualified and certified?  

We’ve included fresh, evidence-based ranges in How much do electricians make in the UK 

Introduction to the NVQ 2357-44 Portfolio 

This part of your journey is based on all your theory you have learnt from your Level 2 & Level 3 Diploma’s plus the 18ᵗʰ Edition. You will need to do a Skill Scan to confirm your qualifications are suitable to do the NVQ 2357-44 (less than 5 years’ experience). 

The online platform we use is called OneFile. 

There are 7 Practical Units to complete. 

Unit 311 – Health & Safety Unit 

This unit must be observed face to face on 2 separate occasions with a minimum of 3 months apart. 

Before each site assessment you will need to complete a Risk Assessment Method Statement and a Work Programme. 

You will need to be doing a task working at height using access equipment, i.e. stepladders, ladders, platform, MEWP or scaffolding etc. Also, you should be wearing the correct PPE as per your Risk Assessment/Method Statement. 

You will be asked questions about the task you are doing and H&S questions; your behaviour and conduct will also be observed. During the assessment you will be able to show the assessor product evidence you have installed; if the site is suitable you will also be assessed/observed on the different units below – this is the most efficient way of completing the portfolio. 

Unit 312 – Environmental & Technologies 

This unit is a written project, where you will need to do a write-up about the use of hazardous materials and products in reference to a job/s you have worked on: 

• Environmental Protection Act 

• The Hazardous Waste Regulations 

• Control of Pollution Act 

• Control of Noise at Work Regulations 

• Packaging (Essential) Regulations 

• Environmental Act 

• The WEEE Regulations 

Provide information on the following technologies – include a picture stating the advantages: 

• Solar photovoltaic 

• Wind Energy 

• Micro Hydro 

• Heat Pumps 

• Grey Water Recycling 

• Rainwater Harvesting 

• Biomass Heating 

• Solar Thermal Hot Water Heating 

• Combined Heat & Power incl. Micro CHP 

Unit 313 – Overseeing Work 

This unit is about providing information about H&S information, information about the work activity you are carrying out, i.e. job specification/quotation, how you liaise with other trades on site and how to make sure the job is completed on time. 

• Produce a Work Programme showing liaison with other trades persons. 

• Produce a Risk Assessment and Method Statement. 

• Provide information on tools and equipment used. 

• Materials collected or delivered to site – use of Delivery Note to check for correct quantities and to check no materials are damaged. 

Parts of this unit can be assessed during the face-to-face site assessment by direct questioning. 

Unit 315 – Planning, Preparing & Installing 

This unit is similar to Overseeing Work; in addition you will need to provide information about how you make sure any equipment installed is safe to use. 

Provide evidence of 4 different types of cables you have installed: 

• PVC/PVC cable (T&E) 

• SWA cable 

• FP200 cable (fire resistance) 

• Single insulation cable 

• Flexes 

• SY cable 

• Data cable (e.g. Cat 5e) 

Choice of 4 different types of containment you have installed: 

• PVC conduit 

• Metal conduit 

• PVC trunking 

• Metal trunking 

• Cable tray 

• Ladder systems 

• Ducting 

• Busbar systems 

• Modular wiring systems 

Choice of 5 different types of equipment you have installed: 

• Isolators 

• Socket outlets 

• D/B’s 

• Consumer unit 

• Luminaires 

• MCB’s 

• Earth terminals 

• Control panels 

• Electric motors and control equipment 

• Heating systems 

• Data sockets 

Unit 316 – 5 Terminations & Connect 

Provide information/evidence of you connecting 4 types of equipment (as above). 

Provide evidence of the use of 3 types of connections: 

• Screwing 

• Crimping 

• Soldering 

• Non-screw compression (Wago’s) 

Unit 317 – Inspection & Testing 

You will need to provide information on how you carried out the Safe Isolation Procedure. 

• Complete 2 Electrical Installation Certificates complete with the schedules (use the On-Site Guide to assist you) for 2 jobs you have tested under supervision. 

• Complete a Minor Works Certificate for a job where you carried out alterations to a circuit or replaced an accessory. 

• Provide a Witness Testimony from your Work Supervisor/Employer that you carried out the testing under supervision. 

• Provide information on how you handed over the installation to the customer/client. 

Unit 318 – Fault Finding 

• Demonstrate/provide information on how you carried out the Safe Isolation Procedure prior to fault finding. 

• Liaise with the customer/client prior to starting the fault finding. 

• Provide information on 3 different types of faults you have rectified from this list: 

• Loss of supply 

• Overload 

• Short circuit and earth fault 

• Transient voltage (Professional Discussion) 

• High resistance joints/loose connection 

• Incorrect phase rotation 

• Accessory/equipment faults 

• For the faults above you will need to provide evidence of the tools and test instruments used. 

• Provide a Witness Testimony from your Work Supervisor/Employer that you located and corrected the faults. 

• Provide evidence of documentation you provided after the fault finding. 

Summary of Documentation Required to be Completed 

• 2 Risk Assessments 

• 2 Method Statements 

• 2 Work Programmes 

• 2 Electrical Installation Certificates 

• 1 Minor Works Certificate 

• 2 Witness Testimonies for the Inspection/Testing and completion of Electrical Installation Certificates 

Use of Photographic Evidence 

If you are going to use photos as evidence of a task you have or are going to install, you will need to have a minimum of 3 photos – before, during and after – and you will also need to do a small write-up explaining how you installed/completed the task. 

Example 

Before 
(image) 
This task was to terminate a TV point using the screwed method. 

During 
(images) 
I had to strip back the outer sheathing exposing the braided cable which is to be connected to the clamp on the back of the plate. 

After 
(image) 
Once terminated I fixed the faceplate to the wall using the fixing screws supplied. 

Unit 399 – AM2 

When you have completed the 7 practical units, we will assist you to apply to one of the approved AM2 Centres for you to take the AM2. (This is an additional cost). 

Go to www.netservices.co.uk  for further information. 

On passing the AM2 your portfolio will then be completed, which will then be signed off by City & Guilds. Once you are in receipt of your 2357-44 NVQ, you will then be able to apply to JIB for your Gold Card. 

If you want us to help, please reach out and call 0330 822 5337.