The New PAT Testing Qualification (2377-77): What It Means for Beginners, Electricians, and Career Changers 

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is one of the most practical and widely required services in the electrical sector. From schools and offices to l andlords and housing associations, every organisation that provides electrical equipment is under a duty to ensure it is maintained safely. 

In November 2020, the long-standing 2377-22/32 PAT Testing courses were replaced with a single, updated qualification: the Level 3 Award in the In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment (2377-77). This change widened the scope of the course to cover not just “appliances” but a full range of electrical equipment, reflecting modern working practices. 

For both beginners entering the trade and newly qualified electricians looking to expand their services, this new qualification offers a strong stepping stone. 

Why PAT Testing Matters 

PAT testing supports compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations, particularly regulation 4.2, which requires the entire electrical system — including equipment — to be maintained in a s afe condition. This duty applies to domestic, commercial, and industrial premises. 

For landlords, housing providers, and employers, PAT testing provides reassurance that supplied equipment is not putting tenants, staff, or the public at risk. For electricians, it represents both a compliance responsibility and a business opportunity. 

What’s New in the 2377-77 Course 

The updated PAT qualification reflects changes in the IET Code of Practice, with greater emphasis on testing a wide range of electrical equipment, not just small appliances. Key changes include: 

• A single qualification replacing the old split routes (2377-22/32). 

• Broader coverage of both single-phase and three-phase equipment. 

• Updated theory and practice to align with the latest regulations and testing methods. 

• A clear emphasis on competence, ensuring both electricians and allied trades can carry out i nspections properly. 

 Course Options: 2-Day or 3-Day 

The course is offered in two versions to reflect different starting points: 

• 3-Day course: Designed for beginners or allied trades with little to no prior electrical knowledge. This route covers fundamental principles as well as testing methods, providing a strong foundation. 

• 2-Day course: Aimed at practising electricians or those with basic electrical knowledge who want to formalise or refresh their PAT skills. 

Both versions lead to the same qualification, with assessment consisting of a short practical test and a multiple-choice exam (50 questions, 1 hour 45 minutes). 

 Who Should Take the PAT Testing Qualification? 

The PAT Testing course is suitable for a wide range of learners: 

• Beginners and career changers – Those looking to enter the industry through a shorter qualification that leads directly to employable skills. The How much do electricians make in the UK guide shows why this trade attracts career changers seeking financial stability. PAT testing can be a practical first step. 

• Newly registered electricians – Expanding your service list with PAT testing helps meet regulatory duties and opens doors to more contract opportunities. 

• Allied trades – Such as facilities managers, caretakers, or maintenance staff, who are expected to ensure safe operation of equipment as part of their role. 

 What Careers Can This Lead To? 

PAT testers are in demand across many sectors: 

• Hospitality (hotels, restaurants, cafés). 

• Property and construction. 

• Housing associations and letting agents. 

• Warehousing and distribution. 

• Schools, colleges, and offices. 

• Public sector buildings and local authorities. 

While the role of a dedicated PAT tester is often entry-level, it can also serve as a gateway into broader electrical work. Average wages for PAT testers vary: 

• Around £36,000 in London. 

• Around £26,000 in the West Midlands and the North of England. 

For those progressing further, PAT is often the first of many qualifications that build into a career pathway. Learners can move on to diplomas such as the level 3 electrical installation, or prepare inspection portfolios as set out in our guide to how to build your NVQ Level 3 electrical portfolio. 

 Training Centres and Accessibility 

Elec Training delivers PAT Testing and wider electrical courses across multiple Midlands locations, including Electrician Courses Solihull and Electrician Courses Birmingham. Having local access to training is crucial for learners who want to balance family life, work commitments, and study. 

 Why PAT Testing is a Smart Addition for Electricians 

For practising electricians, PAT testing is often seen as a complementary skill. Adding it to your services has several benefits: 

• Meeting compliance obligations – Many contracts require proof of PAT testing as part of safety checks. 

• Expanding client base – Schools, offices, and landlords frequently need regular testing carried out. 

• Extra revenue – PAT testing can be offered as an add-on to other electrical work or as a standalone service. 

• Confidence in competence – The new qualification ensures you’re aligned with the latest Code of Practice. 

 Linking PAT to the Bigger Career Picture 

The new PAT Testing qualification is not just about short-term work. It connects into the wider structure of becoming a fully qualified electrician. Learners can use it as an entry point before moving onto diplomas, NVQs, and advanced qualifications. 

For example, starting with PAT can give beginners the confidence to later pursue structured programmes such as the Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas, and eventually build towards Gold Card status. By combining practical, job-ready skills with long-term qualifications, career changers and existing electricians alike can future-proof their careers. 

 If you are looking to add PAT testing to your skillset, or to use it as a first step into the electrical trade, the 2377-77 Level 3 Award is the recognised route. 

Elec Training offers both the 2-day and 3-day versions of this course, along with a full suite of electrical qualifications for career changers, allied trades, and experienced electricians. 

To learn more or to book your place, visit https://elec.training/ or contact the course team to discuss the pathway that best suits your goals. 

 FAQs on the City & Guilds 2377-77 PAT Testing Qualification (2025) 

1 – What is the new 2377-77 PAT Testing qualification, and how does it differ from the old 2377-22/32 courses?

The City & Guilds 2377-77 is the Level 3 Award in the In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment, launched in November 2020 as a unified qualification for portable appliance testing (PAT) and broader electrical equipment testing (EET). It replaces the older 2377-22 (practical inspection and testing) and 2377-32 (in-service inspection and testing) courses, which were separate and based on earlier IET Code of Practice editions. Key differences include a wider scope covering all electrical equipment (not just portables), updated content aligned with the IET Code of Practice 5th Edition (2020), and a single combined exam (online multiple-choice + practical assignment) instead of separate assessments. The new qualification emphasizes risk-based approaches and management responsibilities, making it more comprehensive for modern compliance. 

2 – Who is the PAT Testing course suitable for — beginners, career changers, or practising electricians?

The 2377-77 PAT Testing course is suitable for a range of learners, including practising electricians seeking CPD, maintenance staff or facilities managers with basic electrical knowledge, and career changers or beginners entering the electrical safety field. It’s ideal for those responsible for equipment safety in workplaces (e.g., offices, schools) or looking to add PAT as a service, but assumes some familiarity with electricity—making it less beginner-focused than introductory courses. 

3 – What topics and skills are covered in the updated PAT Testing course?

The 2377-77 course covers theoretical and practical topics aligned with the IET Code of Practice 5th Edition, including: 

• Electrical units, circuits, components, and definitions for in-service inspection. 

• Risk assessment and frequency of testing for different equipment types. 

• Visual and combined inspections (e.g., damage, wear, incorrect fuses). 

• Testing procedures (earth continuity, insulation resistance, earth leakage, functional checks). 

• Recording results, labeling, and reporting defects (pass/fail, condemnations). 

• Safe isolation, hazard identification, and compliance with BS 7671/Electricity at Work Regulations. Skills include using PAT testers/multimeters, interpreting results, and producing test records. 

4 – What is the difference between the 2-day and 3-day PAT Testing course options?

The 2-day course is for those with some electrical knowledge (e.g., practising electricians or maintenance staff), focusing on advanced theory and practical testing over consecutive days, including the online exam and practical assignment. The 3-day course is for beginners or career changers with little to no electrical background, adding an introductory day on basic principles before theory/practical elements. Both lead to the same 2377-77 qualification, but the 3-day option ensures foundational skills. 

5 – How is the 2377-77 qualification assessed?

The 2377-77 is assessed through a combination of practical and theoretical elements: a practical assignment where candidates inspect and test two items of electrical equipment (graded pass/fail), and an online open-book multiple-choice exam (50 questions, 1 hour 45 minutes, 80% pass mark). The exam covers IET Code topics and is remotely invigilated. 

6 – Do you need prior electrical knowledge to take the PAT Testing course?

No formal prior electrical knowledge is required, but a basic understanding of electricity (e.g., Ohm’s law, hazards) is beneficial and assumed by City & Guilds. Beginners can opt for the 3-day course; those without quals must demonstrate expertise if needed. 

7 – What types of career opportunities can PAT Testing lead to?

PAT Testing opens opportunities in: facilities management (e.g., office/school testing, £25,000–£30,000), self-employment as a tester (£26,000–£30,000/year), health & safety roles, IT support, and as an add-on service for electricians (£5,000–£10,000 extra revenue). It can lead to supervisory positions or a stepping stone to full electrician quals. 

8 – How much can PAT testers typically earn in different parts of the UK?

PAT testers earn £22,000–£28,000/year nationally (median £27,687), with regional variations: London/South East £30,000–£33,000; England average £26,841; Scotland £24,000; Northern Ireland £33,000; Midlands £25,000–£27,000. Self-employed can earn £26,000–£40,000 via contracts. 

9 – How does PAT Testing fit into the wider pathway of becoming a fully qualified electrician?

PAT Testing (2377-77) is a stepping stone or add-on in the electrician pathway, providing early practical skills in inspection/testing after Level 2 Diploma but before NVQ Level 3/AM2. It builds foundational knowledge (e.g., BS 7671) for full quals like C&G 2391 (inspection & testing), enabling supervised work while pursuing NVQ. For qualified electricians, it’s CPD to expand services. 

10 – Where can learners access PAT Testing courses locally (e.g., Birmingham, Solihull, or other Midlands centres)?

In Birmingham/Solihull/Midlands: 

Elec Training