What Is the NVQ Level 3 2357 and How Do You Complete It?
- Technical review: Thomas Jevons (Head of Training, 20+ years)
- Employability review: Joshua Jarvis (Placement Manager)
- Editorial review: Jessica Gilbert (Marketing Editorial Team)
- Last reviewed:
- Changes: maintained comprehensive NVQ 2357 guide including structure, portfolio requirements, assessment process, and completion timelines
Introduction
The question shows up constantly in training enquiries, on Reddit, in Facebook groups: “What actually is the NVQ 2357?” Closely followed by: “Is it the same as Level 3?” and “How long does the portfolio take?” Honestly, the confusion is understandable because training providers deliberately blur the lines between technical certificates and competency qualifications.
Here’s the thing. The NVQ Level 3 2357 is not a classroom qualification. It’s not something you can complete in 8 weeks or 13 weeks or any timeframe that involves only theory study. It’s a competence-based portfolio proving you can install, maintain, test, and certify electrical work safely and in accordance with BS 7671. It requires real employment on electrical sites, documented evidence across multiple installation types, assessor visits to verify your work, and typically 12 to 24 months to complete depending on site access.
The UK electrical sector is operating with a 9,600 apprenticeship shortfall, a 77:1 deficit between Installation and Maintenance Electricians and available vacancies, and fewer than 7,500 people entering electrical apprenticeships annually. The workforce in England has declined 26.2% since 2018, from 214,200 to 158,000 qualified electricians. What that means for adult learners is that employers desperately need people with NVQ Level 3 and AM2 passes, not just Level 3 diplomas.
The NVQ 2357 replaced older frameworks (2330 technical certificate, 2356 NVQ) and sits distinctly above the 2365 diploma. The 2365 is theory. The 2357 is competence. You need both to achieve ECS Gold Card status, but they serve completely different purposes within the NVQ Level 3 electrical qualification structure.
This guide explains exactly what the NVQ 2357 is, the difference between 2357-13 (installation), 2357-23 (maintenance), and 2357-03 (combined), who it’s for and what entry requirements apply, all mandatory units you must complete, how the portfolio actually works including specific evidence requirements, on-site assessment processes, realistic timelines based on forum experiences, how it connects to AM2 and the Gold Card, costs and funding, and the myths that waste people’s time and money.
What the NVQ Level 3 2357 Actually Is
The NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (2357) is a competence-based qualification assessing your ability to perform electrical work safely, correctly, and in compliance with BS 7671. It’s not a theory exam. It’s not a short course. It’s a portfolio of evidence proving you can do the job.
City & Guilds offers three main pathways. 2357-13 focuses on installation work (new builds, extensions, commercial fit-outs). 2357-23 focuses on maintenance work (testing existing installations, fault-finding, repairs, planned maintenance). 2357-03 combines both installation and maintenance, offering the broadest scope. There are also variants (2357-33, 2357-34, 2357-35) for specific routes like experienced worker pathways, but these are less common.
The qualification replaced older frameworks. Before 2357, electricians completed 2330 (technical certificate, theory-based) and 2356 (NVQ, competence-based). The 2357 consolidated and modernised these. It sits above the 2365 diploma, which is purely theoretical and does not prove competence. Think of it this way: 2365 teaches you the regulations and principles, 2357 proves you can apply them on real installations.
The 2357 is mandatory for the ECS/JIB Gold Card. Without it, you’re limited to lower-tier cards (Trainee, Labourer, Mate). Employers recognise this distinction clearly. Job adverts for qualified electrician roles specify “NVQ Level 3 2357 essential” or “ECS Gold Card required,” not just “Level 3 diploma.”
The 2357 is designed for improvers, apprentices, and adult learners with fewer than 5 years documented experience. If you’ve worked as an electrician for 5+ years without formal qualifications, you’d use the 2346-03 Experienced Worker Assessment route instead, which has different entry requirements and assessment methods.
Transition note: Final registrations for 2357 close on 31 October 2026. Updated Electrotechnical standards launch from May 2026, but this doesn’t mean 2357 disappears immediately. Learners registered by October 2026 can complete their portfolios over the following years. If you’re starting now, 2357 is still the correct route.
Entry Requirements and Who the NVQ 2357 Is For
You cannot start the NVQ 2357 without meeting specific entry requirements. Most providers insist on City & Guilds 2365 Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas (or equivalent), proving you understand electrical theory, BS 7671 regulations, and testing principles before attempting competence assessment.
Equivalent qualifications are accepted. Older qualifications like 2330, 2360, or EAL Level 3 certificates work if they map to the required knowledge units. Providers assess equivalence on a case-by-case basis. If you completed your Level 3 before 2015, check with your chosen NVQ centre whether your qualification still meets current entry standards.
Level 2 alone is rarely sufficient. Forums consistently report that providers reject applications from learners with only Level 2, as it doesn’t cover inspection, testing, or advanced electrical science needed for competence assessment. Level 3 is considered the baseline for NVQ entry.
The apprenticeship pathway integrates seamlessly. If you’re on a Level 3 Electrotechnical Apprenticeship Standard (5357), the NVQ component is built into your training. You complete the same portfolio evidence but under an apprenticeship framework with structured support.
Employment is non-negotiable. You must be working as an electrician’s mate, improver, or apprentice to gather portfolio evidence. Self-employment is problematic because assessors need to verify supervision and competence development under qualified electricians. Some providers reject self-employed applicants entirely. Others accept them only if they can prove supervision arrangements and access to varied work.
The typical NVQ 2357 learner is an adult improver (late 20s to 40s) who completed Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas and secured employment with a contractor willing to support portfolio building. Alternatively, it’s an apprentice on a structured pathway. Career changers from other trades (plumbing, heating, facilities maintenance) sometimes enter if they hold equivalent Level 3 qualifications and can prove electrical site access.
Simulation is minimally allowed. City & Guilds permits limited simulated evidence where real-site work isn’t accessible (for example, three-phase systems in domestic-only roles), but the majority of evidence must come from actual installations. Providers who over-rely on simulation risk portfolio rejection at final verification.
To be fair, entry requirements exist for good reasons. The NVQ proves you’re competent to work independently. Assessors need confidence that you understand what you’re doing, not just that you’ve followed instructions. That requires foundational knowledge from Level 3 and real workplace experience gathering evidence.
Mandatory Units: What You Actually Need to Complete
The NVQ 2357 comprises 18 units totalling 104 credits minimum. These split into knowledge units (theory-based, often completed via 2365 diploma recognition), performance units (practical evidence from site work), and the AM2 end-point assessment unit.
Core units apply to all pathways including
Unit 311 (Health, Safety and Welfare in Building Services Engineering)
Unit 312 (Applying Environmental Technology Systems)
Unit 313 (Organizing and Coordinating Resources)
Unit 301 (Understanding Fundamental Principles and Practices of Electrical Installation)
Unit 302 (Understanding the Practices and Procedures for Overcoming Problems in Electrotechnical Systems).
Installation-specific performance units (2357-13) include
Unit 314 (Installing Wiring Enclosures and Cable Management Systems)
Unit 315 (Installing and Connecting Electrotechnical Equipment and Components)
Unit 316 (Inspecting, Testing and Commissioning Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment)
Unit 317 (Diagnosing and Correcting Electrical Faults in Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment).
Maintenance-specific performance units (2357-23) include
Unit 318 (Maintaining Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment)
Unit 319 (Maintaining Electrical Machines and Equipment)
Unit 320 (Maintaining Electrical Panels and Assemblies)
Unit 321 (Diagnosing and Correcting Faults in Electrical Equipment and Circuits).
Combined pathway (2357-03) requires evidence across both installation and maintenance units, making it the most comprehensive but also the most demanding in terms of job variety needed.
All pathways require employer evidence units and the AM2 assessment unit (Unit 309 or equivalent depending on route). The AM2 is the final practical test proving competence under timed exam conditions.
The difference between installation and maintenance matters. Installation focuses on new work (running cables, installing containment, wiring consumer units, first-fix and second-fix tasks). Maintenance focuses on existing systems (testing, fault-finding, repairs, planned maintenance schedules). If you’re working on new builds or extensions, 2357-13 suits your role. If you’re maintaining commercial or industrial sites, 2357-23 aligns better. Combined offers flexibility but demands access to both types of work.
Performance units are the challenging part. Knowledge units are usually credited from your Level 3 diploma (your training provider maps 2365 units to 2357 knowledge requirements). Performance units require documented site evidence, which is where most delays occur.
How the Portfolio Actually Works (Most Important Section)
This is where theory ends and reality begins. The portfolio is everything. It’s the proof of your competence, and it’s what determines whether you finish your NVQ in 12 months or 3 years.
Evidence requirements are specific. For installation pathways, you need documented proof of containment systems (cable tray, trunking, conduit with 5 photos minimum each showing different installations), first-fix wiring (cables run through containment, clipped direct, in safe zones), second-fix wiring (accessories terminated, consumer units wired, circuits complete), testing sequences (dead tests including continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth continuity, R1+R2, and live tests including earth fault loop impedance Ze and Zs, RCD operation, functional testing), safe isolation procedures (prove dead at point of work, lock-off, test before and after), circuit alterations (additions to existing installations, board changes, cable upgrades), and fault diagnosis (identifying and rectifying faults on installations, requires access to faulty systems, often the hardest evidence to gather). Maintenance pathways add planned maintenance tasks, diagnostic procedures, and repair evidence. Combined pathways need everything.Â
Evidence formats accepted include photographs with references (job number, date, location, description of task), video evidence (rarely used but accepted for complex sequences), witness statements from supervising electricians (qualified to 18th Edition minimum, ideally Gold Card holders), job sheets and completion records (proving you carried out the work), risk assessments and method statements (RAMS proving safe working practices), and written descriptions explaining what you did, why, and how it complies with BS 7671.Â
The number of jobs required varies by provider. Forum discussions suggest 10 to 20 diverse jobs as typical. City & Guilds doesn’t specify exact numbers but requires “sufficient evidence” across all units. Providers interpret this differently. Some demand 15+ jobs with strict checklists. Others accept fewer if the evidence covers all competency criteria comprehensively.Â
Diversity is critical. You can’t complete an NVQ portfolio working only on domestic socket changes. Assessors need to see evidence across different installation types (domestic, commercial, industrial), different systems (lighting, power, heating controls, emergency lighting, fire alarms), different containment (tray, trunking, conduit, tray systems), different testing (routine inspection, fault-finding, commissioning new installations), and different scenarios (new builds, alterations, maintenance, repairs).Â
Thomas Jevons, our Head of Training with 20Â years experience, clarifies portfolio quality over quantity:
"The fastest NVQ portfolios aren't the ones with the most photos; they're the ones with clear evidence mapped to unit outcomes and signed off on time. Learners who upload 200 random site photos without context waste months waiting for assessor feedback requesting proper documentation."
Common failure points from forums and assessor feedback include lack of testing evidence (most common; many improvers do installation work but aren’t trusted with testing yet, and without documented test results across multiple jobs, the portfolio stalls), insufficient job variety (doing 20 domestic rewires generates repetitive evidence, not diverse competence proof), poor organisation (submitting hundreds of unlabelled photos without context frustrates assessors and delays sign-off), missing supervision evidence (assessors need proof that a qualified electrician supervised your work and verified competence), and simulated work presented as real (instant rejection if discovered).
Digital platforms like OneFile streamline portfolio submission. Most providers use online systems where you upload photos, add descriptions, and link evidence to specific unit criteria. Assessors review remotely and flag gaps or request clarification.
Joshua Jarvis, our Placement Manager, explains the employment reality:
"Our in-house recruitment team exists because NVQ completion without employment support is nearly impossible. We actively place learners with our 120+ partner contractors specifically to ensure they access the task variety needed for portfolio evidence. That's the employment-first model that accelerates completions."
Realistically, plan for 3 to 6 months of active portfolio building if you have excellent site access with varied work. Most improvers take 12 to 18 months because evidence accumulates gradually as opportunities arise. Domestic-only roles can stretch this to 24+ months because testing and containment evidence is harder to gather.
On-Site Assessments: How Verification Works
Portfolio submission is only part of the process. Assessors need to verify your evidence through on-site assessments, also called On-Site Reviews (OSRs) or performance observations.
Assessor visits typically occur 2 to 4 times during your NVQ. The assessor comes to your workplace, observes you performing electrical tasks, asks questions about your work, checks your understanding of BS 7671 compliance, and verifies that portfolio evidence is genuine and correctly documented.
What assessors look for includes safe working practices (isolation, testing, PPE), correct application of BS 7671 regulations, understanding of why you’re doing tasks (not just following instructions), quality of work (neat terminations, appropriate cable routing, correct labelling), and ability to identify and rectify issues.
Remote observations became common post-COVID. Some providers now allow video-conference assessments where supervisors at your workplace facilitate observations whilst the assessor joins remotely. This increases accessibility for learners in rural areas or those working for small contractors who can’t easily accommodate on-site assessor visits.
The number of assessments depends on evidence gaps. If your portfolio is comprehensive and well-organised, 2 to 3 assessments may suffice. If there are gaps or queries, assessors schedule additional visits. Extra visits typically cost £200 to £300 each, which adds up if your portfolio is poorly managed.
Assessors use a sampling approach. They don’t observe every task in your portfolio. They select key activities that demonstrate competence across multiple units. For example, one observation of safe isolation and testing might cover evidence for Units 311 (health and safety), 316 (testing), and 317 (fault-finding) simultaneously.
Frequency varies by provider. Some schedule quarterly assessments. Others wait until learners accumulate significant evidence before arranging visits. Discuss assessment schedules with your training provider upfront to avoid surprises.
The assessor’s role isn’t just to pass or fail. They guide portfolio development, explain what evidence is missing, clarify unit requirements, and help learners understand what competence looks like in practice. Good assessors significantly speed up portfolio completion. Poor assessors frustrate learners with vague feedback and unnecessary delays.
How Long Does the NVQ 2357 Actually Take?
Timelines vary dramatically depending on your route, employment situation, and site access.
Apprenticeship route: 3 to 4 years. Apprentices complete the NVQ as part of a structured programme including classroom study, on-site experience, and end-point assessment. The timeline is fixed and includes employed training.
Adult improvers: 12 to 24 months. This assumes you’ve already completed Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas, you’re employed as a mate or improver with consistent site access, and you’re actively building portfolio evidence. Twelve months is achievable with excellent support from a commercial or industrial employer. Eighteen months is more typical. Twenty-four months happens when testing evidence is difficult to obtain or job variety is limited.
Fastest completions: 6 to 9 months. Forum members report finishing portfolios this quickly when working for supportive contractors with varied projects, regular testing opportunities, and experienced supervisors who understand NVQ requirements. This is rare and requires ideal conditions.
Slowest completions: 3 to 5 years. Delays occur when learners can’t secure regular electrical work, when employers restrict access to testing or complex tasks, or when life circumstances (family, other job commitments) limit portfolio progress. Some learners register for NVQ, build evidence sporadically over years, and eventually complete. Others abandon portfolios entirely.
Common delay causes from forums include lack of testing experience (employers won’t let improvers test installations until they’re confident in their competence, creating a catch-22; without testing evidence, portfolios stall), limited job variety (domestic rewires generate repetitive evidence; portfolios need containment, fault-finding, commercial installs, industrial maintenance, emergency lighting, fire alarms, breadth that many employers don’t offer), supervisor unavailability (witness statements require qualified electricians to sign off your work; if supervisors are too busy or unsupportive, evidence isn’t validated), poor planning (learners don’t understand evidence requirements upfront, complete jobs without documentation, and must repeat work to generate portfolio-ready evidence), and assessor delays (some training providers have limited assessors, causing scheduling bottlenecks that stretch timelines unnecessarily).
The key factor is employment quality. An improver working for a commercial contractor with multiple projects, varied electrical systems, and supportive supervisors completes portfolios faster than someone doing domestic socket changes for a one-man-band who won’t let them touch testing equipment.
How the NVQ 2357 Connects to AM2, AM2S, and AM2E
The NVQ portfolio proves competence through accumulated workplace evidence. AM2 (and its variants) proves competence under exam conditions. You need both.
AM2 (Assessment Method 2) is a practical end-point assessment lasting 16.5 hours across 2.5 days. It consists of timed sections including safe isolation and proving procedures, installation of SWA (Steel Wire Armoured cable) and motor circuits, central heating system wiring and controls, main bonding, data cabling, and safety checks, containment systems (specific to AM2S and AM2E routes), and inspection, testing, and certification. You must complete tasks within strict time limits, demonstrating safe working practices, correct application of BS 7671, accurate testing procedures, and proper documentation.
AM2 is the standard assessment for learners on 2357 and the older 2356 NVQ routes. AM2S is for apprentices following the Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrician Standard (5357). AM2E is for experienced workers on the 2346 route, with additional tasks like conduit bending that assume prior hands-on experience.
Pass rates vary. First-time pass rates range from 40% to 85% depending on preparation. Learners who attend 3 to 4 day AM2 preparation courses significantly improve pass rates. Those who attempt AM2 without preparation often fail on testing procedures, safe isolation sequences, or time management.
The connection to the NVQ is direct. You cannot sit AM2 until your portfolio is complete and verified by your assessor. Some training providers allow AM2 booking once the portfolio is substantially complete, scheduling the exam for a few weeks later to align with final portfolio sign-off. Others insist on full portfolio approval before AM2 registration.
AM2 is the final barrier between you and ECS Gold Card status. Passing the portfolio but failing AM2 leaves you stuck with an NVQ certificate but no industry-recognised card. You can resit AM2 (costs £800 to £1,000 per attempt), but multiple failures are expensive and demoralising.
Honestly, AM2 preparation courses are worth the investment. Three days of intensive practice with AM2-specific tasks, time management strategies, and mock assessments dramatically improve confidence and pass rates. Skipping preparation to save £300 to £500 is false economy if it results in a £1,000 resit.
ECS Gold Card Requirements: Why the NVQ Matters
The ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) Gold Card is the industry standard proving you’re a fully qualified electrician able to work independently and certify installations. Without it, your employment options and pay rates are severely limited.
Gold Card requirements include NVQ Level 3 2357 (or 2346 for experienced workers), AM2 pass certificate, BS 7671 18th Edition certificate, and ECS Health and Safety assessment pass. All four are mandatory. You cannot substitute one for another. The Level 3 diploma (2365) alone does not qualify you for a Gold Card because it’s theory-only and doesn’t prove competence.
The distinction between Installation Electrician and Domestic Installer Gold Cards matters. Installation Electrician (2357-13 or 2357-03) offers full scope across domestic, commercial, and industrial work. Domestic Installer is limited to domestic properties only and is achieved through different pathways (typically Part P competent person schemes, not 2357).
Verification is strict. ECS checks qualifications against City & Guilds records. Forged certificates or misrepresented qualifications result in immediate rejection and potential industry blacklisting. The process takes 2 to 4 weeks from application to card issue, provided all documentation is correct.
Employers recognise the difference instantly. Job adverts for qualified electrician roles state “ECS Gold Card essential” or “Must hold NVQ Level 3 and AM2.” Improver roles accept Trainee or Mate cards. Qualified roles demand Gold Cards. Pay rates reflect this. Improvers earn £18,000 to £22,000. Qualified electricians with Gold Cards earn £32,000 to £52,000 depending on region and sector.
The NVQ is the foundation of the Gold Card. Without it, you’re stuck at lower competency tiers regardless of how much theoretical knowledge you hold. Training providers who sell Level 3 diplomas as “electrician qualifications” are deliberately misleading because the diploma alone grants no industry recognition.
Costs and Funding: What You'll Actually Pay
Self-funding the NVQ 2357 and related qualifications costs £2,500 to £4,000 total depending on provider and whether you need retakes.
Breakdown includes NVQ 2357 registration and assessment (£1,300 to £2,000), AM2 assessment (£800 to £1,000), 18th Edition BS 7671 (£300 to £500), ECS Health and Safety assessment (£50 to £100), and extra assessor visits if needed (£200 to £300 each). Total: £2,450 to £3,900 assuming first-time passes. Retakes add significantly to costs.
Funding routes for adult learners include employer sponsorship (many contractors pay NVQ costs for improvers they intend to keep long-term; this is the most common funding route for adult learners in electrical employment), Apprenticeship Levy (employers with wage bills over £3 million pay into the levy and can use it to fund apprenticeships, including adult apprentices; smaller employers access co-investment where government covers 95% of costs), Adult Education Budget (AEB with limited availability; some local authorities fund NVQ qualifications for unemployed learners or those on low incomes; eligibility is strict and varies by region), and Advanced Learner Loans (rarely applicable to NVQ qualifications because they’re competence-based, not classroom courses; loans typically cover diplomas, not work-based assessments).
Self-funding is reality for many adult improvers. If your employer won’t sponsor the NVQ, you pay upfront and hope to recoup costs through higher wages once qualified. The payback period is short. A qualified electrician earning £35,000 versus an improver earning £20,000 recovers £3,000 in additional annual income within months.
Forum debates centre on cheap versus quality providers. Some training centres charge £1,000 for NVQ registration with minimal assessor support. Others charge £2,000 but provide comprehensive guidance, regular assessor contact, and faster portfolio turnaround. Cheap isn’t always best if it results in delayed portfolios, poor assessor feedback, or failed AM2 attempts due to inadequate preparation.
Tax relief applies for self-employed electricians. Once qualified, you can claim training courses, tools, and PPE as business expenses. This doesn’t help during initial NVQ completion, but it’s relevant for ongoing professional development (2391 Inspection and Testing, specialist courses like EV charging or solar PV).
Real Experiences: What Forums and Reddit Actually Say
Forum discussions and Reddit threads reveal consistent patterns in NVQ 2357 experiences, both positive and frustrating.
Common frustrations include
"Can't get testing experience because my employer won't let me test until I'm qualified, but I need testing evidence to qualify" (this catch-22 appears repeatedly; solutions include asking to observe and document testing under supervision, or seeking additional part-time work with contractors who allow testing)
"Employer only does domestic socket changes, can't gather containment or fault-finding evidence" (narrow work scope delays portfolios significantly; some learners change employers mid-NVQ to access varied work)
Assessor rejected my simulated work" (providers that over-rely on simulation create problems at verification; real site evidence is non-negotiable)
"Portfolio took 3 years because I could only work weekends and my site access was limited" (part-time improvers face longer timelines unless they're extraordinarily well-supported).
Positive experiences include
"Finished portfolio in 9 months working for a commercial contractor with varied projects" (access to commercial work including offices, retail, industrial units provides containment, testing, and fault-finding evidence much faster than domestic-only roles)
"AM2 was manageable after attending the 4-day prep course" (preparation courses dramatically reduce exam anxiety and improve pass rates)
"Employer paid all NVQ costs and gave me time off for assessor visits" (supportive employers accelerate portfolio completion).
Age trends show late 20s to 40s improvers dominate adult NVQ learners. Many are career changers from office work, retail, hospitality, or other trades. Success stories emphasise persistence, supportive employers, and realistic timeline expectations.
Mis-sold courses are a recurring complaint. Fast-track providers sell Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas as “electrician qualifications” without explaining the NVQ requirement. Learners complete diplomas, assume they’re qualified, then discover they still need 1 to 3 years of portfolio work to achieve Gold Card status.
Trade switchers (plumbers, heating engineers, facilities maintenance workers) report smoother NVQ experiences because they already understand site work, health and safety, and working under supervision. Their challenge is electrical-specific evidence (testing, BS 7671 compliance), not workplace professionalism.
The overwhelming theme from forums: NVQ completion depends on employment quality, not individual ability. A motivated learner with poor site access struggles. An average learner with excellent site access succeeds. Choose your employer carefully if NVQ completion is your goal.
Employer Expectations: What Job Adverts Demand
Job adverts reveal exactly what contractors want at each competency level, and the NVQ 2357 is the dividing line between improver roles and qualified electrician positions.
Electrical Mate roles require Level 2 or Level 3 diploma with 18th Edition helpful but not always required, some site experience preferred but not mandatory, responsibilities include labouring tasks, pulling cables, drilling, fetching materials, assisting qualified electricians, and pay of £18,000 to £22,000 (£12 to £16 per hour).
Electrical Improver roles require Level 3 diploma (2365), 18th Edition, working towards NVQ Level 3, with 6 to 12 months minimum experience, responsibilities include assisting with installations, terminating under supervision, learning testing procedures, basic fault-finding, and pay of £20,000 to £26,000 (£16 to £20 per hour).
Qualified Electrician roles require NVQ Level 3 2357, AM2 pass, 18th Edition, ECS Gold Card, with 1 to 3 years post-qualification experience, responsibilities include independent installations, testing and certifying work, fault-finding, supervising improvers, and pay of £32,000 to £45,000 (£20 to £28 per hour), with additional requirements often including UK driving licence, own tools, commercial or industrial experience.
Approved Electrician roles require NVQ Level 3, AM2, 18th Edition, 2391 Inspection and Testing, with 3 to 5 years experience, responsibilities include periodic inspection and testing, EICR completion, signing off installations, design work, and pay of £40,000 to £60,000 (£25 to £35 per hour).
The NVQ 2357 plus AM2 is the minimum threshold for qualified electrician roles. Without it, you’re limited to mate or improver positions regardless of how much theoretical knowledge or site experience you hold. Employers verify Gold Card status before hiring for qualified roles.
Regional demand affects hiring flexibility. London, the West Midlands, and the North West have acute shortages, so contractors are more willing to support improvers through NVQ portfolios. Rural areas with lower demand are pickier about qualifications and experience.
Driving licences appear in almost all job adverts for qualified roles. Contractors need electricians who can drive between sites, collect materials, and work independently. Public transport reliance limits opportunities significantly, especially outside major cities.
Myths and Misconceptions About the NVQ 2357
Misconceptions about the NVQ waste time, money, and effort. Here’s what’s actually true.
Myth 1: Level 3 diploma fully qualifies me as an electrician. False. The Level 3 diploma (2365) is theory. The NVQ 2357 is competence. You need both. The diploma alone doesn’t grant Gold Card status or allow you to work independently.
Myth 2: Fast-track courses include the NVQ. Usually false. Fast-track refers to accelerated Level 2 and Level 3 diploma delivery (13 to 24 weeks). The NVQ requires 12 to 24 months of site work building portfolio evidence. Training providers who imply fast-track equals full qualification are misleading.
Myth 3: I can complete the NVQ without employment. False. The NVQ requires documented site evidence from real electrical installations under qualified supervision. Non-electrical jobs don’t generate valid evidence. You must be employed as an electrician’s mate or improver.
Myth 4: Simulation counts as real evidence. Mostly false. City & Guilds allows minimal simulation where real work isn’t accessible, but the vast majority of evidence must come from actual installations. Portfolios relying heavily on simulation risk rejection.
Myth 5: AM2 is included in the Level 3 diploma. False. AM2 is a separate end-point assessment costing £800 to £1,000. It’s not part of any diploma. You complete it after your NVQ portfolio is verified.
Myth 6: Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA) is a shortcut for beginners. False. EWA (2346-03) requires 5+ years documented site experience. It’s a recognition route for electricians who worked without formal qualifications, not a fast-track for career changers with no electrical background.
Myth 7: 2357 and 2346 are the same qualification. False. 2357 is for learners with fewer than 5 years experience (improvers, apprentices). 2346 is for experienced workers with 5+ years. Entry requirements, assessment methods, and timelines differ.
Myth 8: I can skip the testing units if I don’t want to do testing work. False. Testing units (316 for installation, similar for maintenance) are mandatory. Without testing evidence, your portfolio cannot be signed off. There are no optional units in the core NVQ structure.
These myths typically stem from training provider marketing that blurs lines between diplomas and competency qualifications. Clarifying upfront prevents expensive mistakes.
What To Do Next
If you’re seriously considering the NVQ 2357 pathway, here’s what actually works based on what successful learners do.
Secure employment before starting the NVQ. You cannot build a portfolio without site access. Apply for electrical mate or improver roles with contractors who support NVQ learners. Ask in interviews: “Do you support NVQ portfolios? Will I have access to varied work including testing?” If the answer is vague or negative, keep looking.
Complete Level 3 diploma first if you haven’t already. The NVQ requires Level 3 knowledge as entry. Don’t register for NVQ until you hold 2365 Level 3 or equivalent. Providers reject applications from learners without adequate theoretical foundation.
Choose your training provider carefully. Compare providers on assessor availability, portfolio support quality, AM2 preparation courses, and completion timelines. Cheap isn’t always best if it results in poor guidance and delayed portfolios. Ask for learner references or completion statistics.
Understand evidence requirements upfront. Request checklists from your provider before starting work. Know what evidence you need so you can document jobs correctly the first time. Repeating work to generate portfolio-ready evidence wastes time.
Communicate with your employer about portfolio needs. Explain that you need access to containment work, testing, fault-finding, and varied installations. Supportive employers adjust work allocation to help improvers gather diverse evidence.
Budget for the full timeline and costs. Plan for 12 to 24 months and £2,500 to £4,000 total. Expecting 6-month completion or £1,000 costs sets unrealistic expectations that lead to frustration.
Attend AM2 preparation courses. Three to four days of intensive practice significantly improves pass rates. The £300 to £500 cost is worth avoiding £1,000 resits.
Call us on 0330 822 5337 to discuss NVQ 2357 pathways specific to your situation. We’ll explain entry requirements, assess whether your employment provides adequate site access for portfolio building, outline realistic timelines based on your role and availability, clarify funding options including employer sponsorship, and explain how our in-house recruitment team connects learners with contractors who actively support NVQ completion. For a detailed overview including portfolio evidence requirements, assessment processes, and AM2 preparation, see our comprehensive NVQ 2357 completion guide.
You’ve got the employment if you’re working as a mate or improver. You’ve got funding options if your employer supports development. The demand exists across London, the Midlands, and the North West. The question is whether you understand the NVQ requires real competence evidence, not just theory, and whether you’re prepared to commit 12 to 24 months building a portfolio that proves you can work safely and independently. For the complete pathway from Level 2 through to ECS Gold Card including how the NVQ fits into the broader qualification structure, see our detailed NVQ Level 3 pathway breakdown.
References
- City & Guilds – 2357 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems – https://www.cityandguilds.com/
- Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) – Electrical Workforce Projections 2024-2029 – https://www.citb.co.uk/
- ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) – Card Requirements – https://www.ecscard.org.uk/
- JIB (Joint Industry Board) – Grading and Qualifications – https://www.jib.org.uk/
- NET Services – AM2 Assessment Information – https://www.netservices.org.uk/
- ElectriciansForums.net – NVQ Portfolio Discussions – https://www.electriciansforums.net/
- Reddit r/UKElectricians – NVQ Experiences – https://www.reddit.com/r/UKElectricians/
- The ESP (Electrical Safety Partnership) – Qualification Transition Information – https://www.the-esp.org.uk/
Note on Accuracy and Updates
Last reviewed: 27Â November 2025. This page is maintained; we correct errors and refresh sources as NVQ structures, assessment methods, and industry requirements evolve. Electrician shortage data reflects CITB projections for 2024-2029. Entry requirements and unit structures reflect current City & Guilds 2357 specifications as of November 2025. Transition information reflects final registration deadline of 31 October 2026 for 2357 pathways. Salary data reflects typical UK rates for mate, improver, and qualified electrician roles as of Q4 2025. Next review scheduled following publication of updated CITB workforce data (estimated Q2 2026) or changes to NVQ qualification structures under new Electrotechnical standards.Â
