Plugtest Training - Answers to your PAT Testing questions.

PAT Questions & Answers

The following are brief answers to some of the typical questions we get asked about our PAT training courses, but please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.

What qualifications do I need to undertake the testing?

No specific qualifications are required, the regulations only require the testing to be done by a competent person. The definition of a competent person in the regulations is - "A person possessing sufficient technical knowledge or experience to be capable of ensuring that injury is prevented". All of our courses are designed to provide the technical knowledge and practical experience to undertake the testing.

How much does the test equipment cost?

PAT testing equipment ranges in price from a few hundred pounds to around a thousand pounds. The type of equipment suitable for your requirements will depend on the quantity and type of equipment you are testing. We can offer advice on the most suitable type for your requirements during the training.

Do I need to regularly renew my training certificate?

There is no requirement to renew your training certificate in the way you do with a first aid certificate.

I have no previous electrical knowledge; will I be OK to attend a PAT course?

Previous electrical knowledge is not essential and we are confident we can train most people. We deliberately keep our class sizes small to ensure that no one gets left behind. If you are looking to attend a City & Guilds 2377 course we recommend the two day course or carry out some home study before attending. If you book a course we will be happy to send you a copy of our training manual. Ty our Electrical Knowledge Quiz.

Will you cancel a course if you do not get enough people to attend?

No. Unlike many training providers we will never cancel a course because we can not get enough people to attend?

I already have a PAT tester and would like to train using it!

No problem, bring it to the course and you can use it for the practical parts of the course. We have experience in using most PAT testers.

I have attended a City & Guilds 2377 course with another company but I'm not confident to do the testing!

Some 2377 courses are designed only to teach you to pass the exam, not to actually do the testing! The previous 2377 syllabus concentrated mainly on the legal and theory aspects. The new 2377 syllabus has improved and now covers more practical testing and we make sure that all of our courses have plenty of hands on learning. After the course there will always be someone at the end of the phone if you get into difficulties.

Where can I buy the test equipment from? Do you supply test equipment?

PAT testing equipment can be purchased from most electrical wholesalers. We also sell test equipment to our training customers.

Should I train a member of staff or get a subcontractor to do the testing?

All portable electrical appliances in the workplace need to be tested. In-house testing is often the most cost effective and flexible way of meeting the legal requirements.

Can I test other peoples/companies equipment after I have attended a training course?

Our training courses are primarily designed for companies or individual to test their own equipment. If you are looking to test other equipment we would recommend that you check your insurance covers you to do so.

I am thinking about starting my own PAT business, will your course help me do this?

If you are looking at starting PAT testing as a business you will require a good electrical understanding and some experience of working in the electrical industry. We would also recommend that you attend our City & Guilds 2377 course. City & Guilds 2377 is requirement of NICEIC, NAPIT and most public liability insurance policies.

quote The course lecturers were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and were able to answer any questions not only from the theory side but also from the experience of carrying out the work in the field. - Richard, AV Services Limited quote