How to Become a PAT Tester

pat testing van

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is an important aspect of electrical safety in workplaces, rental properties and public buildings. If you're considering a career as a PAT tester, this guide explains what the job involves, the qualifications employers look for, the training required and how to find work in the industry.


Although there is no legal requirement to hold a specific qualification to carry out PAT testing, most employers expect a recognised certification such as the City & Guilds 2377 PAT testing qualification. Practical training provides the knowledge and competency needed to inspect and test electrical equipment safely.


What is a PAT Tester?

A PAT Tester, or Portable Appliance Tester, is a professional who conducts safety checks on electrical appliances to make sure they are safe to use. The PAT testing process involves a series of inspections and electrical tests on electrical equipment, including computers, kitchen appliances, and power tools, among others. The primary role of a PAT tester is to identify any potential risks and ensure they're addressed before causing harm. They might also conduct minor repairs if required.

What the Job Entails

Your services will be required at various client locations, so your job will usually take you on the road and across many different types of businesses – from schools, offices, and construction sites, to retail establishments, hospitals, care homes, and even rented residential properties. Any environment with electrical equipment is a potential workspace, making each day diverse and interesting, but a willingness to travel and a driving license are essential.


Customers will often require the work to be done outside traditional office hours. This might include evenings and weekends, to ensure minimal disruption to the customer's regular activities. Therefore, a flexible approach to work schedules is a critical requirement in this role.


You will be interacting directly with clients and often, the users of the equipment you're testing. Whether it's arranging the logistics of your visit or explaining the results of your inspections, your ability to express yourself professionally and confidently is important.


The job requires a good level of fitness. A typical workday involves a significant amount of time on your feet, and you often find yourself needing to crawl under desks to access sockets and plugs.


A keen eye for detail is required to ensure faults are identified. Following each test, you'll document the results and complete the necessary paperwork to report any identified faults and work done. It is also usually expected that you will be able to make minor repairs such as replacing or rewiring a plug.

Skills Required

A successful PAT tester will typically require:

  • Good practical and technical skills
  • Attention to detail when carrying out inspections
  • Basic electrical knowledge
  • Accurate record keeping
  • Good communication skills when dealing with clients
  • Ability to work independently

Qualifications Needed

There is no legal requirement for specific academic qualifications to carry out PAT testing. However, most employers expect a recognised certification such as the City & Guilds 2377 qualification for Electrical Equipment Maintenance and Testing. This demonstrates competence in inspection procedures, test limits, record keeping and safe working practices.


Once you’ve achieved a recognised qualification, you can also choose to display the City & Guilds Qualified logo in your marketing. This can help customers and employers quickly recognise your certification. See our guide to using the City & Guilds Qualified logo.


Attending a PAT Testing Course

Attending a PAT testing course provides the practical skills required for inspection and testing, together with an understanding of electrical safety principles and equipment construction. Training typically covers visual inspection, earth continuity testing, insulation resistance testing, leakage testing and record keeping.


If you are planning a career in PAT testing, we recommend a course leading to the City & Guilds 2377 qualification, as this is widely recognised by employers. For those carrying out testing in-house (for example schools, facilities teams or landlords), our PAT testing courses provide the competency required to undertake testing safely.


Before enrolling, it may be worth speaking with potential employers as some organisations will provide training after recruitment.

How Much Will You Earn?

Typically, the basic yearly salary for a qualified PAT tester typically ranges between £22,000 and £28,000 per year. However, the total earning potential can be higher when considering additional benefits offered by many employers. For instance, a performance-related bonus is quite common in this field. This bonus is often linked to your productivity, reflecting the number of items you have successfully tested. Some PAT job listings suggest a realistic earning potential including bonuses of up to £35,000. Additional benefits may include a company car or van.

Finding a PAT Job

There is usually a high demand for skilled PAT testers. Most jobs are advertised on platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed and Totaljobs. We also publish a list of current PAT testing job vacancies on our website.


Reaching out directly to companies offering PAT testing services is also an effective method of finding a PAT testing job. Even if they don't have any immediate vacancies, they will usually keep your details for upcoming opportunities. They will often also provide useful advice about the specific skills and experience they prioritise when hiring, helping you tailor your preparation accordingly.

Where Can a PAT Tester Career Lead?

Once established as a PAT tester, various opportunities can open up for career progression. With experience, you could advance to a supervisory or managerial role within a PAT testing company, overseeing the work of other testers and ensuring high standards are maintained. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you could consider starting your own PAT testing business. Starting as a PAT tester can also be a first step on the ladder to becoming a qualified electrician. The practical skills and electrical safety knowledge gained from PAT testing will often lead to more advanced electrical training and job opportunities.

Setting Up a PAT Testing Business

For those interested in being their own boss, setting up a PAT testing business can be an attractive option. You'll need some essential tools such as a PAT tester, labels, and usually some sort of software to produce test records for customers. You will also need appropriate insurance to cover liabilities. While the setup costs can be relatively low compared with many other trades, the bigger challenge is often finding consistent work and building repeat business.

For a more detailed overview of what’s involved, see our guide to starting a PAT testing business.

Start Your Career in PAT Testing

If you’re looking to start a career in portable appliance testing, gaining practical training is the first step. View our PAT testing courses or our City & Guilds 2377 qualification for further details.