PAT Testing Qualifications Explained

City & Guilds 2377-77 is a recognised Level 3 PAT testing qualification, but what does that recognition mean, and how does it differ from a training certificate?

What is Ofqual?

Ofqual is the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, the government regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. It sets requirements that recognised awarding organisations must meet when developing, assessing and awarding regulated qualifications. The awarding organisation, such as City & Guilds, sets the qualification requirements and awards it to successful learners. Approved training providers, such as Plugtest, deliver the course and arrange the assessments.

Qualification or training certificate: what is the difference?

A qualification recognises that a learner has met specified learning and assessment requirements. A certificate is the document recording their achievement, which could be attendance, completion of an assessed training course or achievement of a regulated qualification.

The word “qualification” does not automatically mean Ofqual regulated. Unregulated qualifications also exist. The distinction is the status of the particular award, rather than the wording or logos on the certificate.

What does Level 3 mean?

Level 3 describes the difficulty of the knowledge and skills assessed. Award, Certificate and Diploma describe the amount of learning involved, with an Award being the smallest and a Diploma the largest. Where credits are assigned, each credit represents 10 hours of learning and assessment. City & Guilds 2377-77 is a Level 3 Award.

Which recognised PAT testing qualifications are available?

City & Guilds, EAL and LCL Awards offer the following qualifications:

2377-77 is City & Guilds’ own qualification code. Its Ofqual qualification number is 603/6790/8. To achieve this award, learners must pass both a multiple-choice knowledge examination and a practical assessment. Our two-day City & Guilds 2377-77 PAT testing course includes practical training and both assessments required to achieve the qualification.

EAL and LCL Awards provide alternative regulated qualifications at the same level and in the same subject area. However, assessment arrangements can differ.

Do you need a recognised qualification to carry out PAT testing?

There is no general requirement to hold a particular PAT testing qualification. The essential requirement is competence to carry out the work safely, although employers and customers may set their own qualification requirements.

For advice on choosing between practical competence training and a regulated qualification, see our guide to PAT testing qualifications and training.