PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is the inspection and, as necessary, the electrical testing of equipment.  This testing is done through visual examination and/or testing by instrument to determine whether the equipment remains safe to use. A PAT testing course helps develop and assess the knowledge and practical skills relating to this.

In the industry, it’s called PAT testing rather than the full term, portable appliance testing, which is a little strange when you think about it, as the acronym PAT includes the word ‘testing’ already! 

What we mean by Portable Appliance in commercial settings is things like kettles in offices, computers in schools, hairdryers in hair salons, espresso machines in coffee shops, and so on. There’s actually no finite list of appliances that require PAT testing; it depends on the equipment and where it’s used. The reason they’re tested is that unsafe electrical items might cause an electric shock or even a fire if they’re damaged or faulty.

Is PAT testing a legal requirement?

While PAT testing itself isn’t legally mandated, in these commercial environments, employers have legal accountability under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to ensure that no danger results from the use of electrical equipment. That means they should make sure their electrical equipment is safe so that it doesn’t present any danger. This is done through visual inspection, electrical testing and maintenance. 

Although ultimately, it’s the responsibility of the employer, the visual inspections and testing need to be done by any competent person. That could be an electrician or maintenance staff, or a member of staff who is trained to do it. The level of training needed will depend on the appliance and level of risk, so in some cases, a business might train an employee to carry out basic in-house inspections and testing. People often ask the question: Do you need qualifications to PAT test? Holding a PAT testing qualification demonstrates that you’ve done relevant learning and assessment.  

It’s because of PAT testing that you see stickers on electrical items, as these stickers are used to record when an item was last inspected and whether it passed its inspection.

To do PAT testing, the competent person uses a PAT tester, but visually inspecting the appliance forms part of the testing process too. 

What is a PAT testing course?

The official name for an electrical appliance testing course is the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in the In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. 

The course is designed to develop and assess the knowledge and practical skills relating to inspection and testing of electrical equipment in line with the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.  

The content and format of the PAT testing course

City & Guilds PAT Testing (2377-77)

The PAT testing course covers the electrical safety regulations, roles and responsibilities in relation to electrical equipment. It also covers insulation and earthing, how to classify appliances, preliminary inspection, test precautions, appliance testing using a portable tester (PAT tester), essential tests and optional tests, labelling tests, reporting and recording results, and implementing a test programme. 

The portable appliance testing course is mainly theory. There is a timed online multiple-choice test, where you use the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.  It’s highly recommended that you read the IET Code of Practice in preparation for the PAT testing exam so that you are familiar with the content and how to find and apply the information.

There is also a PAT testing practical assessment, so you’ll also do practical training during the course using the PAT testing equipment. PAT testers are testing instruments, devices that run various diagnostics on appliances to check their safety.  The course takes two days to complete. On successful completion of the course and passing the exam and practical assessment, you’ll gain a PAT testing certificate. 

Who is a PAT testing course for?

A PAT testing course is for people who are responsible for and therefore need knowledge about the maintenance and/or practical inspection and testing of electrical equipment. 

So, it’s suitable for electricians who are thinking about becoming a PAT tester and want to add portable appliance testing to their skill set. There’s also PAT testing training for businesses, for maintenance and facilities personnel or members of staff who need that knowledge and PAT testing competency. 

Completing the course and gaining the qualification demonstrates that you’ve done relevant learning and assessment.  It helps build familiarity with the use of the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. 

For practising electricians, PAT testing is a good qualification to hold if you want to progress your career in the electrotechnical industry and you can offer in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. 

FAQs about PAT testing courses

How long is a PAT testing course?

A PAT testing course in the UK can vary in duration. At Able Skills, the City & Guilds PAT Testing course (2377-77) is a two-day course.

How much does a PAT testing course cost?

PAT testing course costs vary depending on the provider. The Able Skills PAT Testing Courses - 2377-77 currently costs £345 including VAT. You can read more about the course, including current cost, dates and booking on the PAT testing course page. 

Can I PAT test appliances once I’ve done the PAT testing course?

Yes, provided that you are competent. Being able to PAT test appliances is about being competent to carry out the specific inspections and tests. Completing a PAT testing course can help you develop the knowledge and skills to do this, but you’ll need to be able to use the equipment and interpret the results. 

Is the PAT testing exam hard? 

Although it’s a Level 3 PAT testing course, it sees a generally high pass rate*. The pass mark is 80%. Preparation is key. You’ll need to know how to use the IET Code of Practice, along with basic maths and an understanding of Ohm’s law. 

Do I need to be an electrician to PAT test?

No, you don’t need to be an electrician to do PAT testing. You need to be competent for the work. This competence is about appropriate knowledge and experience, and the ability to use the testing equipment to correctly interpret the results. 

Do new electrical appliances need PAT testing?

New electrical appliances should be supplied ready to use; however, a visual inspection is recommended and then further testing if deemed necessary

What are the PAT testing regulations in the UK?

PAT testing isn’t legally mandated in the UK, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical equipment to be maintained so it’s safe to use. For current electrical safety regulations, the HSE website has some useful information about the inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment. 

How to get PAT testing qualified with Able Skills

“The staff at Able Skills are amazing and so friendly, They make you feel welcome and comfortable during your visit. The course overall which was an in-service inspection for electrical equipment (PAT) was very thorough and well delivered.” – Review via Trustpilot

Learn how to PAT test with a City & Guilds qualification in Electrical Equipment Maintenance and Testing. This two-day PAT testing course for beginners is aimed at practising electricians who want to upskill into in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

If you’d like any information or have any questions about our PAT Testing Course, contact us today by phone or email.

*Able Skills pass rate on the City & Guilds PAT Testing course in the last 12 months: 51 passes from 62 registrations, giving a pass rate of 82.3%.