If you’re considering the City & Guilds 2391 Inspection & Testing qualification, you probably have questions about who the course is for, how it is assessed and whether it is the right next step in your electrical career.
Training Solutions NI delivers face-to-face City & Guilds Electrical courses from its dedicated training centre in Antrim, supporting electricians from across Northern Ireland. Since 2004, Training Solutions NI has trained thousands of learners and works with organisations across many industries to deliver recognised electrical qualifications that support career progression.
The City & Guilds 2391-52 Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection, Testing and Certification qualification is one of the most respected electrical qualifications within the electrical industry. It develops the knowledge and practical skills required to inspect, test and certify electrical installations safely and in accordance with current industry standards.
Whether you are looking to expand your services, improve your employment opportunities or meet employer requirements, this guide answers the questions electricians ask most frequently about the City & Guilds 2391 qualification.
Quick Answers
- The 2391 qualification develops the knowledge and practical skills required to inspect, test and certify electrical installations.
- The course includes both theory and practical assessment.
- A good understanding of the current Wiring Regulations is recommended before attending.
- The qualification is recognised throughout the UK.
- Training Solutions NI delivers the course face-to-face from its dedicated training centre in Antrim for learners across Northern Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the City & Guilds 2391 qualification?
The City & Guilds 2391 qualification develops the knowledge and practical skills required to inspect, test and certify electrical installations.
It is recognised throughout the UK and is commonly completed by qualified electricians who want to undertake inspection and testing as part of their role.
The qualification covers both Initial Verification of new electrical installations and Periodic Inspection and Testing of existing installations. Candidates learn how to carry out inspections safely, complete electrical testing, identify defects and complete the appropriate certification.
Many employers regard the 2391 qualification as an important stage in the professional development of electricians responsible for inspection and certification work.
Who should complete the 2391 course?
The course is designed for electricians who carry out, or intend to carry out, inspection, testing and certification of electrical installations.
Typical candidates include:
- Qualified electricians
- Approved electricians
- Electrical supervisors
- Electrical contractors
- Maintenance electricians
- Inspection engineers
- Testing engineers
- Electrical consultants
Many electricians complete this qualification after gaining practical installation experience and updating their knowledge through the City & Guilds 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification.
Is the 2391 qualification difficult?
The City & Guilds 2391 qualification is widely regarded as one of the more challenging electrical qualifications because it combines technical knowledge with practical inspection and testing skills.
Candidates are expected to understand current Wiring Regulations, apply inspection and testing procedures correctly and complete the required certification accurately.
Training Solutions NI supports learners throughout the course using practical demonstrations, worked examples and guidance from experienced tutors, helping candidates build confidence for both the theory and practical assessments.
Do I need the 18th Edition before taking the 2391 course?
Although it is not always a formal entry requirement, a good understanding of the current Wiring Regulations is strongly recommended before studying City & Guilds 2391.
The course regularly refers to BS 7671, and candidates who already hold the 18th Edition qualification generally find it easier to understand inspection procedures, testing requirements and certification.
For this reason, many electricians complete the 18th Edition before progressing to Inspection and Testing.
What does the course cover?
The course covers the knowledge and practical skills required to inspect, test and certify electrical installations, including:
- Safe isolation procedures
- Initial Verification
- Periodic Inspection
- Visual inspection techniques
- Continuity testing
- Insulation resistance testing
- Earth fault loop impedance testing
- RCD testing
- Polarity testing
- Prospective fault current
- Certification
- Electrical Installation Certificates
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
- Identification of defects
- Recording observations
- Completing inspection schedules
Candidates develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical competence required to inspect and test electrical installations safely and professionally.
What is Initial Verification?
Initial Verification is the process of inspecting and testing a new electrical installation before it is put into service.
The purpose is to confirm that the installation has been designed, installed and tested in accordance with the current edition of BS 7671.
During the course you will learn how to carry out visual inspections, perform the required electrical tests and complete the relevant certification correctly.
What is Periodic Inspection?
Periodic Inspection is the inspection and testing of an existing electrical installation to determine whether it remains safe for continued use.
Electricians carrying out periodic inspections identify damage, deterioration, defects, non-compliances and potential safety concerns before recording their findings within an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
This is a key part of the City & Guilds 2391 qualification.
What is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) records the condition of an existing electrical installation following inspection and testing.
The report identifies observations, recommends remedial work where necessary and provides an overall assessment of the installation.
Completing accurate EICRs is an important practical skill developed during the 2391 course.
Is there a practical assessment?
Yes. The City & Guilds 2391 qualification includes practical assessment alongside the theory examination.
Candidates demonstrate their ability to inspect an electrical installation, carry out electrical testing safely, record test results accurately and complete the required documentation.
Training Solutions NI provides practical guidance throughout the course to help candidates prepare for this assessment.
Is there a online examination?
Yes. The qualification also includes a theory assignments designed to assess your understanding of inspection, testing and the application of the Wiring Regulations.
The assessment includes questions covering inspection procedures, testing methods, certification requirements and the interpretation of BS 7671.
Training Solutions NI prepares candidates thoroughly by combining classroom teaching, practical demonstrations and revision exercises before the assessments.