City & Guilds 2391-52 Inspection & Testing Course: The Complete Guide for Electricians
Thinking About Taking the 2391-52 Inspection & Testing Qualification?
If you're an electrician looking to progress your career, move into inspection and testing, complete an Experienced Worker Assessment (EWA), or meet the latest industry competence expectations, the City & Guilds 2391-52 Initial and Periodic Inspection & Testing qualification is becoming increasingly important.
At Renew Elec Training, it's one of the most common qualifications electricians ask us about. Yet many are unsure whether they need it, whether they're ready for it, what the assessment involves, or what opportunities it creates once achieved.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about the 2391-52 qualification and answers the questions we hear most often from working electricians.
What Is the 2391-52 Qualification?
The City & Guilds 2391-52 combines:
Initial Verification
Periodic Inspection
Inspection and Testing
Electrical Certification
The qualification develops the skills required to inspect, test and certify electrical installations in accordance with BS 7671.
Candidates learn to:
Carry out inspection procedures
Complete dead testing
Complete live testing
Verify compliance with BS 7671
Record results correctly
Produce EICs and EICRs
Identify defects and non-compliances
Apply appropriate coding observations
For many electricians, it is regarded as one of the most respected practical qualifications within the industry.
Why Is the 2391-52 Becoming More Important?
The industry is increasingly focusing on proven competence rather than simply holding electrical qualifications.
Recent updates to competence expectations within the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) place greater emphasis on inspection, testing and verification skills for electricians working across domestic, commercial and low-carbon technologies.
You can read more about these changes here:
While not every electrician is legally required to hold the 2391-52, employers, certification bodies and clients increasingly view it as evidence that an electrician can safely verify and certify electrical work.
Do I Need the 2391-52 Qualification?
Not every electrician needs it immediately.
However, it is strongly recommended if you:
Complete Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs)
Carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
Sign off electrical work
Work towards Qualified Supervisor status
Complete an Experienced Worker Assessment
Move into inspection work
Carry out landlord reports
Manage electrical projects
Undertake commercial testing work
For many electricians, it becomes the qualification that separates installation skills from verification skills.
What Qualifications Should I Have Before Taking the 2391-52?
Before enrolling, candidates should generally already have:
Essential
Good understanding of BS 7671
Practical installation experience
Familiarity with electrical testing equipment
Strongly Recommended
Level 3 electrical qualification
Current experience working as an electrician
The course is not designed to teach electrical installation from scratch.
Instead, it teaches candidates how to verify that installations comply with BS 7671.
Do I Need the 2391-52 Before Completing My EWA?
This is one of the most common questions we receive.
The answer depends on the route you are taking.
For many electricians completing an Experienced Worker Assessment, the 2391-52 is not an absolute prerequisite. However, it is often highly beneficial because several onsite assessment activities involve inspection, testing and certification.
Holding the 2391-52 can make the portfolio process significantly easier and demonstrates competence in a key area of the occupation.
You can wait when doing your Experienced worker assessment but if you are doign your NVQ you will need your 2391-52 first.
Further Reading coming soon:
Do I Need the 2391-52 Before My EWA?
EWA vs NVQ Explained
Experienced Worker Assessment Complete Guide
What Is Included Within the Assessment?
The qualification contains both practical and theory elements.
Candidates must demonstrate their ability to:
Inspect electrical installations
Identify defects
Complete dead testing
Complete live testing
Complete certification
Interpret results correctly
Assessment methods include:
Online examination
Practical assessment
Inspection exercise
Certification exercise
The Biggest Reasons Candidates Fail the 2391-52
Most failures are not caused by a lack of electrical knowledge.
Instead, they usually come from poor testing discipline and bad habits developed over many years on site.
Common examples include:
Testing in the Wrong Sequence
Candidates often know the tests but perform them in the wrong order.
Missing Information on Certification
Minor omissions on paperwork can lead to significant marks being lost.
Incorrect Interpretation of Results
Recording a result is only part of the process. Candidates must also understand whether it is acceptable.
Incorrect Observation Coding
Many electricians struggle with deciding whether a defect should be coded as:
C1
C2
C3
FI
Rushing Live Testing
Candidates sometimes become focused on speed rather than methodical testing.
Further Reading Coming Soon:
Biggest Reasons Candidates Fail the 2391-52
Understanding C1, C2, C3 and FI Codes
Common Inspection Failures Found During EICRs
How Can I Revise for the 2391-52?
Good revision should combine:
Guidance Note 3
BS 7671
Practical testing
Certification practice
Mock questions
Many candidates focus only on theory and neglect form filling.
One of the simplest ways to prepare is by practising electrical certificates before arriving on the course.
Recommended Reading:
Free Printable EIC & EICR Forms for Practice
Additional article opportunity:
How to Revise for the 2391-52: 10 Tips from Electrical Tutors
What Books Do I Need?
Choosing the right resources can make revision far easier.
We've created a dedicated guide covering:
BS 7671
Guidance Note 3
On Site Guide
Electrician's Guide to the Building Regulations
Recommended revision materials
Safe Use of Test Equipment
A crucial aspect of the course is understanding the correct use of electrical test instruments.
Candidates should be familiar with:
Proving units
GS38 compliant test leads
Safe isolation procedures
Inspection of testing equipment
Further guidance is available from the HSE:
Electrical Test Equipment for Use on Low Voltage Electrical Systems (GS38)
What Can I Do After Passing the 2391-52?
Achieving the qualification can open opportunities including:
Electrical testing work
EICR inspections
Commercial verification work
Landlord inspection programmes
Qualified Supervisor progression
Contract management roles
Further low-carbon technology installation roles
For many electricians, the qualification marks the transition from solely installing electrical systems to verifying and certifying them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2391-52 difficult?
Yes, many electricians consider it one of the more demanding industry qualifications because it combines theory, practical testing and certification.
Can I take the course without the 18th Edition?
It is technically possible in some situations, but it is strongly recommended that candidates hold and understand the latest Wiring Regulations before attending.
How long does the qualification take?
Course structures vary, but most candidates complete training over several days before undertaking assessments.
What pass mark do I need?
The online examination requires a minimum pass mark set by City & Guilds at the time of assessment.
Can I resit if I fail?
Yes. Resit options are available.
You will only need to resit the elements that you did not achieve!
What's the difference between 2391-50, 2391-51 and 2391-52?
The qualifications have evolved over time. This means in short that the 50 is for initial verification, the 51 is for periodic and 52 is the combination of the both.
Further Reading:
Whether you're looking to progress your career, improve your inspection and testing knowledge, prepare for an EWA, or meet evolving competence expectations within the electrical industry, the City & Guilds 2391-52 remains one of the most valuable qualifications an electrician can achieve.
View upcoming course dates and book online today.