Do I Have To Pass an Ishihara Test To Be an Electrician
Do Electricians Have to Pass a Colour Blindness Test?
You do not legally have to pass an Ishihara test to become an electrician, but many training providers and industry bodies recommend that you meet a minimum standard of colour vision.
The Joint Industry Board (JIB) guidance suggests candidates should have no more than two errors on plates 2–17 of the Ishihara test to safely work in the industry.
Quick Answer: Ishihara Test Requirements for Electricians
Not a strict legal requirement
Commonly used by training providers and employers
JIB guidance suggests no more than two mistakes
Designed to detect red-green colour blindness
Used to assess safe working with wiring colours
What Is the Ishihara Test?
The Ishihara test is a widely used colour vision test made up of plates containing coloured dots.
Each plate includes a number or shape in a different colour, which:
People with normal vision can see easily
People with colour vision deficiencies may struggle to identify
It was originally developed in 1917 and is still commonly used today to detect red-green colour blindness.
Why Does Colour Vision Matter for Electricians?
Electricians regularly work with colour-coded wiring, which is critical for safety.
You need to correctly identify:
Live wires
Neutral wires
Earth conductors
Mistakes in identifying these can lead to:
Faulty installations
Equipment damage
Serious safety risks
Did Wiring Colours Change to Help Colour Blind Electricians?
Yes — wiring colours were updated in 2004 to improve clarity and align with European standards.
Before 2004:
Red = Live
Black = Neutral
Green = Earth
After 2004:
Brown = Live
Blue = Neutral
Green/Yellow = Earth
These changes made it easier to distinguish between wires, especially for those with colour vision deficiencies.
However, older wiring systems still exist, so electricians must be able to recognise both systems.
Is Colour Blindness Covered by the Equality Act 2010?
Red-green colour blindness is not automatically classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010.
This means:
Legal protection depends on how severe the condition is
A discrimination claim may not always be successful
Employers can still make decisions based on safety requirements
Can You Become an Electrician If You Are Colour Blind?
It depends on the severity of your condition.
You may still be able to:
Train as an electrician
Work in certain areas of the industry
But you may face:
Restrictions from some employers
Additional assessments
Limitations on certain types of work
Many training providers will assess this on a case-by-case basis.
How Can You Test for Colour Blindness Before Applying?
If you are concerned, you can complete a basic check before applying.
Options include:
Free online Ishihara-style tests
Informal checks with a training provider
Professional optician assessments
In many cases, training providers will review this with you during the application process rather than reject you immediately.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Recommended Standard?
If you do not meet the suggested threshold:
You may still be offered alternative routes
Additional support or guidance may be provided
Your suitability will be assessed based on safety and role requirements
The goal is not to exclude candidates, but to ensure safe working conditions.
Do All Electricians Need Perfect Colour Vision?
No — perfect vision is not required.
However, you do need:
Enough colour recognition to work safely
Confidence identifying wiring systems
Awareness of risks and limitations
Some electricians develop strategies to work safely even with mild deficiencies.
Learn More About Starting Your Electrical Career
If you’re considering becoming an electrician, the best place to start is a recognised Level 2 qualification designed for new entrants.
This gives you:
Core knowledge
Practical skills
A pathway into the industry
Why Training Providers Assess Colour Vision
At Renew Electrical Training, colour vision is assessed to ensure:
You can work safely in real environments
You are placed on the right course pathway
You are fully prepared before progressing
We take a practical, supportive approach and review each candidate individually.
FAQs About Colour Blindness and Electrical Work
Is the Ishihara test compulsory for electricians?
No — it is not a legal requirement, but many employers and training providers use it as a guideline.
Can you fail an electrician course because of colour blindness?
Not necessarily. It depends on the severity and whether it affects your ability to work safely.
What type of colour blindness affects electricians most?
Red-green colour blindness is the most relevant, as it directly impacts the ability to identify wiring colours.
Can you work around colour blindness in electrical work?
In some cases, yes — but this depends on your level of vision and the type of work you are doing.
Should I get tested before applying for a course?
Yes — it can help you understand your suitability and avoid surprises during the application process.
Next Steps…
If you would like to find out more about training to become an electrician please see our contact form and one of us can arrange a chat.
If you already know the right course for you please have a look at our complete list of courses here.