What Books Do I Need for the 2391-52 Inspection & Testing Course?
If you're preparing for the City & Guilds 2391-52 Inspection & Testing qualification, one of the most common questions is:
"What books do I actually need?"
Whether you're an experienced electrician returning to formal assessments or recently qualified and looking to expand your skills, having the right reference materials can make revision significantly easier.
The 2391-52 qualification covers both Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection & Testing, meaning candidates are expected to understand electrical testing procedures, certification requirements and the current Wiring Regulations.
The good news is that most successful candidates don't rely on dozens of textbooks. Instead, they become familiar with a small number of core publications and use them effectively throughout their study.
Ideally buy your books way in advance of the course, too many plastic wrappers come off on day one!
Essential Book 1: BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations
Often referred to as the Wiring Regulations Book or simply "the Brown Book", now of course “the Orange book” BS 7671 forms the foundation of electrical design, inspection and testing in the UK. For a quick buy method please click here.
During your studies you will regularly reference sections relating to:
Protection against electric shock
Earthing and bonding
Selection of protective devices
Inspection requirements
Testing requirements
A solid understanding of the layout of BS 7671 can save valuable time during assessments and in everyday electrical work.
Top Tip
Use tabs to mark key sections, but avoid overcomplicating your book with hundreds of markers. Focus on sections you can quickly navigate during open-book assessments.
Essential Book 2: Guidance Note 3 Inspection & Testing
Many experienced electricians consider Guidance Note 3 to be the most important book for the 2391-52 qualification. For a quick link to purchase the GN3 please click here.
This publication provides detailed information on:
Safe isolation
Inspection schedules
Testing procedures
Correct test sequences
Typical test values
Certification requirements
Candidates frequently use Guidance Note 3 when revising practical testing procedures because it explains the reasoning behind each test rather than simply presenting the results.
For many learners, this becomes their most-used revision guide.
Essential Book 3: IET On-Site Guide
The On-Site Guide contains practical information that electricians use every day. For a quick link to purchase the on-site guide please click here.
Although not specifically written for the 2391-52 qualification, it includes useful reference material covering:
Maximum demand
Cable selection
Protective devices
Inspection schedules
Testing information
Many electricians already carry a copy and continue to use it throughout their careers.
Recommended Book 4: Electrician's Guide to Inspection & Testing
A dedicated inspection and testing textbook can help fill knowledge gaps and reinforce classroom teaching.
These books often include:
Worked examples
Test result interpretation
Example certificates
Practice questions
Inspection scenarios
They can be particularly useful for candidates who have not carried out inspection and testing regularly in their current role.
Recommended Additional Resources for Inspection & Testing
NAPIT EICR Codebreaker (Amendment 4)
When candidates first start carrying out Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), one of the biggest challenges can be determining the correct coding of observations.
The NAPIT EICR Codebreaker is a useful reference guide, click the link here for a quick purchase that provides practical examples of common observations and explains how they are typically classified under current guidance.
Benefits include:
Understanding C1, C2, C3 and FI classifications
Reviewing real-world inspection scenarios
Building confidence when completing EICRs
Supporting understanding of periodic inspection requirements
Useful reference material after completing the 2391-52 qualification
A Practical Revision Kit for Adult Learners
Many experienced electricians haven't sat an exam for years.
Creating a simple revision kit can surprisingly improve confidence and organisation.
We recommend:
Scientific calculator
Highlighters
Sticky tabs
Notebook
Pens and pencils
A4 folder
Printed test sequence sheets have look here for free copies
Flashcards for common calculations
These items are inexpensive but can make revision sessions significantly more productive.
Which Books Can Be Used During the 2391-52 Assessments?
One of the questions we hear regularly is:
"Is the 2391-52 exam open book?"
Some elements of the qualification allow candidates to reference approved publications, while other assessments are designed to test knowledge without relying entirely on reference material.
Because assessment methods can change over time, candidates should always check the latest qualification guidance and information provided by their training provider before attending.
To help you understand this in more detail, we've created a separate guide:
Is the 2391-52 Exam Open Book?
This article explains:
Which assessments allow reference materials
How to prepare your books effectively
Common mistakes candidates make during open-book exams
How to quickly navigate BS 7671 and Guidance Note 3
Final Thoughts
Success in the 2391-52 qualification is rarely about owning dozens of textbooks.
Most successful candidates focus on becoming familiar with a small number of key publications and understanding how to use them efficiently.
For most electricians, the essential resources are:
BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
Guidance Note 3 Inspection & Testing
IET On-Site Guide
Napit code breakers
Combined with practical experience and structured revision, these publications provide an excellent foundation for achieving the City & Guilds 2391-52 qualification. For a quick link to purchase all four books have a look here.
Related Articles
2391-50 vs 2391-51 vs 2391-52: What’s the Difference?
City & Guilds 2391-52 Inspection & Testing Course: The Complete Guide for Electricians