City & Guilds 2377 qualification

Overview

There are no qualifications required prior to undertaking PAT testing. There are many training courses designed to bring delegates up to the required standard of competence for carrying this out.

The City & Guilds 2377 qualification is required by some organisations before staff are allowed to carry out PAT testing. Achieving this qualification shows a sound working knowledge of the IEE Code of Practice. The "IEE Code of Practice for in-service inspection and testing of Electrical Equipment" sets the industry standard on how to carry out PAT testing in the workplace. 

This qualification is awarded on successful completion of an on-line multiple choice test. There are many organisations around the UK which offer City and Guilds 2377 training courses. Following the course the delegates can take the test at these approved centres. Delegates are allowed to refer to the IEE Code of Practice during the test.

Study resources for preparing for the test.

1.   Book by the IET with sample papers with answers.  This book is preiced at £13.75 on Amazon.

2.   CD with C&G2377 exam simulator from Electacourse. This is £35.97 including VAT for the CD. The download version is priced at £27.70.

3.   Free C&G2377-200 practice test from First Stop Safety. This is being trialled at present and is being offered FREE for the first 10 requests in from candidates.

The C&G2377 consists of C&G 2377-100 and C&G 2377-200

City and Guilds 2377 - 100 - Management of Electrical Equipment Maintenance: This is a recommended qualification for anyone who is responsible for inspection and testing. It covers the interpretation of the relevant legislation, assessing the risks, maintenance of records and working out the rquired period for retesting.

City and Guilds 2377 - 200 - Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment: This covers areas such as identifying class and type of appliances, being aware of the typical cuses of damage and working out appropriate test methods.

Shortcomings of the C&G2377

Although passing the City and Guilds 2377 exam shows a good understanding of the IEE Code of Practice, there is no practical element to this qualification. Anyone obtaining this Certificate would still need to consider a hands-on session of testing where a number of appliances with various faults are available. This could be achieved by attending a training course or undergoing an in-house training program with a more experienced member of staff.

The other shortcoming of the C&G2377 is that it unnecessarily complicates the business of maintaining electrical appliances in the workplace. In the main, this is a fairly straightforward task, capable of being carried out by a number of people. The majority of faults can in fact be picked up by a good visual inspection including checking the inside of the plug and the fuse. By making this qualification a test of the contents of the IEE code of practice, it covers the whole subject in unnecessary jargon and prevents wider participation in ensuring electrical safety in the workplace.

Summary

Many national PAT testing organsiations insist on the C&G2377 qualification for anyone carrying out PAT testing. This blog is a review of this qualification with tips on how to prepare for the on-line test.