Which qualifications do I need??

Softlad · Mar 9, 2012

Hi people, just looking for a bit of help really.

I have always been interested in electronics and actually trained as an electromechanical engineer when I left school, I gained an NVQ level 2 in electrical & mechanical engineering but got layed off before I could complete any more qualifications. I havn't done any training since then. My current employer has asked me if I would like to continue my training to the stage where I could do any additions or modifications to the electrics in our office. He would also like me to be able to certify mine and other peoples work, in other words he wants me to be able to carry out the yearly inspections on the electrics in our building.

From looking round forums and on the City & Guilds website I am thinking that the qualification that I need to be able to do this is C&G 2391. Am I right in thinking this? I am currently working towards my BTEC Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Electrical Installation, I believe this is the equivilant to the C&G 2330. Could anyone advise me on what other qualifications (if any) I would need before going in for my C&G 2391?

Any help or advice from you guys would be greatly appriciated.

Andy 7671 · Mar 9, 2012

Hey softlad, ever heard of Echo and the Bunnymen...?

Seriusly now...maybe 17th edition...?

Softlad · Mar 9, 2012

Echo and the bunnymen??

I thought of the 17th edition, I know there are courses out there to teach these regs but is that a must? Could I not get the regs and revise them myself or would I need a certificate to say I know and understand them?

Infamous · Mar 12, 2012

There is no exact specification as to what qualifications are required for electrical installation work. You can however prove competence by holding valid qualifications. Ideally you want the 17th edition full update certificate(C+G 2382) and the 2391-10 to supplement your diploma. Most colleges won't allow you to sit the 2391-10 without proof of 17th edition. Plus it goes along way to proving competence as stated in BS7671. I would recomend you book yourself into a 17th edition course to the new amendment, it will be a 12 week night course jobby as the refreshers are no longer running. After that the 2391-10 or the new 2394/5 depending on what you can get enrolled onto in the next few months. Basically the 2391-10 testing course is eventually being split in two, into the 2394 and 2395 and you will need both of those quals to be the equivelent to 2391-10 qualified. (this doesnt mean the 2391 wont be valid)

If it isn't allready and you are able, try and get your current course to include a NVQ3 in electrical installation, site diary etc, (C+G 2356 i think it is off the top off my head) to satisfy the requirements for Electrician grade from the ECS. Again, not a requirement but goes a way to prove competence.

Hope this helps,

Softlad · Mar 12, 2012

Thanks for that Infamous. I just wish I'd found this forum before spending hours trying to make sense of all the confusinng jargon spread across the internet!!

This really does help. Thanks again.