A Comprehensive Guide to the City & Guilds 2391-52 Inspection and Testing Course

The City and Guilds 2391-52 is a combined qualification that covers both initial verification of new installations and periodic inspection and testing of existing ones. It is one of the most comprehensive inspection and testing qualifications available and is highly regarded by employers across the UK electrical industry.

What Makes the 2391-52 Different?

The 2391 family of qualifications comes in several variants, each designed for different levels of experience and different scopes of work:

• 2391-50 focuses on initial verification of new electrical installations
• 2391-51 focuses on periodic inspection and testing of existing installations
• 2391-52 combines both initial verification and periodic inspection into a single, broader qualification

The 2391-52 is the most comprehensive option, giving you the competence and certification to carry out both types of inspection and testing work. For electricians who want to offer a complete service to clients, this is often the preferred choice.

Course Content

The 2391-52 covers a wide range of inspection and testing topics, structured to build both theoretical knowledge and practical competence:

• Legal and regulatory framework including the Electricity at Work Regulations, BS 7671, and relevant guidance notes
• Initial verification procedures for new installations, including the required sequence of tests
• Periodic inspection requirements including how to determine appropriate inspection intervals and scope
• Test instruments and their use including multifunction testers, insulation resistance testers, loop impedance testers, and RCD testers
• Continuity testing of protective conductors, ring final circuits, and bonding connections
• Insulation resistance testing at appropriate test voltages with correct interpretation of results
• Earth fault loop impedance testing and its relationship to protective device operation
• RCD testing including trip time measurements at various test currents
• Prospective fault current measurement and its implications for equipment ratings
• Documentation and certification including the correct completion of electrical installation certificates, minor works certificates, and condition reports

Assessment Structure

The 2391-52 assessment typically includes both written and practical components:

• Written examination testing your theoretical knowledge of inspection and testing procedures, regulations, and documentation requirements
• Practical assessment where you carry out actual inspection and testing on real or simulated installations, demonstrating correct use of instruments and proper documentation
• Online assessment covering additional knowledge areas and scenario-based questions

The combination of written and practical assessment ensures that successful candidates can both understand the principles and apply them in practice.

Prerequisites

Before enrolling on the 2391-52, you should ideally hold:

• The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification (City and Guilds 2382)
• A relevant electrical installation qualification such as the Level 3 2365
• Practical experience of electrical installation work

While not all training providers enforce strict prerequisites, having these qualifications ensures you have the foundation needed to engage with the course content effectively. Attempting the 2391-52 without adequate background knowledge significantly increases the risk of failing the assessment.

Career Benefits

Holding the 2391-52 qualification opens several career doors:

• EICR work conducting Electrical Installation Condition Reports for landlords, property managers, and homeowners
• New installation certification signing off your own work or the work of others
• Compliance verification ensuring installations meet the requirements of BS 7671 and Part P
• Enhanced employability as many employers require inspection and testing qualifications for senior roles
• Higher earning potential as inspection and testing work typically commands higher rates than installation alone

Study Tips for Success

The 2391-52 has a reputation for being one of the more challenging qualifications in the electrical sector. Successful preparation includes:

• Study BS 7671 thoroughly, with particular attention to Part 6 (Inspection and Testing)
• Read IET Guidance Note 3, which provides detailed guidance on inspection and testing procedures
• Practise using test instruments regularly to build speed and confidence
• Complete as many mock exams as possible under timed conditions
• Attend all course sessions and take detailed notes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the 2391-52 course take? The course typically runs over two to three weeks, with a combination of classroom theory, practical workshops, and assessment days. Some providers offer flexible scheduling over a longer period.

Is the 2391-52 harder than the 2391-50 or 2391-51? The 2391-52 covers a broader scope, as it includes both initial verification and periodic inspection. This means there is more content to master, but it also means you only need to take one course and one set of assessments rather than two.

Can I take the 2391-52 if I only have the Level 2 2365? While it may be technically possible to enrol with only the Level 2, it is strongly recommended that you complete the Level 3 and 18th Edition before attempting the 2391-52. The course assumes a solid understanding of electrical installation principles that the Level 2 alone may not provide.