2382-26 vs 2382-22: What the New 18th Edition Exam Means for You
By LTS Training·
2382-26 vs 2382-22: What the New 18th Edition Exam Means for You
The City & Guilds 2382-26 is the new exam for the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, replacing the 2382-22 from October 2026. Both exams run in parallel for six months, giving you time to plan your transition.
Key Dates
Milestone
Date
Amendment 4 published (BS 7671:2018+A4:2026)
15 April 2026
2382-26 exam available
15 April 2026
Parallel period (both exams available)
15 April -- 15 October 2026
2382-22 withdrawn
16 October 2026
Only 2382-26 available
16 October 2026 onwards
What Changed Between 2382-22 and 2382-26
The 2382-26 exam covers everything in the 2382-22 plus the technical changes introduced by Amendment 4:
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) -- new Section 551 covering domestic and commercial battery installations
ICT and Data Network Earthing -- updated guidance on earthing arrangements for structured cabling and data networks
Power over Ethernet (PoE) -- new requirements for PoE installations, covering cable sizing and thermal management
Medical Locations -- revised Section 710 with updated requirements for Group 1 and Group 2 medical locations
Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) -- expanded guidance on where AFDDs are recommended or required
The exam format and pass mark remain the same. The additional content reflects the new sections and amendments in BS 7671:2018+A4:2026.
Who Needs to Take Action
If You Already Hold a 2382-22 Certificate
Your certificate remains valid. You do not need to resit. However:
Employers and competent person schemes (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA) may require you to demonstrate current knowledge of Amendment 4
Gold Card applicants will need Amendment 4 knowledge after October 2026
A one-day update course is the most efficient way to get current
If You Are Studying the 18th Edition for the First Time
Courses starting after 15 April 2026 at Learn Trade Skills include all Amendment 4 content
You will sit the 2382-26 exam, not the 2382-22
The course duration and price are the same -- three days at LTS
If You Are Currently Enrolled on a 2382-22 Course
Complete your course and exam before 15 October 2026
Your 2382-22 certificate will be valid
You can take the Amendment 4 update course later if needed
Last updated: 5 April 2026. Learn Trade Skills is a City & Guilds accredited training centre offering 18th Edition courses including Amendment 4 content. Book a free consultation to discuss your options.
Plan your electrician route
Keep the article helpful, then take the next step when you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2382-26 is the new City & Guilds exam code for the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), updated to include Amendment 4 content. It replaces the current 2382-22.
The 2382-22 is withdrawn on 16 October 2026. After this date, only the 2382-26 exam is available. Both exams run in parallel from 15 April to 15 October 2026.
Yes. Your 2382-22 certificate remains valid and does not expire. However, employers and competent person schemes may require you to demonstrate current Amendment 4 knowledge.
If you are studying the 18th Edition for the first time and your course starts after 15 April 2026, you will sit the 2382-26 exam. If you are currently enrolled on a 2382-22 course, you can complete it before October 2026.
Not necessarily. A one-day Amendment 4 update course is sufficient to bring your knowledge current. A full resit is only needed if your employer or scheme requires the new exam code on your certificate.
Find your pathway
Which route fits where you are right now?
Pick the pathway that matches your experience, or take the 60-sec quiz for a personalised recommendation.
