2382-26 vs 2382-22: What the New 18th Edition Exam Means for You

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

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

What LTS Offers

All courses are City & Guilds accredited and taught at our Cheshunt training centre. View 18th Edition course details and upcoming dates.

How to Prepare

• Check your current certificate -- if it says 2382-22, you have until October 2026 before the new standard becomes the only option
• Talk to your employer or scheme -- ask whether they require the 2382-26 exam code or accept an update course
• Book early -- demand for Amendment 4 courses will peak between April and October 2026 as the deadline approaches
• Read the complete Amendment 4 guide for full details on every technical change

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.