The City & Guilds 2391 family of qualifications covers inspection and testing of electrical installations. If you want to inspect, test, and certify electrical work in the UK, you need one of these qualifications. But which one is right for you?
The Three 2391 Qualifications
2391-50: Combined Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection
This is the most popular and comprehensive option. It covers both:
- Initial verification — testing new installations before they are energised
- Periodic inspection — testing existing installations to check ongoing safety
The 2391-50 qualifies you to issue both Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs) and Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs).
Duration: Typically 2-3 weeks full-time Assessment: Written exam + practical assessment Best for: Electricians who want complete inspection and testing capability
2391-51: Periodic Inspection and Testing Only
This qualification focuses solely on periodic inspection — testing installations that are already in service. It does not cover initial verification of new work.
Duration: Typically 1-2 weeks Assessment: Written exam + practical assessment Best for: Electricians who only need to carry out periodic inspections (EICRs), not certify new installations
2391-52: Level 3 Inspection and Testing (Blended Learning)
The 2391-52 is a newer qualification that covers the same ground as the 2391-50 but uses a blended learning approach. It combines online self-study with practical assessment sessions.
Duration: Typically 4-8 weeks (flexible online study + assessment days) Assessment: Online exams + practical assessment Best for: Working electricians who need flexibility and cannot attend full-time classroom courses
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 2391-50 | 2391-51 | 2391-52 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Verification | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Periodic Inspection | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Issue EICs | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Issue EICRs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Delivery | Classroom | Classroom | Blended/Online |
| Duration | 2-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 4-8 weeks flexible |
| Exam Format | Written + practical | Written + practical | Online + practical |
What You Learn
Regardless of which 2391 variant you choose, the core skills are the same:
- Safe isolation procedures — essential before any testing work
- Visual inspection techniques — identifying defects without instruments
- Dead testing — continuity, insulation resistance, polarity checks
- Live testing — earth fault loop impedance, RCD operation, prospective fault current
- Documentation — completing EICs, EICRs, and schedules of test results
- Regulation compliance — applying BS 7671 requirements to real-world scenarios
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the 2391-50 if:
- You are building a complete skillset
- You want to certify both new and existing installations
- You can attend classroom training full-time
- You are working towards NAPIT or NICEIC membership
Choose the 2391-51 if:
- You only need to carry out periodic inspections
- You already have initial verification skills from another route
- You want a shorter, more focused course
Choose the 2391-52 if:
- You are currently working and need flexible study hours
- You prefer self-paced online learning combined with practical sessions
- You want the same scope as the 2391-50 but with a blended delivery
Why Inspection & Testing Matters
Without a 2391 qualification, you cannot:
- Issue Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs) for new work
- Issue Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
- Join most competent person schemes (NAPIT, NICEIC)
- Self-certify notifiable work under Part P
For any electrician planning to work independently or run their own business, this qualification is non-negotiable.
Next Steps
A free consultation with a course advisor can help you decide which 2391 qualification best fits your experience, schedule, and career goals.