Question 1

What is the NVQ 2346 and how does it lead to a Gold Card?

Accepted Answer

The City & Guilds 2346 NVQ Level 3 is the work-based portfolio qualification for electricians with 5+ years of verifiable experience. There is no classroom attendance - you build a portfolio of evidence from your day-to-day electrical work, assessed by a qualified assessor through site visits, professional discussion, and observations. After passing the NVQ you sit AM2/AM2S (booked separately) and apply to the JIB for your Gold Card.

Question 2

What counts as 5+ years of experience?

Accepted Answer

You need a minimum of 5 years verifiable on-site experience in electrical installation work - domestic, commercial, industrial, or a mix. Verification typically requires employer references, CSCS records, payroll history, or self-employed accounting evidence. We can help advise during a free pre-enrolment review whether your background qualifies for the experienced-worker route or whether the standard NVQ 2357 fits better.

Question 3

How long does the NVQ 2346 take?

Accepted Answer

Typically 6-12 months from enrolment to certification. As an experienced worker with 5+ years, you can lean heavily on existing competence to compress the timeline. If you already hold 2391 Inspection & Testing and current 18th Edition, completion at the lower end (~6 months) is realistic. Pace is mostly driven by workplace evidence availability.

Question 4

Is the AM2 assessment included in the £1,539 fee?

Accepted Answer

No. AM2 (or AM2S for installation electricians) is the end-point practical assessment of competence sat at an external assessment centre after the NVQ - typically JTL, NET, or BPEC. The AM2/AM2S fee is paid directly to the assessment centre (around £700-£900) and is not included in the NVQ fee. We provide AM2 preparation and revision support included in our service.

Question 5

What evidence do I need to build the portfolio?

Accepted Answer

Photographs of installation work, completion certificates (EICs, EICRs, Minor Works), method statements, drawings, RAMS, customer/employer sign-offs, and CPD records. Your assessor will guide what evidence maps to which NVQ unit - you do not need to know the unit map in advance. Most learners build the portfolio gradually from real jobs over 6-12 months.

Question 6

Are assessor site visits included and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

Yes - assessor site visits are included for workplaces within 15 miles of our Cheshunt centre. The assessor schedules visits around your work, observes you on live installations, and documents the observations against NVQ criteria. For sites further afield, a supplementary travel charge applies - we will confirm any additional costs before enrolment. The course also includes professional discussion sessions and document reviews remotely.

Question 7

What is the difference between NVQ 2346 and NVQ 2357?

Accepted Answer

Both are portfolio-based NVQs leading to Gold Card. NVQ 2346 (Experienced Worker, £1,539) is the route for electricians with 5+ years of verifiable on-site experience. NVQ 2357 (Standard, £1,749) is for electricians with under 5 years experience who hold Level 2/3 2365 + 18th Edition + 2391 - typically apprenticeship-style learners. We will recommend the right route during your free pre-enrolment review.

Question 8

Do I need to leave my job?

Accepted Answer

No - the NVQ is entirely work-based. You continue paid electrical work throughout and your assessor visits the workplace to observe competence. There is no classroom attendance, no time off required for module days. Most learners build the portfolio over 6-12 months without any pause in employment.

Question 9

What if I don't pass an assessment element?

Accepted Answer

You can re-attempt any assessment element you do not initially pass. Your assessor provides detailed feedback covering exactly what evidence is missing or what aspect of competence needs strengthening, then schedules a follow-up. Most learners pass each element first time once the portfolio evidence is complete - re-attempts are usually because of evidence gaps rather than skill gaps.

Question 10

How much will I earn after the NVQ and Gold Card?

Accepted Answer

Adding the Gold Card to your existing 5+ years of experience typically lifts earnings by £5,000-£15,000 immediately because Gold-Card-only commercial contracts become accessible. Most NVQ 2346 graduates move into £35,000-£48,000 employed roles or £55,000+ self-employed within 3-6 months of Gold Card application. See our Electrician Salary UK 2026 guide for full salary tables.

Feature	NVQ 2346 (Experienced)★ RecommendedView course →	NVQ 2357 (Standard)View course →
Experience Required	5+ Years	Under 5 Years
Classroom Required	✗	✗
Portfolio-Based	✓	✓
Duration	6–12 Months	6–18 Months
Assessment Method	On-site	On-site
Routes to Gold Card	✓	✓

Beginner

Improver

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Corporate Training

City & Guilds 2346 Experienced Worker NVQ Level 3 — Experienced worker NVQ route for electricians with 5+ years experience.

City & Guilds 2346 Experienced Worker NVQ Level 3

Who Is This Route For?

Requirements

Eligibility & Requirements

5+ Years Experience

Not for Beginners

Mandatory Skills Scan

The Roadmap to Qualified Status

Route Comparison

How It Works

On-site Portfolio

Assessor Visits

What You'll Learn

Initial Assessor Review & Induction

Professional Discussion

Workplace Observation

Evidence Portfolio

Internal Verification & Certification

Where Can This Lead?

ECS Gold Card

NVQ 2357 (under 5 years experience)

EV Charging (2921) NVQ

Solar PV (2922) NVQ

Successful Students

Frequently Asked Questions

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