Question 1

What is the NVQ 2357 and how does it lead to a Gold Card?

Accepted Answer

The City & Guilds 2357 NVQ Level 3 is the standard work-based portfolio qualification for electricians with under 5 years of experience. You build a portfolio of evidence from your day-to-day electrical work, assessed by a qualified LTS assessor through workplace visits, professional discussion, and observations. After passing the NVQ you sit AM2/AM2S (booked separately, ~£700-£900) and apply to the JIB for your Gold Card.

Question 2

What is the difference between NVQ 2346 and NVQ 2357?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Do I need to be employed throughout the NVQ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NVQ 2357 is entirely work-based - assessments are conducted on your live electrical work projects. You must be currently employed in the electrical industry (or self-employed with active jobs) so your assessor can observe real installations. If you are between jobs, contact us about pausing the assessment cycle.

Question 4

What classroom qualifications must I hold first?

Accepted Answer

You need: City & Guilds Level 2 2365 Diploma (or equivalent), City & Guilds Level 3 2365 Diploma (or equivalent), current 18th Edition (BS 7671:2018+A4:2026), and a current Inspection & Testing qualification (2391-50 or 2391-52). The 2357 builds on the classroom foundation that the 2346 (Experienced Worker route) can bypass.

Question 5

How long does the NVQ 2357 take?

Accepted Answer

Typically 6-18 months from enrolment to certification. Pace depends on workplace evidence availability, the breadth of installation work you cover, and how quickly your employer schedules variety into your work. Electricians on busy mixed-installation contracts often complete at the lower end (6-9 months); those on narrower work types take longer.

Question 6

What evidence goes into 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 covering the NVQ unit map. Your assessor guides what evidence maps to which unit - you do not need to know the unit map in advance. Most learners build the portfolio gradually from real jobs.

Question 7

Are assessor site visits included and what is the travel policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes - assessor visits are included for workplaces within 15 miles of our Cheshunt centre. The assessor schedules visits around your work and observes real installations. For sites further afield, a supplementary travel charge applies - we will confirm any additional costs before enrolment. Professional discussion and document review can also happen remotely between site visits.

Question 8

Is the AM2 / AM2S assessment included in the £1,749 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 9

What if my employer cannot provide enough variety of work?

Accepted Answer

Speak to us early. Some NVQ candidates supplement employer evidence with second-job arrangements, friend-of-friend installs (with proper documentation), or short stints on different employer projects. We can also pause your enrolment if your employment situation changes mid-NVQ. The portfolio is built over months, so episodic gaps are absorbable.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Newly Gold-Card-qualified electricians (0-2 years post-AM2S) typically earn £30,000-£36,000 employed in the UK in 2026, rising to £35,000-£44,000 in years 3-5. Self-employed day rates start around £150-£220 immediately post-Gold-Card and rise to £220-£300 with 3-5 years post-Gold-Card experience. See our Electrician Salary UK 2026 guide for full salary tables.

Feature	NVQ 2346 (Experienced)View course →	NVQ 2357 (Standard)★ RecommendedView 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	✓	✓

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Corporate Training

City & Guilds 2357 NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation — Standard work-based NVQ route for electricians with under 5 years experience.

City & Guilds 2357 NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation

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

Workplace Evidence Portfolio

Assessor Observations

Professional Discussion

Where Can This Lead?

ECS Gold Card

NVQ 2346 (5+ years experience)

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Successful Students

Frequently Asked Questions

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