Question 1

What is the difference between 2391-50, 2391-51, and 2391-52?

Accepted Answer

2391-50 (Initial Verification) covers testing new installations and issuing Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs). 2391-51 (Periodic Inspection) covers inspecting existing installations and issuing EICRs — commonly called the 'electrical safety certificate' that landlords need. 2391-52 (Combined) merges both into a single 5-day qualification — it is the most popular and recommended route because it qualifies you for both new-build and existing-installation work.

Question 2

Does 2391-52 qualify me to issue the electrical safety certificate for landlords?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 'electrical safety certificate' that landlords are required to provide under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (ESPRS) is an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). Holding a current 2391-52 (or 2391-51) qualifies you to inspect rental installations, document defects with condition codes (C1/C2/C3/FI), and issue the EICR every 5 years as required.

Question 3

Do I need 18th Edition first?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A current 18th Edition (City & Guilds 2382-26 for BS 7671:2018+A4:2026) is required before you can enrol on any 2391 course. Inspection and testing work depends on a working knowledge of the current Wiring Regulations — 2391 builds directly on them. We run regular 18th Edition courses if you don't hold a current one.

Question 4

How is the 2391-52 assessed and what is the pass mark?

Accepted Answer

There are 3 assessments: a written theory paper (multiple-choice, open-book — BS 7671 permitted), an Initial Verification practical assessment, and a Periodic Inspection practical assessment. City & Guilds pass marks are typically 60% for the written paper; the practicals are competency-based. We run mock practicals during the course so you arrive at the real exams already familiar with the test rig.

Question 5

What are condition codes C1, C2, C3 and FI?

Accepted Answer

On an EICR you classify each observation: C1 (Danger present — immediate action required), C2 (Potentially dangerous — urgent remedial action), C3 (Improvement recommended — not dangerous but recommended upgrade), and FI (Further investigation required). C1 and C2 observations make the EICR an 'unsatisfactory' result. Correct coding is the single most-disputed part of inspection work and a major focus of the course.

Question 6

How does this compare to the online 2391-52?

Accepted Answer

The classroom 2391-52 (this course) includes hands-on practical assessments on live test rigs — required for the full qualification leading to certification. The online 2391-52 is a self-paced study aid (knowledge only) for revision or to bridge to a separate practical centre. If you need to actually inspect, test, and certify installations professionally, the classroom 2391-52 is the qualification employers and competent-person schemes recognise.

Question 7

Is 2391 required for NICEIC or NAPIT scheme membership?

Accepted Answer

NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, and STROMA approved contractor / certified installer schemes require demonstrable inspection & testing competence — 2391-52 is the standard route to evidence this on your scheme application. Some schemes accept equivalent qualifications (e.g. 2394/2395 legacy or in-house competency portfolios), but a current 2391 family qualification is the path of least friction.

Question 8

How much can I earn doing inspection and testing work?

Accepted Answer

Inspection & testing is one of the highest-earning electrical specialisms. As a self-employed inspector, EICRs typically charge £150–£300 for a domestic 3-bed property (around 2 hours work). Employed inspectors with a 2391 typically earn £35,000–£48,000 plus van and tools. The ESPRS landlord-EICR market and EV-charger commissioning have grown 2391-qualified workloads significantly since 2020.

Question 9

Are there practical sessions and how many learners per class?

Accepted Answer

Yes — three of the five days are heavily practical. We use real test rigs (dead and live) and full BS 7671 documentation packs. Maximum 16 learners per class with two qualified tutors so you get genuine hands-on time with multimeters, MFTs, and earth-loop testers.

Question 10

Can I take 2391-52 if I have not done 2391-50 or 2391-51 separately?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 2391-52 is the combined qualification, so you take it as a standalone course. You don't need 2391-50 or 2391-51 first; in fact most learners go straight to 2391-52 because it costs less than the two standalone qualifications combined.

Feature	2391-50 Initial onlyView course →	2391-51 Periodic onlyView course →	2391-52 Combined★ RecommendedView course →	2391-52 OnlineView course →
Initial Verification (EICs)	✓	✗	✓	✓
Periodic Inspection (EICRs)	✗	✓	✓	✓
Live practical assessments	✓	✓	✓	✗
Issue EICRs for landlords	✗	✓	✓	✓
Delivery	Classroom	Classroom	Classroom	Online
Duration	2 Days	3 Days	5 Days	Self-paced
Price	£619	£619	£1,099	£199

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City & Guilds 2391-52 Inspection & Testing Course — Combined initial verification and periodic inspection course for EICs and EICRs.

City & Guilds 2391-52 Inspection & Testing Course

Who Is This Route For?

Requirements

The Roadmap to Qualified Status

Upcoming Intake Dates

22nd June 2026

13th July 2026

24th August 2026

Choosing Your Route

Course Breakdown

What You Will Learn

Study Options

Entry Requirements

Curriculum

Where Can This Lead?

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18th Edition Wiring Regulations

Assessment & Exams

Written Theory Paper

Practical Assessment

Online Exam

Successful Students

Frequently Asked Questions

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