Inspection & Testing
Electrical Verification.

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.

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.

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.

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. After successfully completing the theory exam stage, expect a full practical assessment day in centre for the hands-on assessment element. We run mock practicals during the course so you arrive at the real exams already familiar with the test rig.

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.

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.