PAT Testing Course
Learn how to carry out Portable Appliance Testing in this practical, one-day certificated training course. Held at locations across the UK or in your own premises.
PAT Testing Course
Learn how to carry out Portable Appliance Testing safely, correctly and with confidence on our practical one-day PAT Testing course.
Whether you need to test equipment within your own organisation or you're planning to offer PAT Testing as a professional service, this hands-on course will provide the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to become a competent PAT tester.
Why Choose PAT Testing Expert?
PAT Testing courses are not all the same!
Our training is led by Tim James, who has been involved in Portable Appliance Testing since 1986 and was a member of the IET committee responsible for updating the current Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
Unlike many courses that focus heavily on theory, our PAT Testing course combines essential knowledge with practical hands-on experience, helping you understand not only how to carry out the tests, but also why they are performed and how to interpret the results correctly.
What Makes Our PAT Testing Course Different?
• Nearly 40 years of practical PAT Testing experience
• Training based on the latest IET Code of Practice and current British Standards including BS EN 50678 and BS EN 50699
• Small group sizes with plenty of opportunities for practical testing
• Suitable for complete beginners and those with existing electrical experience
• Free PAT Testing handbook, equipment register templates and supporting materials - no need to purchase additional expensive text books
• Ongoing support after the course has finished
• Unbiased advice on PAT Testing equipment with no hard selling
• Quality hotel venues throughout the UK with lunch and refreshments included
• Certificate of Competence issued upon successful completion
No Death by PowerPoint!
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require electrical equipment to be maintained in a safe condition. Although PAT Testing itself is not specifically required by law, it remains one of the most widely used methods of demonstrating that equipment is being inspected and maintained appropriately.
There is a lot of conflicting information online about PAT Testing. Our aim is to explain what you actually need to know in a clear and practical way, without overwhelming you with unnecessary technical detail.
By the end of the course you will understand how to inspect, test and record electrical equipment safely and competently, giving you the confidence to carry out PAT Testing within your workplace or for your own customers.
Thousands of delegates from businesses, schools, charities, local authorities, churches, landlords, entertainment companies and electrical contractors have attended our PAT Testing courses throughout the UK.
Browse the course dates below to find a venue near you.
Our PAT-Testing-course has been designed to teach you everything you need to know, to carry out PAT Testing in your own workplace, or to offer a PAT Testing service to your customers. Please phone us on 01482 738826 or click on the course dates page, for details of your nearest local PAT Testing Course.
Upcoming Courses
Read What Others Say About Our Courses
Tim is very knowledgeable and goes into great detail. He has more than one way of explaining things if it is needed.”
Hull Course
Best training course I've been on - Venue, presentation, Organisation. 10 out of 10. Excellent!”
Gateshead Course
One of the best courses I have ever been on - great content - I have learnt so much and I now feel confident to PAT for my charity - Walking with the Wounded.”
Norwich - Jan 2020
Who Should Attend This PAT Testing Course?
Our PAT Testing course is suitable for anyone responsible for electrical equipment safety, including:
• Facilities managers
• Maintenance staff
• Health and safety personnel
• Landlords and letting agents
• School and college staff
• Charity and church volunteers
• Electricians
• DJs, musicians and entertainers
• Tradespeople
• Small business owners
• Anyone looking to start a PAT Testing business
No previous PAT Testing experience is required and you do not need to be a qualified electrician to attend.
What Will You Learn?
This practical one-day PAT Testing course covers:
• The legal requirements relating to electrical equipment safety
• Formal visual inspections
• Earth continuity testing
• Insulation resistance testing
• Alternative leakage testing
• Extension lead testing
• Record keeping and equipment registers
• Risk assessment and retest frequencies
• Common faults and defects
• Selecting suitable PAT Testing equipment
The emphasis throughout the course is on practical competence rather than simply passing an examination.
Can I Start a PAT Testing Business?
Many delegates attend our PAT Testing course because they want to offer PAT Testing as a service to customers.
PAT Testing can be a useful additional service for electricians, facilities companies and maintenance contractors, while some delegates go on to establish dedicated PAT Testing businesses.
As well as learning how to carry out testing safely and competently, you'll receive practical guidance on selecting suitable equipment, maintaining records and avoiding some of the common mistakes made by new PAT testers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?
PAT Testing itself is not specifically required by law. However, employers, landlords and others have legal duties to ensure electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition. PAT Testing remains one of the most widely used methods of demonstrating that electrical equipment has been inspected and maintained appropriately.
Do I Need a Qualification to Carry Out PAT Testing?
There is no legally required PAT Testing qualification and there is no government body that licences PAT testers. What matters is competence. A practical competency-based training course is one of the most effective ways of demonstrating that you have received suitable training and understand how to carry out the work correctly.
Is It Hard to Become a PAT Tester?
Not at all. Most delegates are surprised by how straightforward PAT Testing becomes once the process is explained properly. The actual testing procedures are relatively simple once you understand the principles and have had the opportunity to practise them.
Can You Carry Out PAT Testing Without Being an Electrician?
Yes. Many PAT testers have no background in electrical installation work. While electricians often attend PAT Testing courses to expand their services, the majority of people carrying out PAT Testing are not qualified electricians. The key requirement is that you are competent to carry out the work safely and correctly.
Has PAT Testing Changed Its Name?
No. PAT Testing remains a widely recognised and commonly used term throughout the UK. Some organisations use broader terms such as Electrical Equipment Testing (EET), particularly where both portable and fixed appliances are included. However, PAT Testing continues to be the term most people use when referring to the inspection and testing of equipment connected via a plug and socket.
For more answers, please visit our PAT Testing Course FAQ page.