Does PAT testing require qualifications?
Sarah Duran
Updated on February 27, 2026
Does PAT testing require qualifications?
No specific qualifications are required, the regulations only require the testing to be done by a competent person. The definition of a competent person in the regulations is – “A person possessing sufficient technical knowledge or experience to be capable of ensuring that injury is prevented”.
Do you need to be a qualified electrician to do PAT testing?
The majority of electricians are qualified PAT testers, with many specialising in certain types of industry testing. However, you do not have to be an electrician to qualify as a PAT tester, meaning that anyone can train, learn and carry out PAT tests legally if they are capable.
Can I do a PAT testing course online?
Start the course. Our free online course will teach you the fundamentals of PAT testing, providing you with sufficient information and guidance to conduct testing in your own organisation.
How do I get a pat test certificate?
To get your certificate simply sit the online examination and on successful completion you will be awarded the certificate. The certificate will open on your screen and you can print it from your own computer.
How long does a pat certificate last?
The intervals between test is normally 12months but can be between 6 to 24 months dependent on the environment. We normally put a 12 month annual Re-Test Date.
Can you make a living PAT testing?
Simple answer – yes you can! Whilst it is true that PAT testing is not the ‘licence to print money’ that it was in the 1990’s, there is still plenty of work out there if you are prepared to work hard. You need to put in some legwork to get the work, and once you have it, you have to do it properly.
How long does it take to become a PAT tester?
This is a Theory based PAT Training Course which focuses on the IET Code of Practice. It is a two day training course.
How much do PAT testers earn UK?
The average Pat tester salary is £28,626. This is 15.9% below the national average advertised salary of £34,037. Most Pat tester job ads are for Engineering Jobs and Trade & Construction Jobs….Highest Paying Areas for Pat tester, UK.
| Area | East Sussex |
|---|---|
| YoY Salary Change | -2.0% |
| Average salary | £31,594 |
| Vacancies | 48 |
Can I PAT test myself?
In theory, yes, you can PAT test without a qualification. Guidance says you have to be ‘competent’ to test electrical equipment, not that you have to be qualified. The Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association say that you should undergo thorough training by a competent person in order to become competent yourself.
How long does it take to get a pat certificate?
We say on average it takes one to two minutes to do a PAT test; around 20 to 30 items in an hour is a good working rate. Good enough to do a good job, spot any faults and repair them. So based on that, it’ll take about 3.5 hours to do 100 items; although in some environments we could do a lot more.
How many PAT tests a day?
A qualified and experienced PAT tester can test properly on average 150 items per day in an industrial setting and up to 300 items per day in an office setting. Of course this is largely dependant on access to rooms and the equipment.
How important is Pat Testing?
PAT ensures that these portable appliances are safe for the business to use. It ensures that there’s little chance of accidental injury due to faulty electronics, reducing the risk to the user and other business personnel.
What is niceniceic certification?
NICEIC Certification is a leading Certification Body accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17024 (Personnel Certification).
Why choose numniceic electrical training?
NICEIC Electrical Training provides a range of electrical courses delivered by experienced teaching staff. In addition to our classroom based courses, we offer a range of e-learning solutions, making training even more accessible to you and your business. To view all our courses, please click here.
Why choose NICEIC for your virtual classroom training?
NICEIC have launched Virtual Classroom Training Courses allowing you to learn from the comfort of your own home, office or van using compatible devices. Wide range of electrical courses delivered by industry experts We help to get you ready for the 18th Edition changes.
