2391 inspection and testing qualification explained

What are the three 2391 options?

City & Guilds splits inspection and testing into three Level 3 Awards. The 2391-50 covers initial verification, which means testing and certifying new work. It suits electricians who may never need to report on existing installations. The 2391-51 covers periodic inspection, where you report on the condition of an existing installation through an EICR. It is aimed at people who already hold an initial verification qualification, often from their apprenticeship.

The 2391-52 combines both in one award. City & Guilds aims it at experienced electricians who have never held a formal inspection and testing qualification, or who want to refresh. You can take the 2391-50 and 2391-51 in stages or do the 2391-52 in one go. City & Guilds lists a last certification date of 31 August 2031 for the 2391-52.

What does the exam involve?

Every route has two parts: an online multiple-choice test and a practical assignment. For the 2391-52, the test has 60 questions over 120 minutes. It is open book and invigilated, and graded pass or fail. Over half the questions cover the testing requirements. The rest cover inspection, safety management and the general rules for inspection and testing.

The separate 2391-50 and 2391-51 tests each run for 90 minutes. The initial verification paper has 40 questions. The practical assignment means inspecting and testing a simulated installation, then filling in the certificate or report. Training providers ask you to bring calibrated test instruments, BS 7671 and Guidance Note 3. NAPIT runs the combined course over five days, with assessments on the last two days.

What is the EAL equivalent?

EAL's version is the Level 3 Award in Electrical Installation Inspection, Testing, Certification and Reporting, qualification number 603/2625/6. Like the 2391-52, it is a combined award covering initial verification and periodic inspection of single-phase and three-phase low voltage installations. Ofqual lists 45 guided learning hours and assessment by multiple-choice exam plus practical. It is graded pass or fail. EAL lists a price of £89. Unlike City & Guilds, EAL says the award suits learners aged 16 to 18 as well as adults.

What does it let you do at work?

The certificate is not a licence on its own. It counts as the inspection and testing qualification that competent person schemes look for. Under the current Electrotechnical Assessment Specification, as NICEIC explains it, anyone doing or responsible for periodic inspection needs an acceptable qualification such as the 2391-51 or 2391-52. They also need at least two years' periodic inspection experience and ongoing CPD. Trainees can still carry out EICR work under close supervision while they build that experience. Many electricians take the 2391 so they can become the qualified supervisor for a NICEIC or NAPIT registered business. It also leads on to the City & Guilds Level 4 design and verification award, the 2396.

Pay

United Kingdom

£33,100–51,300

London

£36,200–56,100

South East

£34,600–53,600

Scotland

£34,600–53,600

North West

£32,000–49,600

Wales

£31,000–48,100

GBP a year, before tax. Figures run from the 25th to the 75th percentile. They are based on ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, April 2026 (provisional), adjusted to 2026 with a wage index, and the regional figures are modelled. Pay depends more on whether you run EICR work yourself, sign as qualified supervisor or work on commercial sites than on the certificate itself. Refer to the Testing & Inspection salary guide for figures from live adverts.

What you need

Age 18 or overCity & Guilds will not register anyone under 18 for the 2391 awards.
Level 3 electrotechnical qualificationCity & Guilds expects candidates to already hold a relevant Level 3 electrotechnical qualification or similar. The award is not meant for people new to the industry.
Real site experienceCentres must assess you before enrolment to check you have the skills and experience to inspect and test safely. Providers expect you to know how to use your own test instruments.
Prior initial verification for 2391-51NAPIT asks candidates for the standalone periodic course to hold the 2391-50 or an equivalent first.
Kit and booksBring a calibrated multifunction tester, safe isolation equipment, BS 7671, the On-Site Guide and Guidance Note 3, as the test is open book.

How to get there

Years 1-4Qualify at Level 3Complete a Level 3 electrotechnical qualification, usually through an apprenticeship.
OngoingBuild testing experienceTest and certify your own work on site so you are confident with test instruments and sequences.
After qualifyingTake 2391-50 or 2391-52Do initial verification on its own, or the combined award if you want both at once.
When readyAdd 2391-51 if neededTake the periodic inspection award if you only hold initial verification and want to write EICRs.
2 yearsLog two years of EICR workUnder the EAS, you need this experience and ongoing CPD before you can do or oversee periodic work for a scheme member.
Later careerQualified supervisor or 2396Act as qualified supervisor for a scheme-registered business, or move on to the Level 4 design and verification award.

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Questions people ask

Should I take the 2391-52 or the 2391-50 and 2391-51 separately?

The 2391-52 covers both initial verification and periodic inspection in one award. It is aimed at experienced electricians with no formal inspection qualification. If you already hold initial verification from your apprenticeship, the 2391-51 on its own fills the gap.

Can an apprentice or new starter take the 2391?

Not with City & Guilds. Its handbooks say the award must not be taken by people new to the industry, and nobody under 18 can register. You are expected to hold a relevant Level 3 electrotechnical qualification first.

How long is the 2391-52 exam?

The online multiple-choice test has 60 questions over 120 minutes. It is open book and invigilated, and graded pass or fail. You must also pass a practical assignment.

Does the 2391 let me sign off EICRs straight away?

It is one part of what you need. Under the current EAS, people doing periodic inspection for a scheme member also need at least two years of periodic inspection experience and ongoing CPD. Until then, you can do the work under close supervision.

Is the EAL inspection and testing award accepted instead of the 2391?

NICEIC's list of acceptable periodic inspection qualifications includes EAL's 603/2625/6 award alongside City & Guilds 2391-52. Both are combined Level 3 Awards covering initial and periodic inspection.

What is the 2391 inspection and testing qualification?