A school facilities manager has a problem. The electrical equipment log is two years out of date. The contracted tester retired last month. An Ofsted inspection is coming.
She searches online. She gets confused fast. One article says PAT testing is the law. Another says it is not. Some course listings are years old. None explain what the job looks like day to day or how much she can earn.
This guide gives her the answers. It covers the law, the right courses, the salary, and the career paths. Everything here draws from current UK legislation and the IET Code of Practice (5th Edition).
UK law says electrical equipment must stay safe. A competent person must carry out the testing. No specific qualification is legally required to meet that standard. Royal Open College offers online PAT testing courses that build the knowledge and competence you need. Salaries range from £22,000 to £36,000.
PAT testing checks portable electrical equipment for safety. The tester looks for faults that cause electric shock or fire. Since 2020, the industry expanded this scope and now calls it Electrical Equipment Testing (EET).
“Portable” means any equipment you plug in and move around. Power tools, laptops, extension leads, kitchen appliances, and handheld devices all count.
The testing process has two steps. First, the tester examines the appliance, cable, and plug for visible damage. Then, they run electrical checks using a PAT tester device.
The industry updated its qualification framework in 2020. The scope got wider. More equipment types fall under testing. The formal name shifted to Electrical Equipment Testing (EET). Most workplaces still say “PAT testing” and that works fine.
If you trained before 2020, check that your knowledge aligns with the current IET Code of Practice (5th Edition). Royal Open College’s courses cover the current standards in full.
UK law does not name PAT testing directly. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to keep electrical equipment safe. PAT testing is how most employers demonstrate they meet that duty.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognises PAT testing as the accepted way to prove compliance. The IET Code of Practice (5th Edition) backs this up. It gives guidance on how to test, how often to test, and how to record results.
The Code is guidance. It is not law. That distinction matters.
No legal rule requires you to put labels on appliances after testing. Most testers do it anyway. A label shows clients and inspectors that the appliance passed.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 carry serious penalties. Courts issue unlimited fines. They can also hand down up to two years in prison. Civil claims follow if someone gets hurt.
These penalties come from failing to keep equipment safe. They do not target the absence of PAT testing specifically. PAT testing is one way to show compliance. It is the most recognised way.
Anyone who qualifies as a competent person under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 can carry out PAT testing. The HSE describes this as someone with enough technical knowledge to stay safe when working near electrical equipment.
Competence is about ability. A competent tester knows the risks. They know what to check. They know when to stop.
This covers a wide range of people. Maintenance workers, office managers, landlords, school staff, and tradespeople all qualify if they hold the right knowledge.
Completing a course matters. It builds the knowledge employers and clients expect. It supports insurance cover. It gives you a written record of competence if anything ever goes wrong.
UK law does not require a named qualification for PAT testing. The legal standard is competence. Royal Open College offers three dedicated PAT testing courses that build exactly that.
The PAT – Portable Appliance Testing Training covers 43 modules. Over 3,200 students have completed it. It takes you through legislation, inspection, electrical testing, record-keeping, and reporting.
The PAT – Portable Appliance Testing Level 3 covers 38 modules. It suits those who want a higher-level credential and plan to take on supervisory responsibilities.
The Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) course gives a focused introduction to the field. It works as a starting point or a knowledge refresh.
All three courses are CPD-accredited, fully online, and self-paced. You earn a certificate on completion. That certificate shows employers and clients that you completed structured, recognised training.
New to PAT testing? Start with the PAT – Portable Appliance Testing Training. Its 43 modules cover every key area from scratch.
Moving into a supervisory or managerial role? Choose the Level 3 course. It gives a deeper knowledge base and a stronger credential.
Want a quick introduction or a refresher? The Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) course gets you up to speed without the longer commitment.
Becoming a PAT tester means completing a course, earning a certificate, and buying testing equipment. Royal Open College’s online courses let you do the training from anywhere at your own pace.
Step 1: Check your starting point No experience is required. Royal Open College’s courses are open to anyone aged 18 or over.
Step 2: Pick your course Choose from the PAT Training course (43 modules), the Level 3 course (38 modules), or the introductory PAT course. Each suits a different goal.
Step 3: Complete your training Study online at your own pace. The courses cover UK law, visual inspection, electrical testing, appliance classes, record-keeping, and reporting.
Step 4: Earn your certificate Pass your course and Royal Open College issues your CPD-accredited certificate. This goes into your professional development record and shows clients you are trained.
Step 5: Buy your equipment You need a PAT tester device, pass and fail labels, and a test record system. A basic paper log works. Dedicated software also works.
Step 6: Choose your career path Work in-house for one employer or go self-employed as a mobile tester. The sections below cover both paths.
Step 7: Keep learning The industry recommends refreshing your knowledge every three years. This is not a legal rule. It is good professional practice. Royal Open College’s courses count toward your ongoing CPD record.
A PAT tester checks appliances for faults, runs electrical tests, records every result, and writes a report for the client. The job demands focus and a methodical approach. You test large volumes of equipment on busy sites.
Every PAT test starts with a visual check. No equipment is needed. You examine the appliance, cable, and plug.
Look for cuts, burns, or worn patches on the cable. Check the plug for cracked casings, bent pins, or the wrong fuse. Inspect the appliance for cracks, dents, or signs of damage.
A failed visual means the appliance fails. No electrical tests are needed after that.
When an appliance passes the visual check, you run electrical tests.
Earth continuity testing checks the protective earth circuit. The resistance must stay below one ohm for Class I appliances. Insulation resistance testing detects current leaking between live parts and surfaces people can touch. Leakage current testing is an alternative method for some equipment types. Polarity checking confirms the plug is wired correctly.
You need a PAT tester device. Basic models pass or fail an appliance. Advanced models run a full test suite. Pick the model that fits the equipment types you test.
You also need pass and fail labels and a test record system. A paper log works. Software speeds up record-keeping on large sites.
NHS trusts and hospitals require high-volume, frequent testing. Schools test annually. Construction sites test 110-volt equipment every three months. Offices, shops, and hotels need regular checks. Facilities management companies run mobile testing across multiple commercial sites.
PAT tester salaries range from around £22,000 at entry level to £36,000 or more with experience. Location and employment type affect the figure. Self-employed mobile testers can earn more per day depending on client volume.
New testers in employed roles earn roughly £22,000 to £26,000. Experienced testers with three or more years in the field earn £28,000 to £36,000. London and the South East pay at the top of these ranges.
Self-employed day rates sit between £150 and £350. Volume, travel, and client type all push the figure up or down.
Earnings grow when you add related services. Electrical installation condition reports (EICR) and fire alarm testing raise revenue per client visit. NHS and commercial contracts pay more than small business or residential work.
Note: check current figures on Reed.co.uk and Indeed UK when you read this. Market rates change.
Two routes exist after you qualify. You can work in-house for a single employer. You can work self-employed as a mobile tester for multiple clients. Each path carries different rewards and different demands.
An in-house tester works as a permanent or contracted employee for one organisation. NHS trusts, schools, hotels, retailers, and facilities management companies hire testers this way.
The salary is stable. The employer supplies equipment. Hours stay consistent. Employee benefits apply. Financial risk stays low.
Many in-house testers progress into facilities management or health and safety compliance roles over time.
A mobile tester works independently across multiple clients. Earning potential exceeds most employed roles. Income varies more, especially in the first months of trading.
You register with HMRC. You manage your own tax, invoicing, and scheduling. You purchase your own equipment. Basic models cost around £300. Professional multi-function testers cost £1,500 or more.
Public liability and professional indemnity insurance are essential before you step onto any client premises. Most commercial clients check your insurance cover before they let you start.
Growth comes from adding services. EICR testing, fire alarm checks, and maintenance contracts all raise what you earn per client visit.
Yes. You need public liability insurance before working on any client premises. Most commercial clients require at least £5 million of cover. Professional indemnity insurance protects you if an error in your records or reports leads to a claim.
This covers third-party injury or property damage linked to your work. If a client challenges an appliance you passed, this insurance protects you financially. NHS, local authority, and facilities management clients require it before you step on site.
This covers claims of professional negligence. An error in your test records or a mistake in your written report could trigger a claim. Professional indemnity cover handles it.
Four pieces of legislation underpin PAT testing. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 carry the most weight. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER 1998, and MHSWR 1999 add to the framework. The IET Code of Practice (5th Edition) provides guidance. It is not law.
This is the main law for PAT testing. Regulation 4(2) requires employers to keep electrical equipment safe. This is why PAT testing exists. Every employer with electrical equipment must meet this duty.
This Act covers the general duty of care employers hold toward employees and anyone affected by their work. It forms the base of most UK workplace safety law.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations say work equipment must be fit for purpose, well maintained, and inspected regularly. Portable electrical equipment falls within this.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations require employers to carry out risk assessments and act on what they find. This shapes how often PAT testing takes place.
This is the primary guidance document for PAT testing. The HSE references it. Courts treat compliance with it as evidence of appropriate practice. It is not law, but following it protects you professionally.
Appliances fall into three classes. The class determines which tests apply.
Class I uses basic insulation plus an earth connection. It needs earth continuity and insulation resistance testing. Kettles, drills, and desktop computers are examples.
Class II uses double insulation with no earth connection. It needs insulation resistance testing only. Most power tools and laptop chargers fall here.
Class III runs at a maximum of 50 volts AC. It generally needs no PAT testing. Charging leads may still need inspection.
No law fixes a testing frequency. The IET Code of Practice (5th Edition) provides sector-based guidance. Employers set intervals based on a risk assessment. Higher-risk environments require more frequent testing.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require employers to keep electrical equipment safe. PAT testing is how professionals show they meet that duty.
UK law requires a competent person, not a named qualification. Royal Open College’s PAT testing courses build that competence through CPD-accredited online training. The PAT Training course covers 43 modules. The Level 3 course covers 38. The introductory course provides a focused starting point. All three are online, self-paced, and open to beginners.
Whether you take an in-house role or build your own mobile testing business, the route from training to practice is clear. Enrol with Royal Open College today and earn the qualification employers and clients across the UK trust.
No. Royal Open College’s PAT courses are open to anyone aged 18 or over. Office managers, landlords, maintenance staff, and tradespeople all start without prior electrical knowledge. The courses build your competence from the ground up.
The courses are self-paced. You set the timeline. The PAT Training has 43 modules. The Level 3 has 38. Most learners finish within a few days to a few weeks depending on their daily study time.
The PAT Training course builds a full foundation across all areas of PAT testing. The Level 3 goes deeper and suits people moving into supervisory or managerial responsibilities. Both are CPD-accredited and fully online.
PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is the traditional industry term. EET (Electrical Equipment Testing) is the expanded scope introduced in 2020 that covers more equipment types. Both terms describe the same core activity. Royal Open College’s courses cover the current EET scope in full.
No law specifically requires landlords in England to carry out PAT testing. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector Regulations 2020 require a fixed wiring inspection (EICR) every five years. PAT testing is best practice and some insurers require it.
Yes. UK law requires a competent person, not a specific named qualification. Royal Open College’s CPD-accredited courses build and document that competence. Employers and clients accept CPD certificates as valid evidence of training.
The IET Code of Practice (5th Edition) covers testing procedures, recommended frequencies, record-keeping, and appliance classes. The HSE references it as the professional standard. It is guidance, not law. Following it protects you if your testing is ever challenged.
No law sets a deadline. The industry recommends every three years to stay current with the IET Code of Practice. Royal Open College’s courses count toward your ongoing CPD record and keep your knowledge up to date.
A visual inspection checks the appliance, cable, and plug for physical damage. No equipment is required. A full PAT test adds electrical measurements using a PAT tester device. A failed visual stops the process before electrical testing begins.
You need a PAT tester device, pass and fail labels, and a test record system. Basic models start from around £100. Professional units cost £500 to £1,500 or more. You also need valid public liability insurance before working on any client premises.
Class I appliances use basic insulation and rely on an earth connection. They need earth continuity and insulation resistance testing. Kettles and drills are examples. Class II appliances use double insulation with no earth. They need insulation resistance testing only. Most modern power tools and laptop chargers are Class II.
Apply for in-house maintenance or facilities roles. Register as self-employed and contact local businesses, schools, and landlords directly. Subcontract to electrical contractors or facilities management companies. Your Royal Open College certificate supports every job application.
Yes. All Royal Open College PAT courses cover the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, PUWER 1998, and MHSWR 1999. They also cover the IET Code of Practice (5th Edition) guidance that shapes how PAT testing works in practice.
Remove it from use straight away. Attach a fail label. Record the failure in your log. Include it in your written report to the client. The appliance needs repair or disposal. It must pass a re-test after any repair before it returns to service.
No. Standard PAT testing covers single-phase portable appliances. Testing 3-phase equipment needs additional knowledge and specialist tools. Seek further specialist training before attempting it. Working on 3-phase equipment without the right competence creates a serious safety risk.
Record every appliance you test. Each entry needs the appliance description, make, model, serial number, location, test date, result, and your name. These records prove compliance with maintenance duties and form the written report you give to the client after each visit.
No law requires labels. Most testers apply them as standard. A label shows the result and the test date at a glance. It also backs up your formal record if it goes missing. Use labels. Clients expect them.
Earth continuity testing measures the resistance of the earth circuit in a Class I appliance. The reading must stay below one ohm. A higher reading signals a fault. If the insulation fails and the earth circuit is weak, the shock risk rises sharply. This test catches that fault before the appliance returns to use.
Produce a written report at the end of each visit. List every appliance tested, its result, any faults found, and any recommendations. Give the report to the employer or site contact. Both of you keep a copy for your compliance records.
Yes. Many PAT testers move into EICR work, health and safety compliance, and facilities management. The qualification shows a disciplined approach to risk and equipment safety. Employers across healthcare, education, construction, and facilities management value those skills highly.
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