Course overview
Backed by more than 1,000 5-star Trustpilot reviews, Skills Training Group is a trusted name for PAT testing training in Bristol and right across the country. Held in the heart of South Bristol, this single-day course has been built to welcome complete newcomers and seasoned hands alike — so whether you’ve never picked up a test instrument before or you’re simply refreshing skills you learned years ago, you’ll feel right at home.
The day pairs a focused morning of theory with an afternoon spent on professional PAT testing machines, all for £195 + VAT. Tea and coffee are provided to keep you going (lunch isn’t included, so do bring something or pop out to one of the local spots), and every piece of equipment you need is supplied on the day.
Venue
The Withywood Centre, Queen’s Road, Bishopsworth, Bristol, BS13 8QA
Getting to the venue
- By train: Parson Street (GWR) is about 1.9 miles away, so most people continue by bus or taxi; Bristol Temple Meads is roughly 15 minutes by taxi.
- By bus: The venue sits on the number 75 route, with a stop within about 150 metres.
- By car: There is free on-site parking (around 75 spaces) plus free on-street parking nearby.
What You’ll Learn
Running from 9am to 4pm, your Bristol training day is split into a theory morning and a practical afternoon:
- Morning — the theory: why portable appliance testing matters and what UK law and the HSE actually expect of you
- Morning — the theory: working in line with the current IET Code of Practice for in-service inspection and testing
- Morning — the theory: recognising the different classes of electrical appliance and the equipment you’ll encounter on the job
- Morning — the theory: carrying out thorough visual inspections and spotting the faults that crop up most often
- Afternoon — hands-on practice: getting to grips with professional PAT testing machines under the guidance of your instructor
- Afternoon — hands-on practice: reading and making sense of your test results with confidence
- Afternoon — hands-on practice: keeping clear, accurate records that stand up to scrutiny
- Afternoon — hands-on practice: setting sensible re-test intervals for different kinds of equipment
There’s no written exam to sweat over — your assessment is practical and ongoing throughout the day, so you leave Bristol genuinely able to test, not just able to recite.
Duration
1 day (9am – 4pm)
Entry Requirements
No previous electrical knowledge needed, must be 18+
PAT Testing Certification
Finish the day successfully and you’ll walk away with a Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate — a certificate of competence confirming you’ve been trained and assessed as able to carry out portable appliance testing. It has no fixed legal expiry, though a refresher every few years is a sensible habit.
One myth worth putting to bed: you don’t need a formal qualification such as City & Guilds 2377 to test portable appliances legally in Bristol or anywhere else in the UK.
UK health and safety law sets out no specific qualification or certificate — what it asks is simply that the person doing the testing is competent. The Health and Safety Executive describes competence as the right blend of training, knowledge and practical experience, and following the current IET Code of Practice — which is exactly what this one-day course is designed to build.
Your certificate is plain, recognised evidence of that competence, ready to put in front of employers, clients, insurers and auditors whenever it’s asked for.
Learn from PAT Testing Experts
Our trainers are PAT testing experts with extensive field experience. They don’t just teach the theory – they provide practical insights into how to carry out testing efficiently and effectively. They’ll share their knowledge on how to spot potential issues and hazards, ensuring you develop sufficient knowledge to perform PAT testing with confidence.
Many of our students have commented on what a very enjoyable day they had on our course, combining serious learning with an engaging, interactive approach. Our trainers create a relaxed environment where questions are encouraged, making complex electrical concepts accessible to everyone regardless of their background.
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PAT Testing Course Reviews
Who Should Attend?
Our PAT testing course in Bristol is ideal for:
- Facilities managers responsible for workplace safety
- Maintenance staff who need to add PAT testing to their skill set
- Electricians looking to offer additional services
- Health and safety officers ensuring compliance
- Individuals looking to start their own PAT testing business
- Office managers in smaller companies where outsourcing isn’t cost-effective
No previous electrical experience is necessary – we’ll teach you everything you need to know from the basics up.
PAT Testing as a Business Opportunity
For those considering starting their own PAT testing business, our course provides an excellent foundation. We’ll discuss what equipment you’ll need and how to approach different testing scenarios. We even offer discounted PAT testers for course attendees, making this the most cost-effective option if you’re looking to purchase your own PAT tester.
The PAT testing industry continues to grow as businesses increasingly recognise the importance of electrical safety compliance. Our course will give you the skills to capitalise on this growing market, whether as a standalone business or as an additional service to complement your existing trade.
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Course Content in Detail
The morning session focuses on understanding the theory and regulations behind PAT testing. You’ll learn about the different types of electrical appliances and the testing requirements for each. We’ll cover:
- The legal framework and your responsibilities
- Types of equipment and their classification
- Frequency of testing requirements
- Visual inspection methodologies
- Understanding electrical hazards
After lunch, it’s all about practice. You’ll get hands-on experience with PAT testing machines, learning how to:
- Carry out thorough visual inspections
- Perform insulation resistance tests
- Check earth continuity
- Test polarity
- Use your PAT tester effectively
- Record results properly
- Interpret readings and make pass/fail decisions
By the end of the day, you’ll have sufficient knowledge and practical experience to start testing electrical equipment with confidence.
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Why PAT Testing Matters
Portable appliance testing is a vital part of workplace safety. Regular testing of electrical equipment helps prevent accidents, fires, and injuries. It’s not just about compliance – it’s about creating a safer environment for everyone.
The in-service inspection and testing of electrical appliances identifies potential hazards before they become dangerous. Our course will teach you how to identify these hazards and take appropriate action to ensure electrical equipment remains safe for continued use.
According to HSE guidance, a significant number of workplace accidents are related to faulty electrical equipment. By learning proper PAT testing techniques, you’ll be contributing to safer workplaces across Bristol and beyond.
After Your Course
Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll receive your Skills Training Group certificate, which demonstrates your competence to carry out PAT testing. We also provide ongoing support for all our graduates, with trainers available to answer questions even after your course has finished.
Many of our students go on to establish successful PAT testing careers or add valuable skills to their current role. The investment in this one-day course can pay dividends throughout your professional life.
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Book Your Place Today
Our PAT testing courses in Bristol fill up quickly due to their popularity and our commitment to small class sizes that ensure quality training. Whether you’re a business owner looking to comply with workplace regulations, a facilities manager wanting to bring testing in-house, or someone considering PAT testing as a business opportunity, our course provides everything you need.
With Skills Training Group, you’re not just attending a course – you’re gaining a valuable skill set backed by our ongoing support and expertise. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our outstanding Trustpilot reviews, with customers consistently praising our thorough approach and knowledgeable trainers.
Don’t miss out on our upcoming dates in Bristol – book your place today and take the first step towards becoming a confident PAT testing professional.
Skills Training Group – Same great course, outstanding results.
Book Online NowFrequently Asked Questions
What qualification will I receive?
When you finish our Bristol PAT testing course you receive a Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate, a recognised certificate of competence. There is no legal requirement to hold a formal qualification such as City & Guilds 2377 to carry out portable appliance testing; UK health and safety law and the HSE simply require you to be competent, and this certificate is solid evidence of that.
Is the certificate recognised by employers?
Yes. Employers in Bristol and beyond accept our PAT Testing Certificate as proof of competence. Because UK law and the HSE require whoever does portable appliance testing to be competent rather than formally qualified, our certificate, backed by training aligned with the current IET Code of Practice, gives employers the documented reassurance they are looking for.
Do I need to bring anything with me to the course?
No tools or equipment needed. We provide all the professional PAT testing machines you will use during the hands-on afternoon in Bristol, so there is no need to bring your own tester. Just turn up with a pen and a willingness to learn. Tea and coffee are available through the day, though lunch is not included, so plan for that.
Will I get hands-on experience during the course?
Absolutely. The morning in Bristol covers the theory, then the whole afternoon is hands-on, with you carrying out real portable appliance testing on the professional machines we supply. This practical focus means you leave genuinely confident using the equipment, not just having read about it. Assessment is ongoing through the day, so there is no stressful written exam.
Who is the course suitable for?
Our Bristol PAT testing course welcomes complete beginners with no prior electrical knowledge, as well as experienced people wanting a refresher. The day is built around hands-on practice on professional PAT testing machines, so whatever your starting point, you finish able to test confidently. Group bookings are welcome, and we can deliver on-site at your own premises on request.
Can I book for multiple people from my company?
Yes, group and multiple-delegate bookings are very welcome. Plenty of Bristol businesses send several staff together to build in-house PAT testing competence. If it suits you better, we can deliver the training on-site at your own premises on request, saving travel time while still covering everything in line with the current IET Code of Practice.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not included on our Bristol PAT testing course, so plan to bring something or grab lunch locally during the break. We do keep you going with tea and coffee through the day. The course runs 9am to 4pm, giving you time to refuel before the hands-on practical PAT testing session that fills the afternoon.
Will I be able to test all types of electrical equipment after the course?
You will leave able to carry out portable appliance testing on the everyday equipment PAT covers, using the techniques you practise in Bristol on our professional machines. The training follows the current IET Code of Practice for in-service inspection and testing, giving you the competence and the certificate to handle the appliances you will meet in real workplaces.
Do I need to take an exam?
No. There is no stressful written exam on our Bristol PAT testing course. Assessment is practical and ongoing through the day, so your competence is judged as you work with the PAT testing machines in the afternoon. It is a relaxed, supportive way to learn, well suited to beginners and experienced people brushing up alike.
How soon after the course will I receive my certificate?
You receive your Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate on completion of the Bristol course, so you leave the same day with documented proof of competence to show employers. The certificate has no fixed legal expiry, though we recommend a refresher every few years as good practice to keep your portable appliance testing knowledge current.