Course overview
Run by working electrical safety professionals, our Cardiff PAT testing course pairs a morning of theory with an afternoon of real practice on professional PAT testing machines, so you leave able to test portable appliances properly — not just talk about it. At £195 + VAT for the day, with all equipment provided, it’s a straightforward, good-value way for Cardiff delegates to become competent to test.
Whether you’ve picked up responsibility for equipment safety where you work, want to add PAT testing to the services you offer around Cardiff, or fancy setting up on your own, this one-day course gives you a solid, practical footing. It suits complete beginners with no electrical background, and it works equally well as a refresher if you’ve tested before and want to bring your knowledge up to date.
Venue
Maes-Y-Coed Community Centre, 1 Jubilee Gardens, Cardiff, CF14 4PP
Getting to the venue
- By train: Ty Glas (Transport for Wales, Coryton Line) is about a 5 minute walk; Birchgrove is also nearby, and both connect to Cardiff Central.
- By bus: Routes 27 and 86 run along Maes-y-Coed Road in Heath.
- By car: There is free on-site parking, including disabled bays.
Course Content and Structure
The day in Cardiff is built so the theory you cover in the morning flows straight into the hands-on testing you do after lunch, leaving you with genuine, usable competence rather than notes you’ll never look at again:
Morning Session: The Rules and the Reasoning
- What the Health and Safety Executive actually expects when it comes to testing electrical equipment
- How the current IET Code of Practice shapes in-service inspection and testing
- Where your duties sit under the Electricity at Work Regulations — in plain terms
- Telling Class I, Class II and other appliance types apart, and matching each to the right test
- Carrying out and writing up a thorough formal visual inspection
Afternoon Session: Testing for Real
- Getting hands-on with professional PAT testing machines under your trainer’s eye
- Working through the correct test sequence for each class of portable appliance
- Spotting the faults that crop up most often, by eye and by instrument
- Logging your results clearly and reading what the numbers are telling you
- Setting sensible retest intervals to suit different Cardiff workplaces
Because assessment here is practical and ongoing rather than a written exam, your trainer is checking your technique throughout the afternoon — so by the time you finish in Cardiff, you’ll test with real confidence. Tea and coffee are provided throughout the day; lunch isn’t included, but there’s plenty nearby. Group and multiple-delegate bookings are welcome, and we can also run this course on-site at your own premises.
Duration
1 day (9am – 4pm).
Entry Requirements
No previous electrical experience is needed to participate successfully. Our expert trainers begin with fundamental principles and progress methodically through to advanced testing techniques, ensuring everyone develops sufficient knowledge regardless of their starting point.
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 competent to carry out portable appliance testing. There’s no fixed legal expiry on it, though we’d suggest a refresher every few years to keep your knowledge current.
One point worth settling early: you don’t need a formal qualification such as City & Guilds 2377 to test portable appliances legally. It’s a myth that trips a lot of people up.
UK health and safety law sets no specific qualification or certificate as a requirement — what it does require is 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 that’s precisely what this Cardiff course is designed to build. It’s aligned throughout with the current IET Code of Practice.
Your certificate then stands as clear, recognised evidence of that competence whenever you need to satisfy employers, clients, insurers or auditors.
Expert Trainers
Our Cardiff course is led by seasoned PAT testing experts with extensive field experience. They bring real-world knowledge and practical insights that go beyond the basics, helping you understand not just how to test, but why certain procedures matter.
Their pragmatic approach ensures you learn efficient testing methods that work in actual workplace environments. Our trainers are adept at explaining complex electrical concepts in accessible terms, making the course valuable regardless of your technical background.
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PAT Testing Course Reviews
Who Should Attend?
Our professional training is ideal for:
- Facilities managers responsible for workplace safety compliance
- Maintenance personnel looking to expand their professional capabilities
- Health and safety officers ensuring regulatory adherence
- Business owners seeking to bring PAT testing in-house
- Individuals exploring PAT testing as a business opportunity
- Office managers in organisations where outsourcing is not cost-effective
PAT Testing Equipment and Business Opportunities
For those looking to establish their own PAT testing service or bring testing in-house, we offer valuable guidance on equipment selection and business practices. Course attendees benefit from exclusive discounts on professional PAT testers, making this the most cost-effective option for those needing to purchase their own PAT testing machine.
We’ll discuss the practical aspects of setting up a testing programme, from equipment requirements to documentation systems, helping you implement a professional and compliant testing regime from day one.
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Why PAT Testing Skills Are Essential
Portable appliance testing is a crucial component of workplace electrical safety. Regular testing helps prevent accidents, ensures compliance with insurance requirements, and demonstrates due diligence in maintaining a safe working environment.
The Health and Safety Executive emphasises the importance of regular inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Our course ensures you understand these requirements fully and can implement an effective testing programme that meets all relevant legislation.
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Book Your Place Today
Our Cardiff PAT testing courses run regularly throughout the year, but places are limited to ensure quality instruction. The convenient Cardiff Bay location provides excellent accessibility for attendees from across South Wales and beyond.
Invest in this valuable professional skill and join the thousands of satisfied professionals who have completed our PAT testing training. With over 1,000 five-star Trustpilot reviews, Skills Training Group has established itself as the UK’s premier provider of electrical safety training.
Contact us today to secure your place on our next Cardiff PAT testing course and take a significant step toward enhanced workplace safety and professional development.
Skills Training Group – Professional training, practical skills, proven results.
Book Online NowFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need any previous electrical experience to attend the Cardiff PAT testing course?
Not at all. Our Cardiff PAT testing course is built for complete beginners with no prior electrical knowledge, so you can arrive with zero experience and leave confident. Experienced delegates use it as a refresher too. The morning covers theory and the afternoon is hands-on portable appliance testing, building real competence step by step throughout the day.
What qualification will I receive?
On finishing the day in Cardiff 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 and Guilds 2377 to carry out PAT testing; UK health and safety law and the HSE require you to be competent, and this certificate is accepted evidence of that competence.
Will I get hands-on experience with PAT testing equipment?
Yes, the Cardiff afternoon is fully practical. After the morning theory you carry out portable appliance testing on real appliances using professional PAT testing machines. All equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring any tools or your own tester. This hands-on time builds genuine competence and the confidence to test appliances correctly straight away.
Can I start my own PAT testing business after completing the course?
Many Cardiff delegates take the course for exactly that reason. You leave with practical portable appliance testing skills, knowledge of the IET Code of Practice, and a recognised Skills Training Group certificate of competence. Since no formal qualification is legally required, only demonstrable competence, this gives you a credible foundation to start offering PAT testing to local clients.
Is lunch provided during the course?
Lunch is not included, so plan to bring your own or pick something up nearby in Cardiff before the 9am start or during the break. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day to keep you going. The course runs 9am to 4pm, with theory in the morning and hands-on PAT testing in the afternoon.
How many people will be in the class?
We keep our Cardiff PAT testing groups focused so everyone gets plenty of hands-on time with the testing machines and proper trainer support. Group and multiple-delegate bookings are welcome, and we can also deliver the course on-site at your own premises on request, which works well for teams wanting to train staff together in a single session.
Can I book for multiple people from my company?
Absolutely. Group and multiple-delegate bookings are welcome on our Cardiff PAT testing course, making it an efficient way to upskill several staff at once. If you would prefer, we can deliver the training on-site at your own premises on request, bringing the professional PAT testing machines to you and saving the team travel time.
What should I wear for the course?
There is no formal dress code in Cardiff, so wear comfortable, practical clothing suitable for hands-on work. The afternoon involves handling appliances and using professional PAT testing machines, so sensible footwear is a good idea. All testing equipment is provided, so you only need to bring yourself, ready to learn portable appliance testing across the day.
Will I be examined during the course?
There is no stressful written exam. Assessment on the Cardiff course is practical and ongoing throughout the day, with your trainer checking your portable appliance testing as you work. This relaxed approach suits beginners and experienced delegates alike, and on successful completion you receive your Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate of competence.
Do you offer any follow-up support after the course?
You leave Cardiff with practical competence and a recognised certificate, and we are glad to help if questions come up later. A refresher every few years is recommended as good practice to keep your knowledge aligned with the IET Code of Practice. Group and on-site refresher sessions for teams can also be arranged on request.
How long is the certification valid for?
Your Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate has no fixed legal expiry date. That said, we recommend a refresher every few years as good practice to stay current with the IET Code of Practice and maintain demonstrable competence. Many Cardiff delegates return for a refresher to keep their portable appliance testing knowledge sharp and up to date.