Course overview
This one-day Exeter course pairs clear, jargon-free theory with plenty of genuine hands-on practice. By the end of the day you’ll know how to inspect, test and record the safety of portable electrical appliances to current UK standards — and feel confident doing it for real.
Morning Session – The Rules, Regulations & Safety Basics
- What the Health & Safety Executive expects of any business that uses electrical equipment
- The IET Code of Practice, explained in plain, practical terms
- Where you stand under the Electricity at Work Regulations
- The different appliance classes and how the right test changes for each
- Carrying out visual inspections, recognising faults and keeping accurate records
Afternoon Session – Hands-On PAT Testing in Exeter
- Operating professional PAT testers with an experienced trainer beside you
- The correct test sequence for the full range of appliance classes
- Catching problems through both visual checks and instrument readings
- Recording your results properly and deciding what happens next
- Setting sensible retest intervals based on risk and the working environment
Our Exeter PAT testing course is built around real-world ability — you’ll leave able to do the job on site, not just describe it on paper.
Duration
1 Day (9am – 4pm)
Entry Requirements
No previous electrical knowledge is needed.
The course is delivered in a clear, step-by-step format suited to absolute beginners.
PAT Testing Certification
Finish the day in Exeter and you’ll walk away with a Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate — formal confirmation that you’ve been trained and assessed as competent in portable appliance testing.
One thing worth setting straight: there’s no legal need to hold a named qualification such as City & Guilds 2377 to carry out PAT testing.
UK health and safety law simply asks that whoever does the testing is competent — the Health and Safety Executive describes that as the right blend of training, knowledge and practical experience, which is precisely what this Exeter course delivers.
Your certificate is clear, recognised proof of that competence for employers, clients, insurers and auditors alike.
Venue
Exeter Football Club, St James Park, Stadium Way, Exeter, EX4 6PX. Free on site parking is available at this venue.
Getting to the venue
- By train: The venue is right beside St James Park (Exeter) station on the Avocet Line (GWR); Exeter Central mainline station is around a 15 to 20 minute walk.
- By bus: Stagecoach services run along Old Tiverton Road and Sidwell Street, and the city centre and bus station are within walking distance.
- By car: There is no on-site stadium parking, so use nearby on-street parking or a city-centre car park.
Expert Trainers
Our Exeter instructors bring extensive hands-on industry experience and a practical teaching style. They specialise in making technical subjects simple, guiding you through each stage of both theory and practice with patience and clarity. Whether you’re completely new or refreshing your skills, you’ll feel supported from start to finish.
Excellent
PAT Testing Course Reviews
Who Should Attend?
Perfect for individuals such as:
- Facilities and site managers
- Maintenance teams
- Health & safety professionals
- Business owners looking to manage testing internally
- Anyone planning to start a PAT testing service
- Office managers seeking cost savings by bringing testing in-house
Book Your Place Today
Our Exeter PAT testing courses run throughout the year with deliberately small class sizes to ensure personal support and a high-quality learning experience. The training venue is easily accessible for learners across Devon and includes parking and complimentary refreshments.
Join thousands of learners who have chosen Skills Training Group for reliable, practical electrical safety training.
Book Online NowFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need electrical experience?
Not at all. Our Exeter PAT testing course is built for complete beginners with no prior electrical knowledge, and it works equally well as a refresher for experienced people. We cover the theory in the morning, then move into hands-on portable appliance testing in the afternoon, so you build real competence step by step and leave genuinely confident.
Will I get a recognised certificate?
Yes. Complete the day in Exeter and you receive a Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate, a certificate of competence aligned with the current IET Code of Practice. There's no legal requirement to hold a formal qualification like City & Guilds 2377; the law simply asks that the tester is competent, and this certificate is recognised evidence of exactly that.
Is practical work included?
Definitely. The morning covers PAT testing theory, then the whole afternoon is hands-on portable appliance testing using professional PAT testing machines. All equipment is provided, so you never need to bring your own tester or tools. This practical focus is what makes our Exeter course so effective for building real, job-ready competence in a single day.
Can this course help me start a PAT testing business?
It's a solid foundation. You leave Exeter able to carry out portable appliance testing competently, with a recognised certificate of competence aligned to the IET Code of Practice. There's no legal requirement for a formal qualification to offer PAT testing, so many delegates use this course as the springboard for working or trading independently.
Is lunch included?
Lunch isn't included, so we suggest bringing something with you or buying lunch nearby during your day in Exeter. Tea and coffee are available throughout to keep you going. The course runs 9am to 4pm, with a sensible break in the middle that gives you plenty of time to eat and recharge before the practical session.
Can I book places for several people?
Yes, group and multiple-delegate bookings are very welcome on our Exeter PAT testing course. If you'd rather we came to you, on-site portable appliance testing training at your own premises is available on request. It's a popular choice for Exeter employers who want several staff trained to a competent standard together with minimal disruption.
Is there a test at the end?
No stressful written exam. Assessment on the Exeter course is practical and ongoing throughout the day, so your competence is confirmed as you carry out portable appliance testing on professional PAT testing machines. Your trainer checks your work as you go, which means you finish with both a certificate and genuine hands-on confidence.
What should I wear?
Just wear comfortable, practical clothing suitable for hands-on work, as you'll spend the Exeter afternoon doing real PAT testing on professional machines. No special protective gear is needed and all equipment is provided. There's no dress code beyond being comfortable for a 9am to 4pm day that mixes classroom theory with practical portable appliance testing.
Do you offer post-course support?
Yes. We want you applying portable appliance testing confidently after your Exeter course, so our team is happy to help with follow-up questions about the IET Code of Practice or day-to-day testing. Because assessment is practical and ongoing, you also leave already competent, with a certificate that stands as recognised evidence of that competence.
How long does the certification last?
Your Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate has no fixed legal expiry, so it won't suddenly lapse. As good practice we recommend a refresher every few years to stay current with the IET Code of Practice and any changes in portable appliance testing. Plenty of past Exeter delegates return for exactly that kind of update.