Course overview
Spend a single focused day in Plymouth getting to grips with portable appliance testing from the ground up. Running from 9am to 4pm, this £195 + VAT course pairs a morning of safety theory with a full afternoon working hands-on on professional PAT testing machines, so you walk away knowing how to inspect, test, log and judge whether an appliance is safe to keep in use — all in line with current UK requirements. Whether you’re starting from scratch or brushing up after a few years away, the day is pitched to suit you.
Morning Session – The Theory Behind Safe Testing
- What the Health & Safety Executive actually expects when it comes to electrical equipment at work
- The current IET Code of Practice broken down into plain, jargon-free language
- Where you stand legally under the Electricity at Work Regulations
- Telling appliance classes apart and matching the right test to each one
- Carrying out thorough visual inspections, spotting hazards early and keeping proper records
Afternoon Session – On the Machines in Plymouth
- Real hands-on time on the professional PAT testing equipment you’ll use day to day — everything you need is provided on the day
- Working methodically through the test sequence for each class of appliance
- Reading the machine’s results and pinpointing faults that inspection alone might miss
- Logging your readings clearly and knowing exactly what each figure is telling you
- Judging sensible re-test intervals according to the setting and the level of risk
Because so much of the day is spent actually testing, our Plymouth delegates leave confident and ready to put what they’ve learned straight into practice back at work. Tea and coffee are provided through the day; you’re welcome to bring lunch or pick something up nearby, as a midday meal isn’t included.
Venue
Keyham Green Places, 163 Renown Street, Keyham, Plymouth, PL2 2DT. Free on-site parking is available at this venue.
Getting to the venue
- By train: Keyham station (GWR, Tamar Valley Line) is a short walk away.
- By bus: Plymouth Citybus route 33 (city centre to Keyham) stops nearby.
- By car: Renown Street is residential, with on-street parking nearby.
Duration
1 Day (9am – 4pm)
Entry Requirements
No previous electrical experience is required.
The course is delivered in accessible, straightforward language, making it suitable for complete beginners as well as anyone returning for a refresher.
PAT Testing Certification
Pass the day’s practical, ongoing assessment — there’s no written exam — and you’ll be awarded a Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate, our certificate of competence confirming you’ve been trained and assessed as able to carry out portable appliance testing.
One point trips a lot of people up, so let’s be clear: you don’t need a formal qualification such as City & Guilds 2377 to test portable appliances legally.
UK health and safety law sets no specific qualification or certificate as a requirement — what it does demand 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 is precisely what this Plymouth course is built to give you, in step with the current IET Code of Practice.
Your certificate then stands as clear, recognised evidence of that competence whenever an employer, client, insurer or auditor asks to see it. There’s no fixed legal expiry date, though topping up with a refresher every few years is a sensible way to stay current.
Training a team? We’re happy to take group and multiple-delegate bookings here in Plymouth, and can also bring the course to your own premises across the South West.
Expert Trainers
Our Plymouth courses are delivered by experienced PAT testing professionals with real-world industry backgrounds. They excel at breaking down technical concepts into clear, manageable steps, ensuring all learners feel supported throughout both the theoretical and practical elements of the day.
Excellent
PAT Testing Course Reviews
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for:
- Facilities and building managers
- Maintenance and engineering teams
- Health & safety personnel
- Business owners wishing to manage testing in-house
- Individuals planning to launch a PAT testing business
- Office managers seeking a cost-effective alternative to outsourcing
Book Your Place Today
Our PAT testing courses in Plymouth run regularly throughout the year. Group sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure high-quality, personalised instruction. The training venue is easy to access for learners across Devon and includes nearby parking plus complimentary refreshments.
Join the thousands of learners nationwide who trust Skills Training Group to deliver practical, reliable electrical safety training.
Book Online NowFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need any electrical knowledge beforehand?
Not at all. Our Plymouth PAT testing course is designed for complete beginners, so you can arrive with no electrical background whatsoever. The morning theory builds your understanding from the ground up, then the afternoon puts it into practice. Experienced people are welcome too, often using the day as a refresher on the latest IET Code of Practice.
Will I earn a recognised qualification?
You'll receive a Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate, a certificate of competence. There's no legal requirement to hold a formal qualification like City & Guilds 2377 to carry out portable appliance testing. UK health and safety law and the HSE require you to be competent, and this Plymouth course and certificate are recognised evidence that you are.
Will I get hands-on experience?
Yes, the afternoon in Plymouth is entirely practical. After the morning theory, you'll carry out real portable appliance testing on professional PAT testing machines, working through visual inspections and electrical tests. All equipment is provided, so there's no need to bring your own tester. You leave having actually done the job, not just read about it.
Can I start a PAT testing business after completing the course?
Many Plymouth delegates do exactly that. The day gives you hands-on competence with professional PAT testing machines plus a certificate that demonstrates it. With no legal requirement for a formal qualification to carry out portable appliance testing, your competence is what matters, and that's precisely what this course is built around. You'll also need your own tester to trade.
Is lunch included?
Lunch isn't included, so we'd suggest bringing something or trying one of the spots near our Plymouth venue. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day to keep you going. The course runs 9am to 4pm, with theory in the morning and practical PAT testing in the afternoon, so there's a natural break to grab a bite.
Can I book multiple places?
Absolutely. We welcome group and multiple-delegate bookings in Plymouth, which suits employers wanting several staff PAT testing competent at once. If it's easier, we can also deliver the training on-site at your own premises on request, saving travel time. Just let us know your numbers and we'll arrange the right option for your team.
What should I wear?
There's no dress code for the Plymouth course, so comfortable everyday clothing is fine. The afternoon is hands-on portable appliance testing rather than heavy or dirty work, so you won't need protective gear or safety boots. Just come ready to get stuck into the practical PAT testing and ask plenty of questions throughout the day.
Is there an exam?
No stressful written exam to worry about. Assessment on the Plymouth course is practical and ongoing throughout the day, so your trainer checks your competence as you carry out real PAT testing in the afternoon. It's a relaxed, supportive way to confirm you can do the job properly before you receive your certificate of competence.
How many people are in each course group?
We keep things hands-on so everyone gets real time on the PAT testing machines, which makes the day genuinely useful rather than just watching a demonstration. If you have a larger team, we welcome group bookings on the Plymouth course and can run the training on-site at your own premises on request to suit your numbers.
Is support available once the course is finished?
Yes. After your Plymouth course, you can get in touch with any questions about portable appliance testing or applying what you learned. The training is aligned with the current IET Code of Practice, giving you a solid, up-to-date reference point. Many delegates find the practical grounding means they feel confident testing straight away on the job.
How long is the certificate valid?
Your Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate has no fixed legal expiry, so it doesn't suddenly become invalid. As good practice, we recommend a refresher every few years to stay current with the IET Code of Practice and keep your competence sharp. Plenty of Plymouth delegates return down the line to top up their knowledge.