Course overview
This PAT testing training course blends essential electrical safety knowledge with practical instruction. By the end of the day, you’ll understand how to inspect, test, record, and assess electrical appliances in line with current guidance and expectations.
You’ll gain a thorough understanding of:
- Electrical safety principles and common electrical dangers
- The purpose of in service inspection and testing
- Your responsibilities when carrying out electrical equipment testing
- How PAT testing fits within workplace safety and legal requirements
The course is structured to ensure you leave with sufficient knowledge, suitable knowledge, and the confidence to act as a competent PAT tester.
Morning Session: Understanding Safety, Regulations, and Responsibilities
The morning session focuses on the knowledge you need to test safely and responsibly. You’ll explore relevant electrical safety regulations, roles, and responsibilities, including how the IET Code of Practice applies to everyday PAT testing.
Topics include:
- Health and safety responsibilities related to electrical equipment
- Relevant legislation and guidance, including the IET Code
- Appliance types and classifications
- Understanding insulation, earthing, and basic fault conditions
- How to carry out effective visual inspections
This part of the day builds a solid foundation, even if you have no previous electrical experience or limited prior knowledge.
Afternoon Session: Hands-On PAT Testing Practice
In the afternoon, the focus shifts to hands-on learning. You’ll carry out inspection and testing using an actual PAT testing machine, applying what you’ve learned in practical scenarios.
You’ll practise:
- Using a PAT tester safely and correctly
- Running appropriate tests on different appliance classes
- Understanding earth continuity, insulation resistance, and earth leakage
- Interpreting test results and deciding next steps
- Completing accurate records for compliance and reporting
This practical approach helps you gain real confidence and ensures you leave as a confident PAT tester, ready to apply your skills in real environments.
Course Duration and Venue
Duration:
1 day (9am–4pm)
Venue:
Gatcombe House, Copnor Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5EJ
Free on-site parking is available.
This makes the course easily accessible for learners attending from across Portsmouth and the wider Hampshire PAT testing area.
Getting to the venue
- By train: Hilsea (Portsmouth Direct line) is about a 10 minute walk, with onward connections at Portsmouth and Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour.
- By bus: Services run along Copnor Road, with stops a couple of minutes away.
- By car: There is free on-site parking, around 4 minutes from the M27 at Junction 12.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. No prior electrical knowledge or experience is needed. The training starts from the basics and builds gradually, ensuring everyone can participate confidently regardless of background.
Assessment and Certification
Assessment on this course includes a short practical and theory test, completed during the day. This ensures you have a solid understanding of portable appliance testing, electrical safety principles, and the correct procedures for inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
Your tutor will support you throughout the training and assess your ability to apply what you’ve learned safely and correctly in practical situations. The assessment is straightforward, relevant, and designed around real PAT testing tasks rather than academic theory.
On successful completion, you’ll receive an industry-recognised PAT testing training and competence certificate from Skills Training Group. This certificate confirms that you have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and competence required to carry out PAT testing legally in line with current UK guidance, best practice, and the IET Code of Practice.
The certification provides clear evidence of training and competence, which is a key requirement when carrying out PAT testing as part of your role or when offering PAT testing services.
It’s worth clearing up a common misconception: you don’t need a formal qualification such as City & Guilds 2377 to test portable appliances legally. UK health and safety law doesn’t require any specific qualification or certificate — it simply requires that whoever does the testing is competent. Your Skills Training Group certificate is clear, recognised evidence of that competence to show employers, clients, insurers and auditors.
If, for any reason, you do not pass the assessment, we offer a refund guarantee, giving you complete peace of mind when booking the course.
PAT Testing Equipment and PAT Testers During Training
You do not need to own a PAT tester to attend this PAT testing course Portsmouth learners rely on. All PAT testing equipment is fully provided during the training day, allowing you to focus on learning and gaining practical confidence rather than worrying about sourcing equipment in advance.
During the course, you’ll work hands-on with an actual PAT testing machine, using it to carry out inspection and testing on a range of electrical appliances. This gives you real experience with the tools used in portable appliance testing, helping you understand how a PAT tester functions in real working conditions.
The equipment used during training is supplied solely for learning purposes and cannot be taken away after the course. This ensures everyone has equal access to professional-grade tools while developing the practical skills needed to complete PAT testing safely and competently.
By the end of the day, you’ll feel confident using a PAT testing machine, interpreting test results, and applying correct testing procedures—whether you plan to test equipment in-house, at workplaces, or as part of future PAT testing services.
Learn in a Supportive, Practical Environment
The course is delivered in a relaxed, supportive learning environment that encourages questions and hands-on participation. With experienced trainers and small group sizes, you’ll gain meaningful hands-on experience rather than just theoretical knowledge.
By the end of the day, you’ll leave with essential skills, practical confidence, and a clear understanding of how to carry out PAT testing safely and competently in real-world settings.
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Who This Course Is Ideal For
This day PAT testing course is suitable for a wide range of learners, including:
- Facilities and building managers
- Maintenance and site teams
- Health and safety personnel
- Office managers managing electrical equipment in-house
- Individuals planning to start a PAT testing business
- Anyone responsible for the testing of electrical equipment at work
It’s also ideal if you want to save money by reducing reliance on outsourced PAT testing services.
Starting or Supporting a PAT Testing Business
For those considering an own PAT testing business, this course provides a strong practical foundation. You’ll learn how testing is carried out professionally, how to work efficiently at different sites, and how to produce records that demonstrate competence and compliance.
The focus on real-world testing helps you understand what’s involved in delivering reliable PAT testing services, whether as a standalone offering or alongside other maintenance or safety services.
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Book Your Place Today
Our Portsmouth PAT testing courses run regularly throughout the year. Class sizes are kept intentionally small to ensure strong tutor support and a high-quality learning experience. The training venue is easy to reach from across Hampshire, with on-site parking and complimentary refreshments provided.
Join the growing number of learners who trust Skills Training Group to deliver practical, career-boosting electrical safety training.
Book Online NowFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need any electrical experience to take this course?
No. No previous electrical experience is required. The course is designed to start from the basics and build up gradually. Everything is explained clearly, making it suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some prior exposure to electrical equipment.
Will this course legally allow me to carry out PAT testing?
Yes. On successful completion, you’ll receive an industry-recognised PAT testing training and competence certificate. This certificate provides clear evidence that you have the training and competence required to carry out PAT testing legally in line with UK guidance and the IET Code of Practice.
Is the certificate recognised by employers and clients?
Yes. The certification is widely accepted across the UK and is suitable for use in workplaces, at client sites, and when offering PAT testing services. It demonstrates that you have received appropriate training and can competently carry out inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
Do I need to bring my own PAT tester or equipment?
No. All PAT testing equipment is provided during the course. You’ll use professional PAT testers and testing equipment as part of the hands-on training. There’s no need to buy or bring anything with you.
Will I actually get hands-on experience, or is it mostly theory?
This is a practical, hands-on course. A large part of the day is spent carrying out visual inspections, running tests on electrical appliances, and interpreting results using real PAT testing machines. You won’t just watch — you’ll actively practise.
I’m worried about failing — should I still book?
Yes. The course is delivered in a relaxed, supportive environment, and trainers guide you throughout the day. The vast majority of learners pass successfully, including those with no technical background.
Can I start a PAT testing business after this course?
Yes. Many learners complete this course as the first step towards starting a PAT testing business. The training covers practical testing, safe procedures, and documentation — all essential when offering PAT testing services professionally.
Can I use this certificate to test equipment at different sites?
Yes. The training prepares you to carry out PAT testing in a variety of environments, including workplaces and client sites. You’ll learn how testing requirements can vary depending on the setting and risk level.
Is this course suitable if I want to save money by testing in-house?
Yes, learners can contact us for guidance even after completing their Absolutely. This course is ideal for businesses and individuals who want to bring PAT testing in-house rather than outsourcing. It provides the knowledge and competence needed to test electrical equipment safely and correctly..
Is parking available at the venue?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available at the Portsmouth training venue.
Do I need to speak to someone before booking?
No. All course details, requirements, and outcomes are clearly explained. You can book online immediately with confidence — no phone call required.