Course overview
Spend a single focused day in Southampton turning yourself into a capable portable appliance tester. Running from 9am to 4pm at a cost of £195 + VAT, this course pairs a grounded morning of theory with an afternoon spent getting your hands on professional PAT testing machines — so you leave able to actually do the job, not just talk about it. Tea and coffee are on us throughout the day (lunch isn’t included), and every piece of equipment you’ll need is supplied. Whether you’re starting from scratch with no electrical background at all or coming back for a refresher, you’ll fit right in.
Morning in Southampton – The Theory That Underpins Safe Testing
- How Health and Safety Executive guidance frames your responsibilities when checking electrical equipment
- Working through the current IET Code of Practice for in-service inspection and testing
- Where the Electricity at Work Regulations place legal duties on you and your employer
- Telling the different appliance classes apart and matching each to the right testing routine
- Carrying out thorough visual inspections, recognising faults early, and keeping records that stand up to scrutiny
Afternoon in Southampton – Hands-On at the Test Bench
- Getting to grips with professional PAT testing machines under your trainer’s eye
- Running the correct test sequences across a spread of appliance types
- Pinpointing the faults that crop up most often, by eye and by instrument
- Logging your readings accurately, making sense of them, and deciding what happens next
- Judging sensible re-test intervals to suit each kind of workplace
Because your assessment is practical and runs throughout the day rather than ending in a written exam, your tutor builds your confidence move by move — and by 4pm you’ll have proven competence you can put straight to work back in Southampton.
Venue
Merryoak Community Centre, Acacia Rd, Southampton, SO19 7JY
Getting to the venue
- By train: Sholing and Woolston are both around 0.7 miles (about a 15 minute walk), and Bitterne is roughly 0.9 miles (SWR, via Southampton Central).
- By bus: Local services run through Merryoak, Sholing and Bitterne.
- By car: There is an on-site car park (around 17 spaces, with disabled bays) plus on-street parking nearby.
Duration
1 day (9am – 4pm).
Entry Requirements
No prior electrical experience is necessary.
Our trainers begin with the fundamentals and guide you step-by-step towards more advanced testing methods, ensuring every learner is supported regardless of previous knowledge.
PAT Testing Certification
Pass the practical assessment and you’ll walk away from the Southampton course 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.
One point trips a lot of people up, so let’s be plain about it: there is no legal requirement to hold a formal qualification such as City & Guilds 2377 before you can test portable appliances.
UK health and safety law names no particular certificate or qualification — what it does insist on 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 this one-day Southampton course is built to give you all three. It’s delivered in line with the current IET Code of Practice throughout.
Your certificate is straightforward, recognised evidence of that competence — something you can put in front of employers, clients, insurers and auditors with confidence. There’s no fixed legal expiry date attached to it, though we’d suggest a refresher every few years to stay current. Group and multiple-delegate places are available, and we can also bring the training to your own site if that suits you better.
Expert Trainers
Our Southampton courses are delivered by highly experienced PAT testing professionals with real industry backgrounds. Their practical, down-to-earth teaching style helps you understand not just how to test equipment, but the reasons behind each step.
They specialise in explaining technical concepts in straightforward terms, making the course suitable for complete beginners as well as those looking to formalise their existing knowledge.
Excellent
PAT Testing Course Reviews
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for:
- Facilities managers and workplace supervisors
- Maintenance teams seeking additional skills
- Health and safety professionals
- Business owners wishing to manage PAT testing in-house
- Individuals looking to start a PAT testing business
- Office managers wanting a cost-effective alternative to outsourcing
Book Your Place Today
Our Southampton PAT testing courses run throughout the year, with limited class sizes to ensure a high-quality learning experience. The Merry Oak Community Centre venue offers convenient access for learners across Hampshire and the surrounding area, plus on-site parking and complimentary tea and coffee.
Join the thousands of professionals who have advanced their careers with Skills Training Group – the UK’s leading provider of electrical safety training.
Book Online NowFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need electrical experience to attend?
No prior electrical knowledge is needed for our Southampton PAT testing course. It is designed for complete beginners, so we start from the basics in the morning theory session before moving on to hands-on portable appliance testing. Experienced delegates are equally welcome and often join us as a refresher to update their skills against current guidance.
Will I receive a recognised qualification?
On completion you receive a Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate, a 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 law and the HSE require the tester to be competent, and this certificate is recognised evidence of that competence at our Southampton course.
Will I get hands-on practice?
Yes. Mornings cover the theory, then the whole Southampton afternoon is dedicated to practical, hands-on PAT testing using professional PAT testing machines. All equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring tools or your own tester. You will practise real portable appliance testing so you leave confident and genuinely competent to test appliances.
Can I start my own PAT testing business after the course?
Many Southampton delegates take this course as a first step toward self-employed PAT testing. You leave competent in portable appliance testing and aligned with the current IET Code of Practice, holding a recognised certificate of competence. We do not cover running a business itself, but you will have the practical testing skills and confidence the work requires.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not included, so please bring something with you or pick something up before the day starts in Southampton. Tea and coffee are available throughout to keep you going. The course runs 9am to 4pm, with theory in the morning and practical PAT testing in the afternoon, so there is a natural break to eat.
Can I book multiple places?
Yes, group and multiple-delegate bookings are very welcome on our Southampton PAT testing course. If you are training several staff, we can also deliver the course on-site at your own premises on request, which often suits Southampton businesses wanting to certify a whole team. Just let us know your numbers and we will help arrange the right option.
What should I wear?
There is no formal dress code, so wear comfortable, practical clothing you can move in. The Southampton afternoon is hands-on portable appliance testing with professional PAT testing machines, so you will be handling appliances, leads and cables. All testing kit is provided, which means you do not need to bring any tools or your own tester along.
Is there an exam?
No, there is no stressful written exam. Assessment on our Southampton course is practical and ongoing throughout the day, so your competence is judged as you carry out real PAT testing in the afternoon. This relaxed, hands-on approach suits beginners and experienced delegates alike, and you leave with your certificate of competence on the same day.
Do you offer follow-up support?
Your Southampton training is aligned with the current IET Code of Practice, so you leave with a solid reference point for the inspections and tests you will carry out. Because assessment is practical and ongoing through the day, any questions get worked through as you go, meaning you finish genuinely confident to test portable appliances in the workplace.
Do I need to bring my own PAT tester or any tools?
No, all PAT testing equipment is provided on the day, including the professional PAT testing machines you will use during the Southampton afternoon practical. You do not need to bring tools, leads or your own tester. Just turn up ready to learn, and we supply everything you need for genuine hands-on portable appliance testing experience.
How long does the certification last?
Your Skills Training Group PAT Testing Certificate has no fixed legal expiry, so it does not simply lapse on a set date. As good practice, and to stay current with the IET Code of Practice, we recommend a refresher every few years. Southampton delegates often return for a refresher to keep their competence and confidence fully up to date.