Your Electrical Training Pathway
Pathway to an ECS Gold Card
Course Booklet
Interested in our courses? Download our training summary for a brief look at the certifications and safety modules we currently offer
Electrical Career Pathway
Work Towards Your ECS Gold Card
For many electricians, achieving an ECS Gold Card is an important career milestone, demonstrating recognised electrical qualifications, workplace competence and the ability to work to industry standards.
If you're starting from the beginning, the seven-step pathway below shows how your training can progress from Level 2 electrical knowledge through to workplace competence and preparation for the final AM2 assessment.
Already have electrical qualifications or experience?
You may not need to start at Step 1. Your entry point into the pathway will depend on the qualifications, workplace experience, and electrical competence you already hold.
Speak to our team, and we can help you understand where you fit into the pathway and which qualification may be the appropriate next step.
Discuss Your Gold Card Pathway →
Your Gold Card Pathway at a Glance
Follow the pathway from your first electrical qualification through to workplace competence, AM2, and progression towards your ECS Gold Card.
Level 2
2365-02
Level 3
2365-03
18th Edition
2382
Initial Verification
2391-50
Level 3 NVQ
Workplace Competence
Periodic Inspection
2391-51
AM2
Independent Assessment
ECS Gold Card
Pathway Goal
Your 7-Step Pathway to an ECS Gold Card
Starting from the beginning? Follow the pathway below from your first electrical qualification through to workplace competence and AM2 preparation.
Step 1 of 7
Build Your Electrical Foundation
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365-02)
If you're new to the electrical industry, this is where your pathway begins. You'll develop the essential electrical knowledge and practical skills needed to progress onto more advanced training.
Training duration: 30 days
Step 2 of 7
Develop Your Technical Knowledge
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365-03)
Build on your Level 2 foundation with more advanced electrical knowledge, including electrical design and scientific principles. This stage develops the technical understanding needed as you progress towards workplace competence.
Training duration: 30 days
Step 3 of 7
Understand the Wiring Regulations
City & Guilds 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (2382) – Level 3
Develop your understanding of BS 7671 and the requirements that apply to electrical installations. This qualification builds your knowledge of current wiring regulations and how they are applied within electrical work.
Training duration: 3 days
Step 4 of 7
Develop Your Inspection & Testing Skills
City & Guilds Initial Verification (2391-50) – Level 3
Develop the knowledge and practical skills required to inspect, test and verify new electrical installations. This stage builds your understanding of the procedures used to confirm that electrical work has been completed safely and in accordance with current requirements.
Training duration: 4 days
Step 5 of 7
Demonstrate Your Workplace Competence
City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (5357) – NVQ Route
This is where you put your electrical knowledge and practical skills into practice in a real working environment. You'll build a portfolio of workplace evidence and demonstrate your competence against the occupational standards required within the electrical industry.
Typical duration: 3–18 months
Step 6 of 7
Develop Your Periodic Inspection Skills
City & Guilds Periodic Inspection & Testing (2391-51) – Level 3
Develop the knowledge and practical skills required to inspect and test existing electrical installations, assess their condition and identify whether they remain safe for continued use.
Training duration: 3 days
Step 7 of 7
Prepare for Your AM2 Assessment
AM2 – Independent Occupational Competence Assessment
The AM2 is the final practical assessment stage of your pathway, where you'll demonstrate your ability to work safely and competently across areas including safe isolation, electrical installation, inspection and testing, alongside written and online assessment.
Assessment duration: 3 days
Pathway Goal
ECS Gold Card
Completing the appropriate technical training, workplace competence and occupational assessment forms the core of your progression towards becoming a qualified electrician and applying for an ECS Gold Card.
Gold Card applicants must also meet the applicable ECS requirements, including holding an appropriate recognised Level 3 competency-based qualification, a current ECS Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment and a recognised BS 7671 qualification.
Level 3 Competence • BS 7671 • ECS HS&E • AM2
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FAQs
How do I become a qualified electrician in the UK?
How do I become a qualified electrician?
Becoming a qualified electrician is usually a staged process involving electrical theory, practical training and workplace experience. The right route will depend on your existing qualifications, experience and career goals.
For those new to the electrical industry, the City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365-02) can provide a foundation in electrical science, health and safety, wiring systems, installation methods and practical electrical skills.
Learners looking to progress towards installation or maintenance electrician roles can continue onto Level 3 training and workplace competence. The City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (5357) combines technical learning, practical training and workplace assessment as part of a structured route through the industry.
Further qualifications and assessments may also form part of your progression depending on the route you follow and the type of electrical work you intend to undertake.
If you're unsure where to start, explore our Electrical Training Pathway or speak to our team about your existing experience and the qualifications you may need next.
Explore your route into the electrical industry
Follow our Electrical Training Pathway from foundation training through workplace competence, Wiring Regulations, Inspection & Testing and specialist development.
Explore the Electrical Pathway → Contact Us →
Can I train to become an electrician if I have no previous experience?
Can I become an electrician with no previous experience?
Yes. There are training routes available for people who are new to the electrical industry and want to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to start a career as an electrician.
The City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365-02) is designed for learners starting out in the industry. It provides a foundation in electrical science, health and safety, wiring systems, installation methods and the principles behind safe electrical practices.
Once you have developed your foundational knowledge and practical skills, you can progress towards Level 3 training and workplace competence depending on your career goals. The City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (5357) combines technical learning with practical training and workplace assessment for those progressing towards installation or maintenance electrician roles.
Your route will depend on your existing experience, qualifications and the type of electrical work you want to pursue.
New to the electrical industry?
Explore our Electrical Training Pathway to understand the qualifications, workplace experience and progression involved in developing your electrical career.
Explore the Electrical Pathway → Contact Us →
What is the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification?
What is the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification?
The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations qualification develops your understanding of BS 7671, the requirements for electrical installations in the UK.
The training helps electrical professionals understand how the requirements of BS 7671 apply to electrical installations, including areas such as electrical safety, protection, installation methods, inspection and testing.
Kelly Energy Training offers 18th Edition Wiring Regulations training through both City & Guilds and LCL Awards, giving learners different qualification routes for developing their knowledge of BS 7671.
The qualification is particularly relevant to practising electricians, electrical installers, contractors and others involved in the design, installation or maintenance of electrical installations. Knowledge of BS 7671 can also support progression into further electrical and specialist training.
If you're unsure which 18th Edition route is most suitable for your experience or career goals, our team can help you understand the options available.
Ready to take your 18th Edition?
Choose between our City & Guilds and LCL Awards 18th Edition courses, or speak to our team if you're unsure which route is right for you.
City & Guilds 18th Edition → LCL Awards 18th Edition → Contact Us →
Can I progress from electrical training into renewable energy?
Can electrical training lead to a career in renewable energy?
Yes. Electrical training can provide a foundation for progressing into specialist renewable and low-carbon technologies. Once you have developed the required electrical knowledge, qualifications and practical experience, you may be able to expand your skills into areas such as Solar PV, EV charging and electrical energy storage systems.
Kelly Energy Training offers specialist Level 3 renewable energy training for electrical professionals looking to develop additional skills across these technologies.
Depending on your existing qualifications and experience, you can explore training in Solar PV Installation & Maintenance, EV Charger Installation or Battery Storage & Electrical Energy Storage Systems.
Entry requirements vary by qualification, so we recommend checking the individual course requirements before booking.
Interested in progressing into renewable energy?
Explore our Renewable Energy Training Pathway to understand the qualifications, entry requirements and specialist training options available.
Explore the Renewable Energy Pathway → Contact Us →
What is the difference between Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection & Testing?
What is the difference between Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection & Testing?
Initial Verification and Periodic Inspection & Testing both involve inspecting and testing electrical installations, but they are carried out for different purposes and at different stages of an installation's life.
Initial Verification is carried out on a new electrical installation, or following an alteration or addition to an existing installation, before the new work is put into service. Inspection and testing are used to verify that the work meets the relevant requirements and is suitable to be energised. The results are typically recorded as part of an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC).
Periodic Inspection & Testing is carried out on an existing electrical installation to assess its condition and determine whether it remains satisfactory for continued use. The findings are recorded in an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which identifies observations, defects and areas that may require further investigation or remedial work.
For electrical professionals looking to develop competence across both areas, the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Initial and Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations (2391-52) combines initial verification and periodic inspection and testing within one qualification.
The right course will depend on your existing qualifications, experience and the type of inspection and testing work you want to undertake.
Which Inspection & Testing course is right for you?
Explore the available Initial Verification, Periodic Inspection and combined Inspection & Testing routes, or speak to our team for help choosing the most suitable qualification.
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Accreditations
