One of the most common questions people ask before starting their electrical training journey is a deceptively simple one: where do I begin?
It is a fair question. The landscape of electrician qualifications in the UK can look complicated at first glance. Level 2, Level 3, 18th Edition, AM2, 2391, Part P, and NVQ can feel overwhelming if you are new to the industry or returning to upskill after time away from the trade.
It does not need to be confusing. The qualification pathway for electricians in the UK follows a clear structure, and once you understand how the different parts fit together, planning your training becomes much more straightforward.
This guide from Kelly Energy Training breaks down the main electrical qualifications, explains where each one sits in the pathway, and helps you understand which course you may need to take first based on your current experience and career goals.
Why the electrical qualification pathway feels confusing
The confusion usually comes from the fact that there is not one single route that suits everyone. The right starting point depends on several factors, including:
- Whether you are starting from scratch with no previous electrical experience
- Whether you are already working in the trade and want to formalise your skills
- What type of electrical work do you want to do, such as domestic, commercial, industrial, or testing and inspection
- Whether you are employed or self-employed, this can affect which qualifications you need for certain types of work
Understanding your starting point is the first step. Once that is clear, the qualification pathway becomes much easier to follow.
Start Here: Level 2 Electrical Installation
For most people entering the industry with no prior electrical training, Level 2 Electrical Installation is the correct place to begin.
The Level 2 Award, most commonly delivered as the City and Guilds 2365 Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations, gives you the core knowledge and practical skills that underpin everything else in the trade. It typically covers:
- Electrical theory, including circuits, current, voltage, resistance, and power
- Health and safety in electrical installations
- Installation of wiring systems and enclosures
- An introduction to the regulations that govern electrical work in the UK
Completing Level 2 gives you the foundation to progress to Level 3. It can also help you begin working as an improver or electrician’s mate under supervision, allowing you to gain the site experience needed for further progression.
Who needs it?
Anyone starting from scratch with no formal electrical qualifications.
How long does it take?
12 weeks in a structured training environment, through specialist providers such as Kelly Energy Training.
The Next Step: Level 3 Electrical Installation
Once you have completed Level 2, Level 3 Electrical Installation is the natural next step and an important one.
The Level 3 qualification, usually delivered as the City and Guilds 2365 Level 3 Diploma, builds significantly on the knowledge gained at Level 2. It typically includes:
- Three-phase systems
- Fault diagnosis and electrical maintenance
- Special locations and their installation requirements
- Protection systems and earthing arrangements
- A more detailed understanding of BS 7671, the Wiring Regulations
Completing Level 3 is a major milestone. When combined with the relevant NVQ and enough on site experience, it puts you on the path towards the AM2 assessment and JIB Gold Card status.
Who needs it?
Anyone who has completed Level 2 and wants to work towards becoming a fully qualified electrician.
It is also worth noting that some providers offer Level 2 and Level 3 as part of one combined programme. Speaking to a training provider such as Kelly Energy Training can help you decide which format is best for your situation.
The 18th Edition (BS 7671) — Non-Negotiable for Every Electrician
If you are already working in the industry and hear people talk about “doing the 18th Edition”, they are referring to the City and Guilds 2382 award. This qualification demonstrates knowledge of the current IET Wiring Regulations, also known as BS 7671.
The 18th Edition is not normally the best starting point for complete beginners because it assumes you already have some electrical understanding. However, it is essential for practising electricians.
Without it, you are unable to be able to sign off on installation work, join or renew membership of a competent persons scheme, or work on any domestic and commercial projects.
The course covers:
- The structure and scope of BS 7671
- Protection against electric shock, overcurrent, and fault current
- Selection and erection of equipment
- Inspection, testing, and certification requirements
- Special installations and locations
The qualification is assessed through an online examination and needs updating when the regulations change.
Who needs it?
Qualified or near-qualified electricians and anyone already working in the trade.
Who does not need it first?
Complete beginners. In most cases, it makes more sense to build your Level 2 and Level 3 foundation before taking the 18th Edition.
Kelly Energy Training delivers 18th Edition courses with flexible scheduling to suit learners already in employment.
Inspection and Testing: Explained
Once you are working as a qualified electrician, the ability to carry out inspections and issue certificates can become a valuable skill and an important commercial advantage.
The qualifications most often associated with this are City and Guilds 2391, 50, 51 & 52.
City and Guilds 2391 50 covers the initial verification of new electrical installations.
City and Guilds 2391 51 covers periodic inspection, testing, and certification of existing installations.
City and Guilds 2391 52 is the combined qualification.
The 2391 51 & 52 allow electricians to carry out Electrical Installation Condition Reports, often referred to as EICRs, which are now a legal requirement for many private rented properties.
Who needs them?
Anybody doing any electrically related work.
What should you have first?
A strong practical background in electrical installation and the 18th Edition are required before taking these qualifications.
The AM2 Assessment: Your Route to a Gold Card
The AM2, or Assessment of Competence, is not a training course. It is an independent industry assessment that demonstrates you have the practical skills needed to work safely and effectively as an electrician.
Passing the AM2, alongside your Level 3 qualification and NVQ, makes you eligible for the JIB Approved Electrician Gold Card, which is widely recognised across the UK construction industry.
The AM2 comprises of a single & 3 phase safe isolation, a composite 3 phase installation, inspection, testing, and fault diagnosis plus a 1 hour exam.
Who needs it?
Anyone working towards full electrician status and a Gold Card.
How should you prepare?
Hands on experience is the most important preparation. A strong practical foundation from your training, combined with real site hours, gives you the best chance of passing confidently.
Domestic Installer Courses: A Different Route for a Specific Goal
Not everyone who starts electrical training wants to become a fully qualified electrician.
Some people, especially those already working in related trades such as plumbing, general building, or maintenance, want to carry out domestic electrical work legally and self-certify the jobs they complete.
A Domestic Installer course with the 18th edition & 2391-50 can provide a route into a competent persons scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT, allowing eligible candidates to self-certify domestic work without a separate building control sign off.
This is a shorter route than the full Level 2 and Level 3 pathway, but it is not a shortcut to becoming a fully qualified electrician. It is designed for people with relevant practical experience who want to formalise a narrower scope of work.
Who needs it?
Tradespeople with relevant hands-on experience who want to self-certify domestic work.
Who is it not suitable for?
Complete beginners looking for their first electrical qualification.
Kelly Energy Training offers domestic installer training for eligible candidates.
Which Qualification Should You Take First? A Quick Guide
- Complete beginner = Start with Level 2 Electrical Installation
- Working in the trade but not yet fully qualified = Complete Level 2 if needed, then progress to Level 3
- Qualified electrician needing updated regs knowledge = Take the 18th Edition
- Electrician wanting to offer testing services =2365-02, 2365-03 take the 18th Edition, then 2391-50
- Tradesperson wanting to self certify domestic work = Consider a Domestic Installer course, if eligible & 18th edition & 2391-50
- Near qualified and working towards Gold Card status = Complete Level 3, 2391-50 & 51 NVQ3, then AM2
If you are unsure where you fit, the next best step is to speak to a training provider who can look at your experience and recommend the most suitable route.
How Kelly Energy Training Can Help
Kelly Energy Training is a specialist electrical training provider offering a full range of courses, from Level 2 Electrical Installation through to 18th Edition, inspection and testing qualifications, and domestic installer programmes.
Our courses are designed for people who want to progress. That may mean starting a new career, formalising skills already gained on the job, or expanding the services you can legally offer.
We keep class sizes small, our trainers have real site experience, and our programmes are built to help learners move forward as efficiently and confidently as possible.
If you are ready to start your electrical training, or you want advice on which course is the right next step for you, contact the Kelly Energy Training team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What electrical qualification should I get first?
For most people starting with no prior electrical knowledge, Level 2 Electrical Installation is the right first step. It gives you the core theory and practical skills that everything else builds on. If you are already working in the trade, the 18th Edition may be more relevant as an immediate next step.
Do I need Level 2 before I can do Level 3 electrical installation?
Yes. Level 3 builds directly on the knowledge and skills covered in Level 2. Some providers offer combined programmes, but the content still follows that progression.
What is the 18th Edition course and who needs it?
The 18th Edition is the qualification covering the current IET Wiring Regulations. It is essential for practising electricians and is usually taken once you already have some industry knowledge or training in place.
How long does it take to become a qualified electrician in the UK?
The traditional apprenticeship route can take around four years, combining study with site experience. Fast track training providers can shorten the classroom element, but on site experience is still needed for NVQ completion and AM2 eligibility.(zero to approved from about 2 years)
Can I do electrical courses online?
Some theory elements, including 18th Edition revision, can be studied online. However, practical electrical installation training requires workshop-based learning and hands on assessment.
What is the AM2 assessment?
The AM2 is a practical competence assessment needed for Gold Card status. It comprises a single & 3 phase safe isolation, a composite 3 phase installation, inspection, testing, and fault diagnosis plus a 1 hour exam.
Conclusion
The electrical qualification pathway in the UK is more structured than many people realise. The confusion often comes from how the information is presented, rather than from the qualifications themselves.
For many learners, the route is clear. Start with Level 2, progress to Level 3, complete the 18th Edition, and then work towards the NVQ and AM2. From there, inspection and testing qualifications can help expand your services and earning potential.
What matters most is starting in the right place for your current level of experience and building from there with the right support.
Kelly Energy Training is here to help you do exactly that. View our full course list or contact our team to talk through which qualification is the right next step for you.
