If you're researching electrical training in the UK, it doesn't take long before you start seeing qualification numbers such as 2365-02, 2365-03, 2382, 2391-50 and 2391-51.
To somebody already working in the electrical industry, these numbers may be familiar. To a career changer or someone researching how to become an electrician, they can make the qualification pathway unnecessarily difficult to understand.
What is the 18th Edition? What's the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 electrical qualifications? Do you need Testing and Inspection? And where do the NVQ and AM2 fit into the journey towards becoming a qualified electrician?
If you're looking for electrical courses in London, Enfield or North London, understanding how these qualifications fit together before choosing a course can save a lot of confusion.
This guide explains what each qualification is designed to do and how it fits within the electrical training pathway used by Kelly Energy Training's electrical trainers and assessors.
The Electrical Qualification Pathway at a Glance
For someone starting from the beginning and progressing towards recognised workplace competence and ultimately an ECS Gold Card, the Kelly Energy Training pathway can broadly be understood as:
1. 2365-02 – Level 2 Electrical Installations
2. 2365-03 – Level 3 Electrical Installations
3. 18th Edition – Current BS 7671 Requirements
4. 2391-50 – Initial Verification
5. Level 3 NVQ – Workplace Competence
6. 2391-51 – Periodic Inspection & Testing
7. AM2 – Independent Assessment
Goal: Progression towards an ECS Gold Card
What Does Each Electrical Qualification Actually Do?
| Qualification | Main Purpose | Where It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| 2365-02 | Practical electrical installation skills with supporting technical knowledge | Early training pathway |
| 2365-03 | Electrical design, science and technical principles | Works alongside Level 2 |
| 18th Edition | Understanding current BS 7671 requirements | Required before progression through later verification stages |
| 2391-50 | Initial Verification of new electrical installations | Required within Kelly's progression route before NVQ |
| Level 3 NVQ | Demonstrating workplace occupational competence | Workplace-based stage |
| 2391-51 | Periodic Inspection & Testing of existing installations | Later progression for experienced electricians |
| AM2 | Independent occupational competence assessment | Final assessment stage |
Level 2 and Level 3 Electrical Installation: What's the Difference?
One of the most common misconceptions about electrical training is that Level 2 is simply a basic course and Level 3 is a more advanced version that replaces it.
That isn't how the City & Guilds 2365 pathway at Kelly Energy Training should be understood.
The 2365-02 Level 2 and 2365-03 Level 3 work together, developing different elements of the knowledge and skills needed to progress within the electrical industry.
2365-02 – Level 2 Electrical Installations
The City & Guilds 2365-02 Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations develops practical electrical installation skills while introducing the technical knowledge and principles that underpin electrical work.
For learners beginning the 2365 route at Kelly Energy Training, this is where practical installation training forms an important part of their development.
Topics can include areas such as:
- Electrical installation methods
- Wiring systems and equipment
- Safe working practices
- Electrical principles
- Practical installation activities
- Introduction to electrical science and technology
It is an important part of the training pathway, but Level 2 alone does not make someone a qualified electrician.
2365-03 – Level 3 Electrical Installations
The City & Guilds 2365-03 Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations develops the technical side of electrical work in considerably greater depth.
Rather than simply replacing Level 2, Level 3 complements the practical knowledge and skills developed during the Level 2 programme.
The qualification develops areas such as:
- Electrical science and principles
- Electrical system design
- Fault diagnosis
- Technical calculations
- Inspection and testing theory
- Understanding more complex electrical systems
Within Kelly Energy Training's electrical pathway, learners following the 2365 route need both 2365-02 and 2365-03, or recognised equivalent qualifications, before progressing through the later stages of the pathway.
Explore Kelly Energy Training's Electrical Courses →
Is Level 2 a Foundation Electrical Course?
Kelly Energy Training does not describe the 2365-02 as its foundation electrical course.
For candidates looking for an introductory route into domestic electrical work, Kelly Energy Training offers separate Domestic Installer training. The appropriate starting point depends on the type of electrical work and career route you intend to pursue.
What Is the 18th Edition?
The 18th Edition refers to BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations.
BS 7671 sets out the requirements for electrical installations and is fundamental to the design, installation, verification and maintenance of electrical systems in the UK.
As of 2026, the current publication is:
BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 – Requirements for Electrical Installations, 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.
Electrical professionals need to maintain an understanding of the current requirements because BS 7671 underpins much of the work undertaken throughout the electrical industry.
What Does 18th Edition Training Cover?
An 18th Edition Wiring Regulations course is primarily concerned with understanding and navigating BS 7671.
Training can cover areas including:
- Scope and fundamental principles
- Definitions used within BS 7671
- Assessment of general characteristics
- Protection for safety
- Selection and erection of equipment
- Inspection and testing requirements
- Special installations and locations
- Appendices and supporting information
Important: The 18th Edition is not an electrical installation qualification and does not demonstrate practical workplace competence. Understanding BS 7671 is different from demonstrating that you can competently carry out electrical installation work.
Is the 18th Edition the First Qualification You Need?
Not necessarily.
For a learner starting the 2365 electrical training route, Level 2 and Level 3 form key parts of their technical training.
The 18th Edition can be completed at another appropriate point within that journey.
For Kelly learners progressing towards the Level 3 NVQ, the important point is that the required qualification set includes:
- 2365-02 Level 2 Electrical Installations
- 2365-03 Level 3 Electrical Installations
- Current 18th Edition qualification
- 2391-50 Initial Verification
Recognised equivalents from awarding organisations such as EAL or LCL Awards may also be acceptable, depending on the qualifications held.
Testing and Inspection: What Do 2391-50 and 2391-51 Mean?
Testing and Inspection is another area where qualification numbers can cause confusion.
Two qualifications you'll frequently encounter are:
2391-50 – Initial Verification and Certification of Electrical Installations
and
2391-51 – Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations
They sound similar, but they serve different purposes and sit at different points within the Kelly electrical pathway.
What Is 2391-50 Initial Verification?
City & Guilds 2391-50 Initial Verification develops the knowledge and skills involved in verifying new electrical installation work.
Initial Verification is concerned with establishing that electrical installation work has been correctly completed and complies with the relevant requirements before being put into service.
Training covers areas associated with:
- Safe isolation
- Visual inspection
- Continuity testing
- Insulation resistance
- Polarity
- Earth fault loop impedance
- RCD testing
- Interpretation of test results
- Electrical certification
- Requirements of BS 7671
Why 2391-50 matters: Within Kelly Energy Training's electrical pathway, Initial Verification forms part of the qualification set required before progressing into the Level 3 NVQ route.
What Is 2391-51 Periodic Inspection and Testing?
City & Guilds 2391-51 focuses on the periodic inspection and testing of existing electrical installations.
Rather than verifying newly completed work, periodic inspection considers the condition and continued safety of an installation that has already been in service.
This includes the knowledge and skills required to inspect an installation, carry out appropriate tests, interpret the results and complete the relevant reporting documentation.
One of the documents associated with this type of work is the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
What Is an EICR?
An Electrical Installation Condition Report records the condition of an existing electrical installation following periodic inspection and testing.
Observations can be classified using recognised codes, including:
- C1 – Danger present
- C2 – Potentially dangerous
- C3 – Improvement recommended
- FI – Further investigation required
EICRs are particularly familiar within the private rented sector. Appropriate periodic inspection requires the person undertaking the work to have the relevant qualifications, knowledge, practical skills and experience.
When Should You Take 2391-51?
This is where the distinction between 2391-50 and 2391-51 becomes particularly important.
At Kelly Energy Training, the 2391-51 is intended for experienced electricians developing their competence in periodic inspection and testing.
Kelly recommends candidates have at least one year of relevant on-site electrical experience before undertaking the 2391-51.
In simple terms: 2391-50 comes earlier within Kelly's progression pathway. 2391-51 is a later development for electricians who have gained appropriate workplace experience.
What Qualifications Do You Need Before Starting the Level 3 NVQ?
This is one of the most useful points to understand if your long-term goal is to become a qualified electrician.
Kelly Energy Training's NVQ Progression Requirements
Learners progressing to the Level 3 NVQ need the appropriate technical qualifications, or recognised equivalents:
- 2365-02 – Level 2 Electrical Installations
- 2365-03 – Level 3 Electrical Installations
- Current 18th Edition – BS 7671 requirements
- 2391-50 – Initial Verification
Equivalent recognised qualifications from awarding organisations such as EAL or LCL Awards may also satisfy the technical requirements, subject to assessment of the qualifications held.
What Is the Level 3 Electrical NVQ?
The City & Guilds Level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification (5357), commonly referred to within the pathway as the NVQ route, is fundamentally different from simply completing centre-based electrical training.
This is where you demonstrate that you can apply your knowledge and practical skills competently in a real working environment.
Learners need access to suitable electrical work so they can gather workplace evidence and demonstrate competence against the relevant occupational requirements.
This can involve:
- Real electrical installation activities
- Workplace observations
- Evidence of completed work
- Testing and verification
- Electrical documentation
- Professional discussions
- Building a portfolio of evidence
The exact duration depends heavily on the learner's employment, experience and access to suitable work.
This workplace component is crucial because completing classroom qualifications alone does not demonstrate occupational competence as an electrician.
Where Does the AM2 Fit In?
Towards the end of the pathway is the AM2, an independent assessment of occupational competence.
The AM2 is not simply another Kelly Energy Training classroom qualification.
It is an independent assessment designed to determine whether the candidate can demonstrate the required electrical knowledge, practical skills and safe working practices under assessment conditions.
Kelly Energy Training can help candidates prepare for the AM2, but the assessment itself is independently delivered through an approved assessment centre.
Successful completion of the appropriate technical qualifications, workplace competence requirements and AM2 forms part of the recognised route towards an ECS Gold Card, subject to the applicable ECS requirements.
Pathway Goal
What Is an ECS Gold Card?
The ECS Gold Card is an important industry credential for electricians and demonstrates that the cardholder has met the relevant qualification and competence requirements for their occupation and grade.
For someone beginning their training from scratch, it should therefore be viewed as the goal at the end of a structured journey, rather than something obtained simply by completing a Level 3 classroom qualification.
A 2365 Level 3 Diploma does not, by itself, make someone a fully qualified electrician or automatically qualify them for an ECS Gold Card.
Explore the 7-Step Electrical Training Pathway →How Do All the Electrical Qualifications Fit Together?
For a new entrant following Kelly Energy Training's pathway, the journey can be understood as seven broad stages.
Step 1 – 2365-02 Level 2
Develop practical electrical installation skills and the technical principles that support them.
Step 2 – 2365-03 Level 3
Develop the technical, scientific and design knowledge required for progression within the industry.
Step 3 – 18th Edition
Develop your understanding of the current BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 Wiring Regulations.
This qualification can be completed at another appropriate point within the pathway.
Step 4 – 2391-50 Initial Verification
Develop the knowledge and practical testing skills required for the initial verification of electrical installations.
Step 5 – Level 3 NVQ
Demonstrate occupational competence through real workplace electrical activities and evidence.
Step 6 – 2391-51 Periodic Inspection & Testing
For appropriately experienced electricians, develop competence in the inspection, testing and reporting of existing installations.
Kelly recommends at least one year of relevant on-site experience before this stage.
Step 7 – AM2
Complete the independent occupational competence assessment required within the relevant qualification pathway.
From there, eligible candidates can progress towards the appropriate ECS Gold Card.
Want to See the Full Pathway Visually?
Our Electrical Training Pathway breaks the route down step by step, from your first electrical qualifications through to NVQ workplace competence, AM2 and progression towards an ECS Gold Card.
View Your Electrical Training Pathway →Electrical Training in London & Enfield – Kelly Energy Training
Kelly Energy Training delivers specialist electrical courses in London from its main training centre in Enfield, North London.
Training is available for learners at different stages of their electrical careers, from those developing initial installation and technical knowledge through to experienced electricians undertaking Inspection and Testing or specialist professional development.
Electrical training available through Kelly Energy Training includes:
- Level 2 Electrical Installations
- Level 3 Electrical Installations
- 18th Edition Wiring Regulations
- Initial Verification
- Periodic Inspection and Testing
- Level 3 NVQ workplace competence
- EV Charging
- Solar PV
- Battery Storage
The Kelly Energy Training Enfield centre provides practical electrical training environments where learners can develop skills alongside the technical knowledge required for their qualifications.
Located in North London with access from the A10 and M25, the centre supports learners travelling from across London, Hertfordshire, Essex and the wider South East.
For learners searching for electrical courses in London, electrical courses in Enfield or electrical training in North London, the appropriate course will depend on your existing qualifications, practical experience and long-term career goals.
Someone already working in the electrical industry may not need to start at Step 1.
Explore Electrical Courses at Kelly Energy Training →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Level 3 Electrical Installation enough to become a qualified electrician?
No. A Level 3 2365 qualification develops important technical electrical knowledge, but it does not by itself demonstrate full workplace occupational competence.
Within Kelly Energy Training's pathway, learners continue into the appropriate Level 3 NVQ and ultimately the AM2 assessment as part of progression towards the relevant ECS Gold Card requirements.
Do I need both 2365 Level 2 and Level 3?
Within Kelly Energy Training's 2365 pathway for learners starting from the beginning, 2365-02 and 2365-03 work together and both are required before progression into later stages of the route.
Equivalent recognised qualifications may also be considered where appropriate.
Is Level 2 a foundation electrical course?
Kelly Energy Training does not describe the 2365-02 as its foundation electrical course.
Kelly offers a separate Domestic Installer training route for learners seeking introductory domestic electrical training. The 2365-02 instead forms part of the Level 2 and Level 3 technical training route towards further electrical qualifications and workplace competence.
Do I need the 18th Edition to become an electrician?
Understanding the current requirements of BS 7671 is an important part of working within the electrical industry.
For learners following Kelly Energy Training's pathway towards the NVQ, the current 18th Edition qualification forms part of the required technical qualification set.
As of 2026, the current Wiring Regulations are BS 7671:2018+A4:2026.
What's the difference between 2391-50 and 2391-51?
2391-50 Initial Verification concerns the inspection, testing, and certification associated with new electrical installation work.
2391-51 Periodic Inspection and Testing concerns assessing and reporting on the condition of existing electrical installations.
Within Kelly Energy Training's pathway, 2391-50 is required before progression into the NVQ stage. The 2391-51 is intended for more experienced electricians, and Kelly recommends at least one year of relevant on-site electrical experience before undertaking it.
Do I need 2391-50 before starting the NVQ?
Within the Kelly Energy Training pathway, yes.
Learners need 2365-02, 2365-03, the current 18th Edition and 2391-50, or recognised equivalents, before progressing into the Level 3 NVQ route.
Can I take the 18th Edition before Level 2 and Level 3?
The 18th Edition can be completed at another appropriate point within the pathway.
However, holding an 18th Edition qualification alone does not demonstrate practical electrical installation competence and should not be confused with being a qualified electrician.
Do I need 2391-51 to become an electrician?
The 2391-51 serves a different purpose from 2391-50. It develops competence in periodic inspection and testing of existing installations and is intended for experienced electricians.
Within Kelly Energy Training's pathway, it is usually taken later, once the learner has developed appropriate workplace experience.
What qualifications do I need for an ECS Gold Card?
The requirements depend on the occupation and route being followed.
For someone following Kelly Energy Training's electrician pathway from the beginning, the journey includes the relevant Level 2 and Level 3 technical qualifications, current Wiring Regulations knowledge, Initial Verification, workplace competence through the Level 3 NVQ and the appropriate AM2 assessment.
Candidates should always check the current ECS requirements applicable to the card and occupation they are pursuing.
Start Your Electrical Training Pathway
Electrical qualifications make considerably more sense when they are viewed as parts of a pathway rather than individual certificates.
The 2365-02 and 2365-03 work together to develop practical and technical electrical knowledge.
The 18th Edition develops understanding of the current BS 7671 Wiring Regulations.
The 2391-50 develops Initial Verification knowledge and skills required within Kelly's progression route.
The Level 3 NVQ moves that learning into the workplace, where occupational competence must be demonstrated.
The 2391-51 develops periodic inspection and testing competence for appropriately experienced electricians.
And the AM2 provides an independent assessment of occupational competence as part of the wider route towards an ECS Gold Card.
Kelly Energy Training delivers electrical training in London and Enfield for learners at different stages of that journey.
If you already have electrical qualifications or workplace experience, you may not need to start at the beginning. Your existing qualifications and competence can be reviewed to determine the appropriate next step.
Not Sure Where You Fit Into the Electrical Pathway?
Speak to our team about your existing qualifications, experience and career goals, and we can help you understand which training stage may be appropriate for you.
Contact Kelly Energy Training → View the Electrical Pathway →
