Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Build practical electrical risk assessment and appliance testing skills with this CPD QS accredited Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) training.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
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1 Year Access 
Level 5 
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2 weeks, 4 days
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Course Overview
Faulty electrical appliances are one of the most common, and most preventable, causes of workplace fires and injuries in the UK, yet many organisations still lack anyone trained to test and assess them properly. This Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) training addresses that gap, giving learners a structured, practical understanding of how to carry out electrical risk assessment and appliance testing to a competent standard.
The course begins with an introduction to PAT and the statutory provisions that shape how testing is carried out in UK workplaces, before moving into risk assessment and how to reduce and control electrical risks before they cause harm. Learners then build technical knowledge of electrical units and appliance classification, alongside how to carry out an initial visual examination to catch visible faults early.
The training then covers the instruments used for testing and equipment inspection, before electrical installation testing, the most detailed section of the course, walks learners through the practical testing process itself. Safety precautions are covered throughout, reinforcing safe working practice at every stage.
The course closes with reporting and record-keeping, an area often overlooked but essential for demonstrating compliance during workplace inspections. Whether you're responsible for appliance safety within your own workplace or looking to offer PAT testing services more broadly, this course builds genuinely practical electrical risk assessment skills grounded in UK safety standards.
The course was audited and updated on: 24th August, 2026
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the statutory provisions relevant to PAT testing.
- Carry out electrical risk assessments for appliances confidently.
- Classify electrical appliances correctly by type and unit.
- Perform initial visual examinations to identify visible faults.
- Use testing instruments and equipment for inspection accurately.
- Apply safety precautions throughout the electrical testing process.
- Produce accurate testing reports and maintain proper records.
Key Features of This Course
- Accredited by CPD QS, adding recognised value to your CV.
- Strong focus on electrical risk assessment throughout the course.
- Covers the full PAT testing process from theory to reporting.
- Self-paced online learning, accessible anytime from any device.
- No prior experience or qualifications required to enrol.
- Structured progression from statutory basics through to practical testing.
- Instant access upon enrolment with no fixed start dates.
- Optional written assignment available for learners who wish to complete it.
Assessment & Certification
Training Format
This Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) training is delivered through structured, self-paced modules that learners can work through in their own time. The flexible format means there are no live sessions or fixed timetables, making it accessible to those balancing study with work or other commitments.
Assessment
A mock exam, based on multiple-choice questions, is completed first.
A final exam, also multiple-choice, must then be passed.
An optional written assignment is also available for learners who wish to complete it.
Certification Options
CPD QS Certificate
PDF certificate available for £9.
Printed hard copy available for £15.
Issued by CPD Quality Standards (CPD QS), a widely recognised UK accreditation body.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) training. It's open to anyone with a basic understanding of English, numeracy, and IT, regardless of prior electrical testing experience.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
- Facilities and maintenance staff responsible for workplace electrical safety.
- Landlords wanting a stronger understanding of appliance testing duties.
- Electricians looking to broaden their services to include PAT testing.
- Health and safety officers overseeing electrical risk assessment and compliance.
- Individuals considering self-employed PAT testing work.
Career Opportunities
- PAT Tester: £18k to £26k/year
- Self-Employed PAT Testing Contractor: £20k to £35k/year
- Facilities Maintenance Technician: £20k to £28k/year
- Electrical Compliance Officer: £24k to £34k/year
- Health and Safety Officer: £26k to £38k/year
Note: Salary figures are indicative only. Actual earnings may vary depending on experience, location, employer, and professional qualifications. Completion of this course does not guarantee employment or a specific salary level.
Why People Choose One Education for Their Career
Thousands of learners trust One Education to support their professional development, and their feedback speaks for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PAT testing a legal requirement in the UK?
There’s no specific law naming PAT testing directly, but the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 place a general duty on employers to ensure electrical equipment is maintained safely, and PAT testing is a widely recognised way to meet that duty.
What does electrical risk assessment involve in PAT testing?
Electrical risk assessment involves identifying potential hazards with an appliance, evaluating the likelihood of harm, and determining appropriate testing frequency and control measures.
Do you need a qualification to carry out PAT testing?
There’s no single mandatory qualification required by law, though completing recognised training and demonstrating competency in line with the IET Code of Practice is strongly expected by employers and clients.
How much does a PAT tester earn in the UK?
PAT tester salaries and contractor earnings typically range from £18k to £35k per year, depending on experience, client base, and whether the work is employed or self-employed.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the course is designed to be accessible to beginners, with no prior electrical testing experience required.
Course Curriculum
| Module 01: Introduction to PAT | |||
| Introduction to PAT | 00:23:00 | ||
| Module 02: Relevant Statutory Provisions for PAT | |||
| Relevant Statutory Provisions for PAT | 00:19:00 | ||
| Module 03: Risk Assessment | |||
| Risk Assessment | 00:28:00 | ||
| Module 04: Reducing and Controlling Risks | |||
| Reducing and Controlling Risks | 00:15:00 | ||
| Module 05: Electrical Units and Appliance Classification | |||
| Electrical Units and Appliance Classification | 00:33:00 | ||
| Module 06: Initial Visual Examination | |||
| Initial Visual Examination | 00:28:00 | ||
| Module 07: Instruments for Testing and Equipment Inspection | |||
| Instruments for Testing and Equipment Inspection | 00:18:00 | ||
| Module 08: Electrical Installation Testing | |||
| Electrical Installation Testing | 00:57:00 | ||
| Module 09: Safety Precautions in Electrical Testing | |||
| Safety Precautions in Electrical Testing | 00:15:00 | ||
| Module 10: Reporting and Record-keeping | |||
| Reporting and Record-keeping | 00:15:00 | ||
| Mock Exam | |||
| Mock Exam – Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) | 00:20:00 | ||
| Final Exam | |||
| Final Exam – Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) | 00:20:00 | ||
| Assignment | |||
| Assignment – Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) | Unlimited | ||
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)