The 2391 courses refer to a group of City & Guilds electrical inspection and testing qualifications designed for qualified electricians who want to carry out inspection, testing, and certification of electrical installations. These courses are widely recognised in the UK electrical industry and are often required for professionals who work on Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) and installation verification.
Providers such as All Electrical Training offer structured 2391 programmes covering both initial verification and periodic inspection and testing, helping electricians develop the skills needed to assess and certify electrical systems safely and in line with BS 7671 regulations.
What Is the 2391 Qualification?
The City & Guilds 2391 qualification is an advanced electrical course focused on:
Inspecting new electrical installations
Carrying out periodic inspection and condition reports
Testing electrical circuits and systems
Understanding and applying BS 7671 wiring regulations
Completing official certification and documentation
It is considered a key qualification for electricians who want to move into testing, inspection, and compliance work.
Different Types of 2391 Courses
The 2391 qualification is split into different units depending on the type of inspection work:
2391-50 (Initial Verification)
Focuses on inspecting and testing new electrical installations before they are put into service.
2391-51 (Periodic Inspection)
Covers inspection of existing electrical installations and producing condition reports (EICRs).
2391-52 (Combined Course)
A combined qualification that includes both initial verification and periodic inspection, making it the most complete option for experienced electricians.
What You Learn on a 2391 Course
Students on 2391 courses typically study:
Electrical safety procedures
Testing methods and techniques
Circuit analysis and fault finding
Earth loop impedance and continuity testing
Insulation resistance testing
Certification and reporting requirements
Interpreting test results accurately
The course combines theory with practical assessments to ensure learners can apply knowledge in real working environments.
Assessment Structure
Assessment usually includes:
A multiple-choice theory exam
Practical testing tasks
Written exercises and reporting work
Learners must demonstrate both knowledge of regulations and the ability to carry out accurate electrical testing procedures.
Who Should Take a 2391 Course?
The 2391 qualification is intended for:
Qualified electricians
Installation engineers
Maintenance electricians
Professionals moving into inspection and testing roles
It is generally not designed for complete beginners, as it requires prior knowledge of electrical installation work and safety regulations.
Why the 2391 Qualification Is Important
Holding a 2391 qualification is valuable because it:
Allows electricians to certify their own work
Enables carrying out official EICR inspections
Improves career opportunities and earning potential
Demonstrates compliance with UK electrical safety standards
Builds advanced technical skills in testing and fault diagnosis
It is often seen as a key step for electricians progressing into senior or specialist roles.
Final Thoughts
2391 courses are an essential qualification pathway for electricians who want to work in inspection, testing, and certification of electrical installations. Covering both theoretical knowledge and hands-on assessment, the qualification ensures professionals can safely and accurately evaluate electrical systems in line with UK regulations.
For electricians looking to expand their skills beyond installation work, the 2391 certification is a major step towards more advanced and specialised roles in the industry.