✓ Legally Required UK Qualifications

Essential Electrical Certifications

Every electrician working in the UK must hold these qualifications. The 18th Edition and 2391 Inspection & Testing are legal requirements — and the key stepping stones to your ECS Gold Card.

★★★★★ 5.0  —  152+ Google Reviews, All 5 Stars
98%
18th Edition pass rate
From £159
18th Edition +VAT
At Home
Exam options available
Online
Self-paced study
Your Electrician Pathway
02
Essential Certifications
Step 2 of 4 on your Gold Card journey
✓
2
3
★
Foundation Essential NVQ Gold Card
C&G 2382-26 & 2391 Accredited
Legal Requirement to Work in the UK
Online Study — Exam from Home
5.0 Stars — 152+ Google Reviews

Essential Courses

All Essential Qualifications

Mandatory certifications for electricians in the UK. Whether studying online or in our centres, these qualifications keep you legal and open the door to your Gold Card.

C&G 2382-26 — Amendment 4
18th Edition Wiring Regulations
Most Popular

The legal requirement for anyone carrying out, supervising or designing electrical work in the UK. Updated to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 (Amendment 4). Online self-paced study with centre or at-home exam.

  • Online course — self-paced, study anywhere
  • Exam at centre (London/Manchester) or at home
  • 98% pass rate — exam-only option also available
  • Entry requirement: 18 years of age or older
From £159 +VAT
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C&G 2391-52
2391-52 Inspection, Testing & Certification
Recommended

The combined inspection and testing qualification covering both initial verification (Unit 50) and periodic inspection (Unit 51). The most widely recognised by employers and required for ECS Gold Card.

  • 5-day classroom or online + 2 days in centre
  • Covers both initial verification and periodic inspection
  • 18th Edition required as prerequisite
  • 0% payment plans — 50% deposit, 3 or 6 months
From £745 +VAT
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C&G 2383-10
Part P — Domestic Installer (2383-10)

The qualification for electricians carrying out domestic electrical work. Covers Building Regulations Part P compliance — required for anyone working in residential properties.

  • Covers Building Regulations Part P compliance
  • Required for domestic electrical installation work
  • Online study + exam in centre or at home
Contact us for pricing
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C&G 2391-50
2391-50 Initial Verification Only

Covers initial verification of new electrical installations only. Choose this if you only need initial verification sign-off for your specific role — or take it alongside 2391-51 for the full combined award.

  • Initial verification of new installations
  • 18th Edition prerequisite required
  • Can be combined with 2391-51 for full 52 award
Contact us for pricing
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C&G 2391-51
2391-51 Periodic Inspection Only

Covers periodic inspection and testing of existing electrical installations only. Choose this if you need to carry out condition reports and EICR inspections on existing systems.

  • Periodic inspection of existing installations
  • 18th Edition prerequisite required
  • Widely required for EICR and landlord compliance work
Contact us for pricing
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C&G 2383-10
Part P — Level 3 Certificate (2383-10)

An alternative Part P qualification for domestic electrical installation compliance. Covers the same Building Regulations territory as 2383-10 — contact us to find the right version for your situation.

  • Building Regulations Part P compliance
  • Suitable for domestic electricians
Contact us for pricing
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Is This For Me?

Who Needs Essential Courses?

These qualifications are legally required for anyone carrying out electrical work in the UK. If you work in the trade, you need them.

  • Practicing Electricians If you carry out any electrical work in the UK, you must hold a current 18th Edition certificate. Older editions are no longer valid — you must upgrade to Amendment 4 by October 2026.
  • Foundation Course Graduates Just completed your Level 2 or Level 3? The 18th Edition and 2391 are your next essential steps toward the Gold Card.
  • Domestic Electricians Working on residential properties? You also need Part P in addition to the 18th Edition to comply with UK Building Regulations.
  • Anyone Renewing Expired Certifications The 18th Edition must be updated whenever regulations change. If you’re on an older edition, you need to upgrade to Amendment 4 by Oct 2026.

Entry Requirements

18th Edition: 18 years of age or older — no other prerequisites
2391 Inspection & Testing: 18th Edition qualification required
Part P: relevant electrical experience or qualifications recommended
All courses open to overseas-trained electricians

⚠ Already hold the 18th Edition Amendment 4 & 3?

The 18th Edition Amendment 4 & 3 is upgrading to Amendment 4 in April 2026.i. Anyone carrying out electrical work legally in the UK must hold the current 18th Edition (Amendment 4, BS 7671:2018+A4:2026). We offer a straightforward upgrade course.

Your ECS Gold Card Pathway

Essential Courses are Step 2 of 4

✓
Foundation
2365 Level 2 & 3
›
2
Essential Certs
You are here — 18th Ed + 2391
›
3
NVQ Level 3
EWA or 2357
›
★
ECS Gold Card
Your final goal

Essential Courses FAQ

Common Questions

Everything you need to know before booking your Essential course.

Is the 18th Edition a legal requirement?

Yes. The 18th Edition (BS 7671:2018+A4:2026) is legally required for anyone carrying out, supervising or designing electrical installations in the UK. It covers the current wiring regulations and must be renewed whenever major updates are published. The current version is Amendment 4 — earlier editions are no longer valid.

What is the difference between 2391-50, 51 and 52?

The 2391-50 covers Initial Verification of new installations only. The 2391-51 covers Periodic Inspection of existing installations only. The 2391-52 is the combined qualification covering both — and is what most employers and the ECS Gold Card application require. We recommend the 52 for most students.

Can I take the 18th Edition exam from home?

Yes. The 18th Edition exam can be taken at one of our centres (London or Manchester) or from home via a remotely proctored exam. The online course is fully self-paced and can be studied on any internet-connected device, so you can complete the entire qualification without visiting a centre.

Do I need the 18th Edition before I can book the 2391?

Yes. A current 18th Edition qualification is a prerequisite for all 2391 Inspection and Testing courses. If you don’t yet hold it, we recommend booking both together — we can advise on the best sequencing and payment plan to suit your timeline.

How long does the 2391 course take?

The 5-day classroom course runs Monday to Friday at our London or Manchester centre and includes all exams and practical assessments. The online option involves self-paced study followed by 2 days in centre to complete the practical exam. An at-home exam option is also available.

Do I need Part P as well as the 18th Edition?

Part P is required if you carry out notifiable electrical work in domestic (residential) premises in England and Wales. If you only work on commercial or industrial installations, you may not need it. Not sure? Use our free Pathway Tool or call us and we’ll advise based on your specific situation.

Need Help Choosing the Right Course?

Our free Pathway Tool tells you exactly which qualifications you need — in the right order — based on what you already hold.