Inspection and Testing Course: Elevate Your Electrical Credentials in the West Midlands

If you’re already working as an electrician or preparing to be, mastering inspection and testing is a must-have skill that sets you apart. Whether you’re verifying a new wiring job or inspecting aged installations, the inspection and testing course offers structured, recognised training to boost your confidence and competence. For learners in and around Birmingham, accessible Electrician Courses Solihull bring that practical expertise closer to home.

Elec Training delivers a tailored approach—hands-on learning, clear assessment criteria, and tutor support to keep you on track. For full details, check their main site at www.elec.training.

Why Inspection and Testing Qualifications Matter

Ensuring electrical safety isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal and contractual requirement. The City & Guilds 2391-52 Level 3 Award in Initial and Periodic Inspection and Testing is widely respected in the industry because it prepares you for both verifying new installations and assessing existing ones. It merges the competencies of the 2391-50 and 2391-51 courses into one efficient qualification 

There’s a growing need for highly trained electricians equipped to inspect and test installations with precision. From a structural standpoint, the UK continues to face shortages in qualified candidates. As of early 2025, vacancy rates for electricians remain well above the national average, and the industry continues to struggle to fill positions

What You’ll Learn and Who It’s For

The 2391-52 course is aimed at practising electricians with a background in electrical science, installation work, and a recognized Level 3 qualification. It’s not for newcomers but rather those refining their craft 

You’ll cover both:

• Initial Verification: Learning how to inspect and certify a newly installed system before it’s energised. You’ll become familiar with completing Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs) and Minor Works certificates (MEIWC).
• Periodic Inspection and Testing: You’ll acquire the skills to test existing electrical systems, complete condition reports, and evaluate safety in ongoing installations

This qualification ensures you meet technical standards, including BS 7671 wiring regulations (currently the 18th Edition with 2024 amendments), and can confidently issue compliant documentation 

Benefits of Completing This Course

Opting for this course can be a game-changer—for your expertise and your opportunities:

• Comprehensive Training – Covers both new and existing system inspection, saving you time and money compared to separate courses.
• Professional Legitimacy – Demonstrates your methodical knowledge and skill — highly valued by employers and clients.
• Increased Autonomy – With a solid certification, you’re often authorised to sign off your own installations or inspection jobs.
• Market Advantage – As construction and retrofit work grow across the West Midlands, certified inspectors are increasingly sought after.

Studying Locally: Why Solihull Makes Sense

Taking this training in Solihull makes practical sense for learners in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. Elec Training‘s Solihull location offers easier access for busy professionals balancing work and life.

It also means you’re building connections with local electrical contractors, gaining insight into the expectations of regional clients—ranging from new-build developers to refurbishment projects.

What to Expect (And How to Be Ready)

The journey to become inspection-testing qualified can be demanding:

• Rigorous Assessments – Typically includes a theory exam, written assignment, and practical inspection task. Many courses last several days, combining theory sessions and hands-on evaluation (some run 5–6 days in total) 
• Regulatory Lift – Understanding and applying updated wiring rules (BS 7671) and reporting expectations takes focus and precision
• Commitment – You’ll need to manage study time, brush up on test instrument use, and keep documentation tight.

That said, with clear guidance from Elec Training tutors and supplied resources, you’ll be well-supported every step. A slip or misread can happen, but it’s all part of the real-world learning process.

Tips to Maximise the Course

• Refresh Core Knowledge – A refresher on the 18th Edition wiring regulations goes a long way.
• Practice Documentation – Familiarise yourself with completing certificates (EICs, condition reports) early.
• Use Permitted Guides – Guidance Note 3 and On-site Guide are invaluable during assessments
• Ask Questions – Tutors are there to help—take advantage of their knowledge to clarify any tricky points.

With these steps, you’ll step through the course more confidently—and finish stronger too.

Future Paths Once You’re Qualified

Once you hold a 2391-52 qualification, new doors open:

• You can register with competent person schemes like NICEIC, enabling self-certification under Part P.
• You’re better placed to branch into supervisory roles or inspection duties, and take on specialist work like EV charger inspection or advisory roles.
• A greenenergy shift and building retrofit initiatives mean demand is only growing

In short, inspection and testing isn’t just another certificate—it’s a pathway to elevated professional competence and future-ready growth.

Want to get started, or know someone ready to step up? Elec Training provides the pathway, the environment, and the support to help you become a competent inspection and testing electrician in the West Midlands. Check out your local course options in Solihull and get q ualified today with confidence.