Electrical Tester

What does an electrical tester do?

As an electrical tester, you will be responsible for inspecting electrical systems and equipment in homes and businesses to identify faults. You might be carrying out quality checks on new buildings or conducting regular portable appliance (PAT) tests on frequently used machines. 

The job role of an electrical tester involves the following duties:  

• Surveying, testing and inspecting electrical installations 
• Carrying out portable appliance (PAT) testing  
• Adhering to government and regulator guidelines 
• Identifying faults or inefficiencies 
• Fixing faults or arranging for them to be repaired 
• Working to health and safety standards 
• Gaining quotes for repair jobs 
• Completing testing reports and electrical certificates 
• Liaising with clients and colleagues. 

How to become an electrical tester

There are several routes to becoming an electrical tester. You could gain the qualification you need by completing a college course or an apprenticeship, or you could apply to an employer directly if you have some previous experience. 

You should explore these routes of becoming an electrical tester to find out which one is right for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions. 

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.  

College/training provider 

You could complete a City & Guilds Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation to help you become an electrical tester. 

• Equivalent entry requirements explained 
• Find a course near you 
• Funding advice 

Apprenticeship 

You can gain the skills to become an electrical tester by completing an intermediate or advanced electrical installation apprenticeship. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by a company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider. 

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work 

If you have GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and maths, and good practical skills, you could apply for a job as an electrician’s mate, trainee or assistant. Your employer may help you train to become fully qualified, enabling you to progress to a role as an electrical tester. 

Work experience 

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as an electrical tester. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. 

• Find out more about work experience

Skills  

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as an electrical tester include:  

• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Ability to work well with others 
• Excellent attention to detail 
• Good customer service skills 
• Strong written communication skills.

How much could you earn as an electrical tester?

The expected salary for an electrical tester varies as you become more experienced. 

• Newly trained electrical testers can earn £22,000 
• Trained with experience electrical testers can earn £70,000* 
• Self-employed electrical testers set their own pay rates. 

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources