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Electrical tester

Also known as -

Electrical testing engineer, PAT tester

Electrical testers survey, test and inspect electrical installations in homes and businesses. They identify faults and complete test reports to confirm which equipment is working safely and efficiently and which are condemned as unsafe to use.

Average salary*

£17000

-

£36000

Typical hours per week

30-40

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. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

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. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

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. 

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.

Qualifications

To become a Electrical Tester, you could complete a:

  • NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installations
  • Level 3 Installation Electrical and Maintenance apprenticeship

To become a Electrical Tester, you could complete a:

  • SVQ at SCQF Level 7 in Electrical Installations
  • Level 7 Electrical installation

To become a Electrical Tester, you could complete a:

  • NVQ Level 2 Electrical Installations

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 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 £17,000 
  • Experienced electrical testers can earn £36,000* 
  • Self-employed electrical testers set their own pay rates. 

Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you do. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Jobs

Check out the latest electrical tester vacancies:  

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role will vary. New jobs will be posted as they come up. 

Career path and progression

As an electrical tester, you could progress to become a team leader or supervisor, work in facilities management, or on larger electrical projects. 

Alternatively, you could set yourself up as self-employed. 

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