CPD course All Levels

PAT - Portable Appliance Testing Training Course

4.9 (12 ratings) 5 enrolled 4h 9m of learning Updated Nov 2026
CertificateOn completion
4h 9mSelf-paced
10 lessonsOn the UISC learning portal
All LevelsNo prior training needed

Course curriculum

1 modules 10 lessons 4h 9m total
01 PAT - Portable Appliance Testing Training Course 10 lessons
  1. Introduction to Portable Appliance Testing
  2. Relevant Statutory Provisions for PAT
  3. Risk Assessment
  4. Reducing and Controlling Risks
  5. Electrical Units and Appliance Classification
  6. Initial Visual Examination
  7. Instruments for Testing and Equipment Inspection
  8. Electrical Installation Testing
  9. Safety Precautions in Electrical Testing
  10. Reporting and Record-keeping

About this course

This Online PAT Testing Course / Portable Appliance Testing Training Course is designed to help you familiarise yourself with testing technical appliances, while training you to know how to assess and minimise risks, carry out inspections and understand the safety procedures that need to be in place when using portable appliances at work.

Portable appliance testing equipment is found in the majority of workplaces across the UK. To prevent workplace hazards such as electrical fires and electrical shocks, it’s important that managers and responsible employees are aware of how to perform maintenance check-ups. Learn all about PAT Testing in the UK with this PAT testing course online with a free certificate.

This course is suitable for employers and employees in low-risk workplaces, such as shops or offices, who are responsible for ensuring workplace health and safety. No previous training is required for this course, which can be accessed online from any device.

  • Accredited by CPD
  • Guidance to comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
  • Developed by qualified health and safety professionals
  • Instant FREE e-certificate
  • Fully online, interactive course with audio voiceover
  • Self paced learning and laptop, tablet, smartphone friendly
  • 24/7 Learning Assistance
  • Discounts on bulk purchases

Sneak Peek of the Online PAT Testing Course

Who should take this Online PAT Testing Course

Under the 1989 Electricity Rules, any electrical device that can cause damage needs to be safely maintained. Portable Appliance Testing is a reliable way to ensure this. PAT Testers need to know the types of damage they might find at work and be trained on how to test correctly. They must also know their tools well to ensure consistent results and avoid damaging items.

This technical course is primarily for individuals who are responsible for shared electrical appliances. This would include people like;

  • Electricians
  • Property Owners
  • Maintenance staff
  • Facility management staff
  • Shop Owners

Every PAT testing tool is different. It's important for students to read the manual for their specific tool before using it. We strive to provide accurate information in the course, yet we aren't liable for loss to individuals or damage to equipment due to its application or understanding.

Why take this Online PAT Testing Course in the UK?

The primary motive behind carrying out a PAT test lies in ensuring safety. It is crucial to maintain the safety benchmarks for electrical devices within your establishments. Given the rising presence of counterfeit electrical goods in today's market, verifying the authenticity and safety of your electrical items is essential. After acquiring any new electrical item, it's recommended to undertake a PAT test and subsequently at regular intervals to monitor any potential wear and assess adherence to safety protocols.

Signing up for this online course enables you to learn at your convenience and at your own pace. Regular updates, reflecting the latest industry standards, help you to stay up to date with the latest electrical safety practices. The demand for portable appliance testing skills increases job opportunities in this field. In addition, the certification broadens one's understanding of electrical safety. This is why learning PAT testing is a valuable skill, beneficial both personally and professionally.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the PAT testing online course, learners will be able to readily demonstrate that they can:

  • Demonstrate expertise in performing PAT principles
  • Understand the relevant statutory provisions for PAT
  • Carry out different types of PAT examination.
  • Combine inspection and testing together.
  • Learn how to perform initial visual examination
  • Understand the process of attempting risk assessments
  • Learn key strategies of reporting and record-keeping
  • Master key strategies and techniques of electrical installation testing
  • Learn about PAT testing regulations in the UK
  • Carry out different types of PAT examination.
  • Combine inspection and testing together.
  • Demonstrate good knowledge of health and safety with electricity.
  • Prevent faulty equipment from harming employees.
  • Show how they display and record the actions they have performed.
  • Gain in-depth understanding of electrical units and appliance classification
  • Explore key tactics of attempting safety precautions

Career prospects and job opportunities for Qualified PAT Testers

Completing a PAT testing course equips individuals with a specialized skill set that is crucial in ensuring the safety and compliance of electrical appliances within the UK. As PAT testing is an important requirement for landlords and businesses to ensure the safety of electrical appliances, qualified testers are in consistent demand. The demand for this expertise is multifaceted, given the diverse sectors and scenarios where electrical safety is paramount.

In conclusion, a qualification in PAT testing not only offers immediate job prospects, but can also be a foundation for a diverse and evolving career within the electrical safety sector. The consistent demand for ensuring the safety of electrical appliances in various industries ensures that PAT testers will remain an indispensable asset in the UK's job market.

Course Curriculum

Module 01: Introduction to Portable Appliance Testing

  • What is a Portable Electrical Appliance?
  • What are the risks?
  • Understanding shock risk
    • Electric Shock
  • A little about risk assessment
  • In-service Inspection and Testing Procedures
  • Updated CE and UKCA Marking Regulations
  • Setting Up for Appliance Testing
    • Equipment Register
    • Combined Inspection and Testing Form
    • Faulty Equipment and Repair Register
  • Summary

Module 02: Relevant Statutory Provisions for PAT

  • Legislation
  • Who is responsible for PAT testing?
  • The long-term safety of appliances
  • The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA)
  • The Management of the Health and Safety at Work Act Regulations 1999
  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR)
  • Legal measures
  • Summary

Module 03: Risk Assessment

  • What you need to know about risk assessments
  • What is a risk assessment?
  • Factors to consider during a risk assessment
  • Performing a risk assessment
  • Who should perform a risk assessment?
  • Operatives’ obligations during
  • The Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment
  • Issues when planning PATs
  • Summary
  • risk assessments
  • Risk Assessment during PAT

Module 04: Reducing and Controlling Risks

  • Reducing risks: fire safety
  • What must you do to ensure fire safety?
  • Performing the fire safety risk assessment
  • Itemised process of fire safety risk assessment
  • Emergency procedures
  • What Should Be Included in Your Emergency Procedures?
  • Summary

Module 05: Electrical Units and Appliance Classification

  • Electrical Units
    • Current
    • Voltage
    • Resistance
    • Ohm’s Law
    • Power
    • Frequency
    • Electrical Unit Multiples and Sub-multiples
  • Appliance Classification
    • Class 0 Equipment of Appliances
    • Class 01 Equipment of Appliances
    • Class I: Equipment of Appliances
    • Class II: Equipment of Appliances
    • Class III: Equipment of Appliances
    • Equipment Types
  • Summary

Module 06: Initial Visual Examination

  • The Choice and Different Kinds of Equipment
  • Inspecting Equipment
  • General Things to Look for During a Visual Inspection
  • Inspecting the Equipment
  • Formal Visual Inspection
    • Manufacturers’ Instruction
    • Suitability of the Equipment for the Environment
    • Switching and Isolation of Equipment
      • Requirements for Functional Switching
      • Requirements for Isolation and Switching Off for Mechanical Maintenance
      • Emergency Switching
    • User Feedback
    • The Equipment
    • Equipment Failing the Formal Visual Inspection
    • Inspecting Hand-Held Equipment
    • Inspection of Fixed Equipment
  • Summary

Module 07: Instruments for Testing and Equipment Inspection

  • Testing Instruments
    • Equipment Testing Instruments
    • Continuity Testing
    • Insulation Resistance Testing
    • Instruments for RCD Test
    • Instrument Verification
  • Frequency of In-service Inspection and Testing
    • Risk Assessment
    • Inspections
    • Defined Risk Environments
    • Review of Frequency of Inspection and Testing
  • Summary

Module 08: Electrical Installation Testing

  • The Protective Conductor Continuity Test 
  • The Insulation Resistance Test
  • Protective Conductor and Touch Current Measurements
  • Ring Final Circuit Test
  • Polarity Test
  • Earth Electrode Testing
  • Prospective Fault Current Test
  • Functional Checks
  • Substitute Leakage Test
  • Load Test
  • Flash Testing
  • Summary

Module 09: Safety Precautions in Electrical Testing

  • Correct Selection of Protective Devices 
  • Test Equipment
  • Electric Shock
  • Testing Transformers
  • Testing a 3 Phase Induction device
  • Summary

Module 10: Reporting and Record-keeping

  • The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
  • Documentation
  • Labelling
  • Damaged or Faulty Equipment
  • User Responsibility
  • Summary

Assessment

At the end of the course, there will be an online assessment, which you will need to pass to complete the course. Answers are marked instantly and automatically, allowing you to know straight away whether you have passed. If you haven’t, there’s no limit on the number of times you can take the final exam. All this is included in the one-time fee you paid for the course itself.

Your certificate

CPD certificate — download it when you finish

Issued the moment you complete the final module. Every certificate lists the course aims and objectives, anticipated learning outcomes, the quality-assurance process — the elements required for verifiable CPD. Non-registrants can use it as CQC training evidence and for appraisals.

Aims & objectives Learning outcomes Unique certificate number

Learner ratings

4.9

Rated by 12 learners on the UISC learning portal · 5 enrolled

Common questions

Where do I take the course?

On the UISC learning portal. "Enrol now" takes you to this course there, where you pay securely, get your login and study at your own pace. Your certificate is issued there when you finish.

When can I start?

Immediately. Access opens the moment your order is confirmed and you can learn from any device, in any order, as many times as you like.

How is the course assessed?

A short multiple-choice or scenario-based assessment at the end of the course with instant results. You can retake it as many times as you need at no extra cost.

Can I enrol my whole team?

Yes. Organisations can buy multiple places on one invoice and receive a training record for every learner. Contact us for team pricing.

£39.00 4h 9m · All Levels
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