2391 & AM2 Exam Revision Guide
Revision guide for 2391 Inspection & Testing and AM2 practical assessment
2391-52 Exam Structure
The combined 2391-52 qualification covers both initial verification and periodic inspection — the most popular choice for UK electricians.
2391-52 assessment components
City & Guilds 2391-52 Syllabus| Component | Format | Duration | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 40 multiple-choice questions | 1 hour 30 min | 60% |
| Written exam (essay) | 4-5 structured questions | 1 hour 30 min | 60% |
| Practical (initial verification) | Wire, test, certify new circuit | 2-3 hours | Competent |
| Practical (periodic) | Inspect, test, complete EICR | 2-3 hours | Competent |
Some centres combine written papers into one sitting. Check with your training provider.
Certificate Completion Is Assessed
Testing Sequence to Practise
The correct sequence of tests must be followed in both the 2391 practical and the AM2. Performing tests out of order will lose marks.
Required test sequence (BS 7671 Part 6)
BS 7671 Regulation 643.1| Order | Test | Instrument |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Continuity of protective conductors (R1+R2) | Low-resistance ohmmeter |
| 2 | Continuity of ring final circuit conductors | Low-resistance ohmmeter |
| 3 | Insulation resistance | Insulation resistance tester (500V DC) |
| 4 | Polarity | Confirmed during continuity tests |
| 5 | Earth fault loop impedance (Zs) | Loop impedance tester |
| 6 | Prospective fault current (Ipf) | Loop/PFC tester |
| 7 | RCD operation (trip time and current) | RCD tester |
Functional testing of switchgear and accessories follows the above sequence.
Memorise the Sequence
AM2 Practical Assessment
AM2 assessment sections
JIB AM2 Assessment Criteria| Section | Task | Key Pitfalls |
|---|---|---|
| Safe isolation | Prove dead on a prepared circuit | Skipping proving unit test before and after |
| Consumer unit wiring | Wire CU from a wiring diagram | Wrong torque, incorrect connections, untidy |
| Circuit wiring | Connect circuits to accessories | Reversed polarity, poor terminations |
| Testing | Full test sequence and results | Missing tests, wrong readings, incomplete schedule |
| Fault finding | Identify faults on prepared rig | Running out of time, not following method |
Safe Isolation Is Pass/Fail
Qualification Pathway
The standard progression for a UK electrician is: Level 2/3 Diploma, then the 18th Edition (2382), followed by the 2391-52, and finally the AM2. Together these qualify you for a JIB ECS Installation Electrician card and competent person scheme membership (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, or STROMA).
Typical qualification pathway
Typical UK training provider rates| Stage | Qualification | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Level 2/3 Electrical Diploma | College-funded or 2,000-5,000 |
| 2 | 18th Edition (2382-22) | 200-350 |
| 3 | Inspection & Testing (2391-52) | 500-800 |
| 4 | AM2 Practical Assessment | 500-700 |
| 5 | Competent Person Scheme registration | 300-600/year |
Costs vary by provider and region. Some employers fund qualifications for their staff.