2391 - How hard is it?!

[AndyTheSpark]

Hi,

I have gone down the route of taking the accelerated course so my experience has been purely domestic. I have nearly three years experience and the 2392 qualification. However I am getting frustrated by the amount of work I am missing out on by not having the 2391. So my question is how difficult would it be for me to get the 2391 with only theoretical knowledge of 3 phase systems etc... I am degree qualified so I am used to learning and exams but appreciate the lack of practical experience is going to make it tough...I would appreciate and insight and also any good reading material to help prepare.

Also, I heard there may be a bolt on qualification to the 2392 to enable periodic test and inspection on domestic properties, is this coming to fruition?

Thanks.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

well its the old saying...isn`t it....you only get out what you put in so i suggest you put some time in reading and understanding guidance note three mate....as the C&G2391 is based on it....

 

[Dipzy]

lots of very good advice / threads on 2391 on this forum, happy searching / reading.

 

[Strima]

I had little practical experience before taking the 2391 and although I struggled a bit I didn't find it that bad. One week of my Electrical Trainee course.

We barely covered 3 phase, with just some basic testing to carry out on circuits. I have a very basic understanding of 3 phase and managed OK.

Having 2392 will help you no end as you are already carrying out a lot of the tests required, main thing is the theory side which you will be taught on the course.

Usual publications such as BS7671 and on-site guide will help but the main one you need is guidance note 3 which covers inspection and testing. GN3 has all the required information as to what testing, how to test and what paperwork to complete.

If you search the net for 2391 exam questions you will find previous papers which will give you an idea of what to expect. Some decent examples here: City & Guilds 2391 Revision Questions

When answering the questions they want the full name, not their short or common names i.e. Main Earthing Terminal not MET. Circuit Protective Conductor not CPC etc.

Section B of the exam is your big points winner as this covers a scenario, they'll give you all the details you need and several tasks for example.

You have been requested to carry out an EICR on a small commercial shop with an office etc. They also require an additional radial circuit to supply socket power to a small storeroom.

What paperwork is required for the above?

You then list all of them including any relevant schedules of inspections and schedules of test results.

One question I had was how would you carry out a continuity test on a main earth bonding conductor measuring 15m in length. The answer was to go through the full process and what method you would use, including any safety points such as isolating the supply, warning people of trip hazard due to wander lead, recording results. Miss any critical parts and you will more than likely loose all the points for that question which could total up to 15.

Just a case of 'getting your ducks in a row' and working through it methodically.

No doubt by the time I've finished typing this someone else will have come in with a better and wittier reply...

 

[Plonker 3]

Read GN3, there is a new edition just been released so make sure you get then new version.

Read and understand GN3
Read and understand GN3
Read and understand GN3
Read and understand GN3
Read and understand GN3
Read and understand GN3
Read and understand GN3
Read and understand GN3
Read and understand GN3
Oh and read and understand GN3


Also worth reading the examiners reports on the C&G website for the exam which explains where marks are lost and how questions were misunderstood.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

terminology is key to this exam....so get into using correct terminology as you WILL lose marks otherwise....

 

[Geordie Spark]

You need to have a good memory as it's more like a memory test than an exam.

 

[parker56]

As above know GN3 inside out,good luck.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Hi

Just look at past average pass rates over the years, they range from abismal to incredulously low....as a subject & depth it is just a level 3 qual, but if you dont know your units, names, etc to the point of lunacy it may bite you! As said its a proper exam (a memory is req'd). No books. Just like other proper exams! No multi guessing!

 

[AndyTheSpark]

I had little practical experience before taking the 2391 and although I struggled a bit I didn't find it that bad. One week of my Electrical Trainee course.

We barely covered 3 phase, with just some basic testing to carry out on circuits. I have a very basic understanding of 3 phase and managed OK.

Having 2392 will help you no end as you are already carrying out a lot of the tests required, main thing is the theory side which you will be taught on the course.

Usual publications such as BS7671 and on-site guide will help but the main one you need is guidance note 3 which covers inspection and testing. GN3 has all the required information as to what testing, how to test and what paperwork to complete.

If you search the net for 2391 exam questions you will find previous papers which will give you an idea of what to expect. Some decent examples here: City & Guilds 2391 Revision Questions

When answering the questions they want the full name, not their short or common names i.e. Main Earthing Terminal not MET. Circuit Protective Conductor not CPC etc.

Section B of the exam is your big points winner as this covers a scenario, they'll give you all the details you need and several tasks for example.

You have been requested to carry out an EICR on a small commercial shop with an office etc. They also require an additional radial circuit to supply socket power to a small storeroom.

What paperwork is required for the above?

You then list all of them including any relevant schedules of inspections and schedules of test results.

One question I had was how would you carry out a continuity test on a main earth bonding conductor measuring 15m in length. The answer was to go through the full process and what method you would use, including any safety points such as isolating the supply, warning people of trip hazard due to wander lead, recording results. Miss any critical parts and you will more than likely loose all the points for that question which could total up to 15.

Just a case of 'getting your ducks in a row' and working through it methodically.

No doubt by the time I've finished typing this someone else will have come in with a better and wittier reply...

Thank you, this is very helpful and reassuring (in a 'lots of hard but achieveable work lies ahead' kind of way). Looks like GN3 will need to take another hammering!!

 

[GLENNSPARK]

look,....what C&G tell you to do is to do the 20 short answer questions first.... then progress onto the 6 structured questions.......this is complete balls......go straight to the 6 structured questions first....spend about 1 1/2 hours on those......dont forget their worth 15 points each.....you need over 90 points to pass...thats the threshold...........

 

[GLENNSPARK]

and any bits that you might remember about the structured answer questions when your on the 20 short answer questions.....well, you just go back to the structured question bit and add in what you`v remembered.......and dont forget here n all.....it aint a grammar exam......as long as you can make yourself understood then dont worry too much about spelling mistakes...christ, we`v all been there......its more about the content of the answers you give here.....what they want to know is if you have a good undersyanding of the subject.....not if your charles dickens.....

 

[tony mc]

Dont forget to look on the Inspection & Testing part of the forum you will find lots of helpful advice.

Here is a good post which may interest you and yes he passed!!!
[h=3]An Awful Feeling This[/h]Good luck with the studies!!!!

 

[Guest55]

It was always recommended by the college tutors on completion of apprenticeship to get some experience of testing out in the field before undertaking the 2391.
Sadly those days have gone with all training being " fast-tracked" now.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

great expectations??....