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The practical end-point assessment every electrician must pass to get their ECS Gold Card. Here's everything you need to know.
The AM2 is the final practical assessment you must pass to become a fully qualified electrician in the UK. It is controlled by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) in conjunction with the Joint Industry Board (JIB), and is taken at licensed NET assessment centres — not at your training provider.
The assessment spans approximately 3 days (16–17 hours) and tests your practical competence across six sections: safe isolation, electrical installation, inspection and testing, fault diagnosis, and a knowledge assessment.
Everything is done in purpose-built assessment booths containing typical electrical installation wiring systems. All tools, calibrated instruments, and materials are provided by the assessment centre — you just need to bring your photo ID and your signed readiness checklist.
Total Skills is not an AM2 assessment centre. We prepare you for the AM2 through our qualification courses (2365 Level 2 & 3, NVQ Level 3), but the assessment itself is booked and taken at a licensed NET centre. You can find your nearest centre on the NET website.
Six sections across three days — here's what each one involves
Demonstrate safe isolation of an electrical circuit, complete a risk assessment, and identify hazards. A safety-critical section — errors here result in an immediate fail.
Install a complete electrical system in a purpose-built booth. Includes wiring a three-phase distribution board, containment systems (conduit, trunking, cable tray), lighting, and power circuits.
Carry out initial verification of your installation using calibrated test instruments. Complete all required documentation including schedules of test results and an Electrical Installation Certificate.
Safely isolate individual circuits within a live distribution board. Another safety-critical section that must be completed without error.
Locate and repair faults in a pre-wired installation using a systematic approach. You must identify the fault, explain the cause, and rectify it safely.
An open-book, multiple-choice test covering BS 7671 wiring regulations, safe working practices, and electrical principles. 30 questions answered on a computer.
You must have completed all prerequisite qualifications before you can sit the AM2. Here's the checklist:
Our qualification pathway takes you through every course you need before sitting the AM2:
The AM2 assessment fee is paid directly to the NET centre when you book. Prices are set by NET and may vary slightly between centres. All fees exclude VAT.
If you fail an individual section, you can re-sit it without retaking the whole assessment. Re-sit fees range from £190–£320 per section.
Common fail areas and how to avoid them
This is tested twice (Sections A1 and C). Any error is an automatic fail. Practise until the procedure is second nature — lock off, prove dead, post warning notices.
The installation section uses industrial containment including steel conduit. Many candidates struggle here if they have only worked with domestic installations. Get comfortable with bending and threading.
Section B (Inspection & Testing) is one of the most common fail areas. Make sure you can perform every test in the correct sequence and record results accurately on the official forms.
Section D requires a logical, step-by-step approach to fault finding. Document your process — assessors want to see your method, not just the answer.
The online assessment (Section E) is open-book, but you still need to know where to find answers quickly. Tab and annotate your copy of BS 7671 before the assessment.
Each section is timed. Practise working to time pressure — especially the composite installation, which is the longest section and where most candidates fall behind.
Once you pass the AM2, you receive NET's Certificate of Occupational Competence. This allows you to apply for your ECS Gold Card — the industry-recognised proof that you are a fully qualified electrician, accepted on every construction site in the UK.
You can also register with a Competent Person Scheme (such as NAPIT or NICEIC) to self-certify your own electrical work under Part P of the Building Regulations.
Once your NVQ assessor has signed off your portfolio and you have your NET Readiness for Assessment Checklist, you can book directly with a NET centre.
No waiting lists. Flexible payment plans. Industry-recognised qualifications. Begin your journey this week.