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100+ Free City & Guilds 2391-51 Practice Questions

Pass your City & Guilds 2391-51 Level 3 Award in Periodic Inspection, Testing & Certification exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: City & Guilds 2391-51 Exam

~40

Multiple-Choice Questions

City & Guilds

~80 min

Theory Paper Time

City & Guilds

Open book

BS 7671 & GN3 Permitted

City & Guilds

C1/C2/C3/FI

EICR Codes (GN3)

IET GN3

1 MΩ

Minimum Insulation Resistance

BS 7671

100

Free Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

The City & Guilds 2391-51 Level 3 Award in Periodic Inspection, Testing & Certification qualifies electricians to inspect, test and report on the condition of existing electrical installations against BS 7671 and IET Guidance Note 3. The theory is assessed by an open-book online multiple-choice paper of approximately 40 questions in about 80 minutes, alongside a short-answer written paper and practical assessments (a visual inspection exercise and a periodic inspection/EICR task). It centres on periodic inspection requirements, sampling, condition reporting on the EICR, classification codes C1/C2/C3/FI, the sequence of tests on existing installations, agreed scope and limitations, and safe testing of live installations. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample City & Guilds 2391-51 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your City & Guilds 2391-51 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary purpose of carrying out a periodic inspection of an existing electrical installation?
A.To certify a brand-new installation before it is energised for the first time
B.To determine, so far as is reasonably practicable, whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service
C.To replace the need for any future testing of the installation
D.To provide the client with a quotation for rewiring the property
Explanation: Periodic inspection and testing assesses whether an existing installation remains in a satisfactory condition for continued use. BS 7671 Regulation 651.2 lists its purposes, including detecting deterioration, damage and non-compliances that could give rise to danger. The result is recorded on an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).
2Which document is produced as the result of a periodic inspection and test?
A.Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)
B.Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC)
C.Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
D.Building Regulations compliance certificate
Explanation: Periodic inspection and testing is reported on an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). The EIC and MEIWC are certificates issued for new work, whereas the EICR reports on the condition of an existing installation.
3An observation reveals bare live conductors accessible to touch at a damaged socket-outlet. Which classification code should be applied on the EICR?
A.C1
B.C2
C.C3
D.FI
Explanation: Code C1 means 'Danger present' — risk of injury exists and immediate remedial action is required. Accessible bare live parts present an immediate risk of electric shock, so a C1 is the correct code and the inspector should make the situation safe before leaving site.
4On an EICR, what does classification code C2 indicate?
A.Danger present, requiring immediate remedial action
B.Potentially dangerous — urgent remedial action required
C.Improvement recommended
D.Further investigation required without delay
Explanation: Code C2 means 'Potentially dangerous'. The installation is not immediately dangerous under normal conditions, but a defect could lead to danger under fault or abnormal conditions, so urgent remedial action is required. The presence of any C1 or C2 makes the overall report Unsatisfactory.
5A circuit complies with an earlier edition of BS 7671 but not the current edition, and presents no danger. Which code is appropriate?
A.C1
B.C2
C.C3
D.No code — it is fully compliant
Explanation: Code C3 'Improvement recommended' is applied where an installation is non-compliant with the current edition but is not unsafe — typically because it complied with the standards in force when installed. A report containing only C3 observations is classified Satisfactory.
6When is the code FI ('Further investigation required') appropriate on an EICR?
A.When the inspector simply runs out of time on site
B.Where a deficiency is identified that could not be fully assessed within the agreed extent and may require further investigation to establish its true classification
C.For any observation the client disputes
D.Whenever a circuit is older than 25 years
Explanation: FI is recorded where the inspection reveals an apparent deficiency that, owing to the agreed extent and limitations, could not be fully investigated and may prove to be C1 or C2. The presence of an FI makes the overall report Unsatisfactory because the safety implication is not yet resolved.
7An EICR records two C3 observations and no C1, C2 or FI items. What is the overall assessment of the installation?
A.Unsatisfactory
B.Satisfactory
C.Conditional
D.Requires immediate disconnection
Explanation: C3 observations are 'Improvement recommended' and do not indicate danger. An installation with only C3 codes (and no C1, C2 or FI) is classified Satisfactory. Only C1, C2 or FI items render the overall outcome Unsatisfactory.
8What is the recommended sample size for a periodic inspection and test according to IET Guidance Note 3?
A.10% of the installation
B.25% of the installation
C.100% of the installation
D.A sample agreed verbally with the contractor
Explanation: IET Guidance Note 3 recommends a sample of 100% for periodic inspection and testing. Where 100% is impractical on very large installations, a reduced sample may be agreed with the client, but any reduction and its basis must be recorded as a limitation on the report.
9Which standard limitation is pre-printed on the EICR as applying unless specifically agreed otherwise with the client?
A.Testing of accessible socket-outlets
B.Inspection of the consumer unit
C.Cables concealed within trunking, conduit, under floors, in roof spaces or within the fabric of the building
D.Verification of the main earthing conductor at the origin
Explanation: The EICR's standard limitations note that concealed cables — within trunking and conduit, under floors, in roof spaces and generally within the building fabric — are not inspected unless specifically agreed with the client. Recording such limitations defines what was and was not covered.
10Before commencing a periodic inspection, what should the inspector agree and record with the person ordering the work?
A.The colour of the new wiring to be installed
B.The extent of the installation covered and any limitations of the inspection and testing
C.The names of all previous electricians who worked on the property
D.A guarantee that no faults will be found
Explanation: BS 7671 requires the extent of the installation covered by the report and any limitations to be agreed with the person ordering the work and recorded on the EICR before work begins. This defines the scope and protects both parties.

About the City & Guilds 2391-51 Exam

The City & Guilds 2391-51 Level 3 Award in Periodic Inspection, Testing & Certification qualifies electricians to assess the condition of existing electrical installations and produce Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) to BS 7671. It is assessed by an open-book online multiple-choice theory paper of around 40 questions in about 80 minutes, a short-answer written paper, and practical assessments. It is distinct from the 2391-50 (initial verification) and combines with it in the 2391-52.

Assessment

Online multiple-choice theory paper of approximately 40 questions in about 80 minutes (open book), plus a short-answer written paper and practical assessments (visual inspection exercise and a periodic inspection & EICR completion task); this free practice bank is 100 selected-response items focused on the theory.

Time Limit

Around 80 minutes for the online multiple-choice paper

Passing Score

Pass/fail across all components (multiple-choice, short-answer and practical)

Exam Fee

Typically £400–£900 for the course and assessment, varying by approved centre (City & Guilds)

City & Guilds 2391-51 Exam Content Outline

18%

Periodic Inspection Requirements & Purpose

Why periodic inspection is done, legal context (EWR 1989, BS 7671 Reg 651), assessing existing installations, deterioration and alterations, visual inspection, and inspection intervals

8%

Sampling

GN3 100% recommendation, justifying and recording reduced samples, representative selection, and extending the extent when defects appear

16%

Condition Reporting (EICR)

Completing the EICR, schedule of inspections, schedule of test results, declarations, next inspection date, and Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory outcomes

20%

Observation Classification Codes (C1/C2/C3/FI)

Applying C1 danger present, C2 potentially dangerous, C3 improvement recommended and FI further investigation using engineering judgement and GN3

16%

Sequence of Tests on Existing Installations

Dead-before-live sequence: continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, Ze, Zs, prospective fault current and RCD testing

10%

Limitations & Agreed Scope

Agreeing and recording the extent, standard limitations (concealed cables), operational limitations, and absence of records

7%

Safe Testing of Live Installations

Safe isolation (prove-test-prove), risk assessment on deteriorated installations, protecting people and equipment, and returning to service

5%

Recording & Interpreting Results

Comparing results to BS 7671 maximum Zs and minimum IR, temperature correction, trend analysis, and instrument calibration

How to Pass the City & Guilds 2391-51 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass/fail across all components (multiple-choice, short-answer and practical)
  • Assessment: Online multiple-choice theory paper of approximately 40 questions in about 80 minutes (open book), plus a short-answer written paper and practical assessments (visual inspection exercise and a periodic inspection & EICR completion task); this free practice bank is 100 selected-response items focused on the theory.
  • Time limit: Around 80 minutes for the online multiple-choice paper
  • Exam fee: Typically £400–£900 for the course and assessment, varying by approved centre

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

City & Guilds 2391-51 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus heavily on classification coding (C1/C2/C3/FI) — practise scenarios until you can justify each code by the actual risk, not just memorise examples
2Learn the dead-before-live test sequence and the reason for it; know which tests are dead (continuity, IR, polarity) and which are live (Ze, Zs, PFC, RCD)
3Memorise key values: insulation resistance minimum 1 MΩ at 500 V, and a 30 mA RCD must trip in ≤300 ms at 1× and ≤40 ms at 5×
4Know the recommended inspection intervals: rented homes 5 years, owner-occupied 10 years, swimming pools 1 year
5Practise navigating BS 7671 and Guidance Note 3 quickly — it is open book, so speed of lookup for maximum Zs values matters
6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before your assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the City & Guilds 2391-51 exam and how long is it?

The online multiple-choice theory paper has approximately 40 questions and runs for about 80 minutes, taken open book. There is also a short-answer written paper and practical assessments, including a visual inspection exercise and a periodic inspection/EICR completion task.

What is the difference between 2391-51, 2391-50 and 2391-52?

2391-51 covers periodic inspection, testing and certification of existing installations (the EICR). 2391-50 covers initial verification of new installations (the EIC). 2391-52 is the combined award covering both initial verification and periodic inspection.

Is the 2391-51 exam open book?

Yes. The theory assessments are open book, so you can refer to BS 7671 and IET Guidance Note 3. You still need to know the material well, as the questions test your ability to apply the regulations and assign correct classification codes quickly.

What are the EICR classification codes C1, C2, C3 and FI?

C1 means danger present (immediate risk), C2 means potentially dangerous, C3 means improvement recommended, and FI means further investigation required. Any C1, C2 or FI makes the overall EICR Unsatisfactory; a report with only C3 items is Satisfactory.

What should I already know before taking 2391-51?

You should have a solid working knowledge of BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (the 18th Edition) and practical inspection and testing experience. Many candidates complete the 2382 18th Edition Award first, and bring their own copy of BS 7671 and Guidance Note 3.

Is this free 2391-51 practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover the same areas as the official 2391-51 syllabus — periodic inspection, sampling, EICR coding, the test sequence, limitations and safe testing — with a teaching explanation for every answer plus a free daily AI tutor. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.