Understanding Part P – What It Means for Aspiring Electricians

If you’re considering a new career as an electrician, you’re not alone. Whether you’re transitioning from another trade, leaving a corporate role, or simply ready for a hands-on, in-demand profession, the electrical industry continues to be one of the most stable and rewarding sectors in the UK.

The good news? It’s never too late to become an electrician.

And one of the most common questions we get at MJ Electrical Training is:

“What qualifications do I need to become an electrician?”

Among the many paths and certificates, Part P of the Building Regulations is one of the most misunderstood—and essential—areas. In this post, we’ll break down what Part P actually is, who needs the 2393-10 qualification, and how it fits into your journey to becoming a qualified electrician.

 

What Is Part P?

Part P is a section of the Building Regulations in England and Wales that deals specifically with electrical safety in dwellings (domestic properties). It was introduced to ensure that electrical installations in homes meet safe standards to protect occupants from fire, electric shock, and injury.

While commonly referred to as “Part P” by those in the trade, the full title is:

Approved Document P – Electrical Safety: Dwellings

It’s one of several Approved Documents that provide guidance on how to comply with Building Regulations. Others that relate to electrical work include:

• Approved Document B – Fire Safety

• Approved Document F – Ventilation

• Approved Document L – Conservation of Fuel and Power

• Approved Document M – Access to and Use of Buildings

 

Part P Qualification vs Part P Notification

There’s a common misconception in the industry that being “Part P qualified” means you can legally sign off domestic electrical work. That’s not quite the case.

• Being Part P Qualified means you’ve achieved the City & Guilds 2393-10 Level 3 Certificate in Building Regulations for Electrical Installations in Dwellings. It’s an important theoretical qualification that demonstrates your understanding of how electrical work must comply with the law.

• Making a Part P Notification (also known as “signing off” work) requires membership of a competent person scheme (CPS) such as NICEIC, NAPIT, or Stroma.

 

Why Take the 2393-10 Qualification?

At MJ Electrical Training, we deliver the City & Guilds 2393-10 as an online course with a remote exam, priced at £198.00 (inclusive). It’s ideal for:

• New entrants starting their domestic installer journey

• Experienced electricians formalising their knowledge

• Contractors working with landlords, housing associations or letting agents

Even if you’re not yet ready to join a CPS scheme, this qualification helps you prove competence and professionalism. In fact, it’s one of the only qualifications customers ever ask to see.

 

CPS Schemes – What You Need to Know

If you’re carrying out notifiable work in dwellings—such as new circuits, consumer unit replacements, or installations in bathrooms—you’ll need to notify your local authority or do it through a CPS.

Recognised schemes include:

• NICEIC

• NAPIT

• Stroma Certification

• ELECSA (now part of NICEIC)

Once registered, you can self-certify notifiable work and appear on the Electrical Competent Person Register, used by homeowners and landlords to find qualified electricians:

👉 www.electricalcompetentperson.co.uk

You can read more about how CPS schemes are authorised by the government here:

👉 Government guidance on CPS schemes

 

Getting Started

Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on existing experience, the journey to becoming an electrician is flexible and accessible. If you’re unsure where to begin, we’d be happy to guide you through the process and help you choose the right qualifications for your goals.

👉 Get in touch with MJ Electrical Training today for expert advice, flexible online training, and City & Guilds accredited courses that fit around your life.