NVQ 2356-99

Your Fastrack Guide To The NVQ Level 3

PLEASE NOTE: The NVQ 2356-99 Level 3 electrical qualification closed to new registrations in 2020 but for those already enrolled before this date the last possible completion date is now 30th November 2024. It was originally set for 30th November 2023 but this was extended by 1 year just before it was due to close.

For experienced persons who have worked in the electrotechnical industry as a practising electrician for a minimum of 5 years and are still looking to achieve their Level 3, City & Guilds have launched the new NVQ 2346-03 Experienced Worker Assessment as the successor to the NVQ 2356-99.

Unfortunately, the only pathways available on the new qualification are in Electrical Installation & Electrical Maintenance so the Level 3 in Installing Public Lighting Systems and Associated Equipment, Installing Instrumentation and Associated Equipment, Panel Building or Electrical Machine Repair & Rewind are no longer available.

What is the NVQ 2356-99?

The NVQ 2356-99 is also known as the ‘Mature Candidate Assessment‘ because it is designed for practicing electricians who have been working within the electrotechnical industry for 5 years or more and wish to demonstrate their technical knowledge, performance and competence to the industry standard Level 3.

The assessment is designed to be achievable for anyone experienced and already working to the required standard within the electrotechnical industry. It includes the requirement to pass the industry achievement measurement competency assessment from NET – the AM2.

This website provides FREE resources to assist you in completing your NVQ 2356-99 and help you to understand the performance objectives within this qualification by providing examples of the required portfolio evidence.

Qualifying For Your JIB Gold Card

The NVQ 2356-99 is a recognised assessment route for mature candidates, not yet qualified to Level 3 or above, looking to obtain their ECS Gold Card. Also known as the JIB Gold Card, it is instantly recognisable within the electrotechnical industry.

As you will have experienced, it is very difficult to get employment on building sites without an ECS card because many UK employers specify that holding an appropriate ECS card is compulsory for those working around electricity on their sites.Candidates who successfully complete the NVQ 2356-99 experienced worker assessment will meet the requirements to be eligible to apply for an Installation Electrician ECS Card from the JIB.

Follow the Unit Page Links in the Main Menu to find out all you need to know about the NVQ 2356-99.

Qualifying For Your JIB Gold Card

The NVQ 2356-99 is a recognised assessment route for mature candidates, not yet qualified to Level 3 or above, looking to obtain their ECS Gold Card. Also known as the JIB Gold Card, it is instantly recognisable within the electrotechnical industry.

As you will have experienced, it is very difficult to get employment on building sites without an ECS card because many UK employers specify that holding an appropriate ECS card is compulsory for those working around electricity on their sites.Candidates who successfully complete the NVQ 2356-99 experienced worker assessment will meet the requirements to be eligible to apply for an Installation Electrician ECS Card from the JIB.

Follow the Unit Page Links in the Main Menu to find out all you need to know about the NVQ 2356-99.

Introducing XS Training

Founded in 2011, XS Training Ltd were one of the very first providers of Online Training Courses for the NVQ Level 3 Electrical qualification in the UK. They are one of only FIVE nationwide training providers recommended by the Joint Industry Board (JIB) – not all of which offer online courses.

Their bespoke courses are created on the Onefile E-portfolio platform, which is renowned as one of the best systems available for the assessment of NVQ qualifications.

Something else they offer which is much more unique, is the opportunity for live Remote Site Assessments at your place of work, via the camera on your mobile phone. This saves in the time, cost and often inconvenience of having assessors come to visit you on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The NVQ Level 3

How long does it take to get my NVQ 3 Electrical Qualification

It is impossible to give an exact time for attaining your NVQ 3 Electrical because it will on a wide range of factors. These include;  which of the three possible routes you take (or are eligible to take), previous experience, current employment position, and how much time you can dedicate to the work involved. It can take as little as 3-4 months or as much as 2 years. For the 2356 Mature Candidate Assessment route, the average is probably between 6-8 months.

How much does the NVQ 3 Electrical cost?

The cost of NVQ 3 Electrical courses is not fixed and so will vary slightly between different providers. The price range is usually between £1000 – £1300 + VAT, depending on the provider and the services they offer. There is then the cost of the AM2 Practical Assessment on top of this at around £700 – £800 + VAT.

However, cost should not be your only, and certainly the leading factor, in your choice of a training provider. More important is that you have confidence that they will provide the help and support you need to work through your NVQ.

Can I pay monthly?

Many training providers will allow you to pay monthly installments, although there is often a small surcharge for monthly payments to cover administration charges.

If you work speedily through your NVQ then please bear in mind that all payments will need to have been completed before your qualification is finalised and issued.

What is the difference between the 2356 & 2357?

The NVQ 2356 is for candidates with at least 5 years experience of working with the electrical industry and having achieved the relevant technical qualifications. This is why it is referred to as the “Level 3 for Experienced Workers” and also as the “Mature Candidate Assessment”.

The NVQ 2357 is for new entrants to the industry and those with less than 5 years experience that already hold the C&G 2365 Levels 2 & 3.

Do I need to take the AM2 as well?

Yes, all candidates for the NVQ 2356 & 2357 must take their AM2 Practical Assessment to complete their qualification, irrespective of their time and previous experience in the industry.

Apprentice candidates on the NVQ 5357 must take the slightly different AM2S Practical Assessment.

You can find out about the difference between the two assessments here.

What is the NVQ Level 3 Portfolio & how do I create it?

The NVQ 3 Electrical courses are made up of a number of Units, within which there are Performance Objectives and Knowledge Requirements, for you to work through. As you do so you compile what is known as a Portfolio to demonstrate your knowledge and competence in all areas.

The different types of assessment methods which go in to complete your Portfolio could include; photographic evidence, written responses and verbal discussions between you and your assessor.

What evidence do I need to collect?

In creating your Portfolio you work through each unit providing evidence to satisfy your assessor that you are fully competent in all areas.

The form in which you are asked and allowed to submit this evidence will vary between training providers but can include the following methods.

Photographic evidence, witness testimonies, reflective accounts, direct observation, work products & in-depth probing professional discussions with your assessor.

The methods by which you are allowed to submit your evidence may well play a major role in which training provider you choose for your NVQ Level 3.

Do I get the ECS Gold Card when I pass my NVQ 3 Electrical?

You do not get your JIB ECS Gold Card automatically upon successful completion of your NVQ Level 3 Electrical qualification – including the AM2 Practical Assessment – but you are then eligible to apply for it.

You must also have the latest edition of the Wiring Regulations BS7671:2018, pay a small fee and, as of 1st January 2019, sign up to Registered Electrician status.

What is the Bridging Unit?

The Bridging Assessment Exam is a one and half hour written exam covering 21 questions. The exam is basically filling the knowledge gap that exists between the 2365 level 2 and level 3 and the 2357 knowledge units. The candidate must take this exam under exam conditions. XS Training Ltd have a number of partners throughout the UK where the candidate can take the exam.

Do I need the Bridging Unit?

If you have completed the 2365 level 3 (or EAL equivalent) after September 2017 then you will NOT need to take the bridging assessment exam as the knowledge gap no longer exists for candidates taking the 2365 post September 2017.

How long does it take to get my NVQ 3 Electrical Qualification

It is impossible to give an exact time for attaining your NVQ 3 Electrical because it will on a wide range of factors. These include;  which of the three possible routes you take (or are eligible to take), previous experience, current employment position, and how much time you can dedicate to the work involved. It can take as little as 3-4 months or as much as 2 years. For the 2356 Mature Candidate Assessment route, the average is probably between 6-8 months.

How much does the NVQ 3 Electrical cost?

The cost of NVQ 3 Electrical courses is not fixed and so will vary slightly between different providers. The price range is usually between £1000 – £1300 + VAT, depending on the provider and the services they offer. There is then the cost of the AM2 Practical Assessment on top of this at around £700 – £800 + VAT.

However, cost should not be your only, and certainly the leading factor, in your choice of a training provider. More important is that you have confidence that they will provide the help and support you need to work through your NVQ.

Can I pay monthly?

Many training providers will allow you to pay monthly installments, although there is often a small surcharge for monthly payments to cover administration charges.

If you work speedily through your NVQ then please bear in mind that all payments will need to have been completed before your qualification is finalised and issued.

What is the difference between the 2356 & 2357?

The NVQ 2356 is for candidates with at least 5 years experience of working with the electrical industry and having achieved the relevant technical qualifications. This is why it is referred to as the “Level 3 for Experienced Workers” and also as the “Mature Candidate Assessment”.

The NVQ 2357 is for new entrants to the industry and those with less than 5 years experience that already hold the C&G 2365 Levels 2 & 3.

What is the NVQ Level 3 Portfolio & how do I create it?

The NVQ 3 Electrical courses are made up of a number of Units, within which there are Performance Objectives and Knowledge Requirements, for you to work through. As you do so you compile what is known as a Portfolio to demonstrate your knowledge and competence in all areas.

The different types of assessment methods which go in to complete your Portfolio could include; photographic evidence, written responses and verbal discussions between you and your assessor.

What evidence do I need to collect?

In creating your Portfolio you work through each unit providing evidence to satisfy your assessor that you are fully competent in all areas.

The form in which you are asked and allowed to submit this evidence will vary between training providers but can include the following methods.

Photographic evidence, witness testimonies, reflective accounts, direct observation, work products & in-depth probing professional discussions with your assessor.

The methods by which you are allowed to submit your evidence may well play a major role in which training provider you choose for your NVQ Level 3.

Do I need to take the AM2 as well?

Yes, all candidates for the NVQ 2356 & 2357 must take their AM2 Practical Assessment to complete their qualification, irrespective of their previous experience.

Apprentice candidates on the NVQ 5357 must take the slightly different AM2S Practical Assessment.

You can find out about the difference between the two assessments here.

Do I get the ECS Gold Card when I pass my NVQ 3 Electrical?

You do not get your JIB ECS Gold Card automatically upon successful completion of your NVQ Level 3 Electrical qualification – including the AM2 Practical Assessment – but you are then eligible to apply for it.

You must also have the latest edition of the Wiring Regulations BS7671:2018, pay a small fee and, as of 1st January 2019, sign up to Registered Electrician status.

What is the Bridging Unit?

The Bridging Assessment Exam is a one and half hour written exam covering 21 questions. The exam is basically filling the knowledge gap that exists between the 2365 level 2 and level 3 and the 2357 knowledge units. The candidate must take this exam under exam conditions. XS Training Ltd have a number of partners throughout the UK where the candidate can take the exam.

Do I need the Bridging Unit?

If you have completed the 2365 level 3 (or EAL equivalent) after September 2017 then you will NOT need to take the bridging assessment exam as the knowledge gap no longer exists for candidates taking the 2365 post September 2017.

Still Have Questions About Your NVQ Level 3 Electrical?

Whether it's about your previous experience and qualifications in the industry, the difference between the NVQ 2356, 2346, 2347 or 2357, or you're unsure whether the on-site or online path may be best for you, then please do get in touch. We'd be happy to help if we can.

Email Us

enquiries@xstraining.com

Call Us

0800 170 0294