Top Jobs You Can Get After Completing a PAT Testing Course.
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) has become an essential service across the UK, primarily to help companies comply with workplace safety laws. As organisations grow more aware of electrical safety, employers increasingly prefer trained and certified technicians who understand proper testing, documentation, and risk assessment. Completing a PAT testing certification course in Birmingham UK, is one of the quickest and most reliable ways to enter this field with confidence and professional credibility.
A PAT qualification not only opens the door to specialist testing roles—but it also creates new career pathways across maintenance, safety, compliance, and facilities management. If you’re considering this course, it’s worth knowing the variety of job opportunities available to you.
This guide explores the top jobs you can secure after completing your PAT testing training, including responsibilities, salary expectations, and progression routes.
Why PAT Testing Matters in the UK Job Market
PAT testing plays a vital role in ensuring electrical appliances are safe for employees, tenants, and the public. With the rise in health and safety regulations, organisations need trained professionals to conduct reliable inspections.
Industries that require PAT testing include:
Hospitality and catering
Education and universities
Offices and coworking spaces
Construction sites
Retail stores and shopping centres
Landlord and property management
Healthcare settings
Event management and entertainment
This broad demand gives certified technicians a wide range of opportunities.
Top Jobs You Can Get After a PAT Testing Course
Completing a PAT testing certification course in Birmingham, UK, prepares you for roles that require technical precision, safety knowledge, and customer service skills. Whether you want full-time employment or flexible self-employment, there’s a career path suitable for you.
1. PAT Testing Technician
This is the most common job after completing the course. PAT Testing Technicians typically work for electrical companies, facilities management firms, or operate independently.
Key responsibilities include:
Inspecting and testing portable electrical appliances
Using PAT testing equipment to assess safety
Labelling items according to compliance
Recording results digitally
Providing safety recommendations to clients
Who this role suits:
Anyone who enjoys hands-on technical work with a focus on safety and compliance.
2. Electrical Maintenance Assistant
Many businesses prefer hiring electrical assistants who already understand PAT testing. This role supports qualified electricians with both routine tasks and maintenance work.
Typical duties include:
Testing appliances
Assisting with repairs
Identifying hazards
Supporting installation work
Ensuring compliance on commercial premises
This role offers excellent opportunities for advancement if you plan to pursue a career in electrical engineering.
3. Facilities or Building Maintenance Operative
Large buildings and organisations need internal staff who can maintain equipment and ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations.
Day-to-day tasks include:
PAT testing office equipment
Reporting electrical faults
Maintaining building systems
Supporting contractors
Ensuring health and safety compliance
This position provides job security and opportunities for promotion within facilities management.
4. Health and Safety Assistant
PAT certification gives you a solid foundation in equipment safety, which is highly valuable for entry-level health and safety roles.
Responsibilities include:
Supporting risk assessments
Monitoring compliance of electrical equipment
Reviewing incident reports
Ensuring the workplace meets government safety regulations
Assisting safety managers with audits
This is ideal if you’re looking to build a long-term career in safety and compliance.
5. Fire and Safety Technician
Electrical faults are a significant fire risk, making PAT-trained professionals valuable in fire and safety inspection roles.
Your duties may involve:
PAT testing for fire hazard prevention
Assessing electrical equipment risks
Supporting fire safety audits
Communicating safety guidance to staff
Collaborating with fire officers
This role suits individuals who want to work in specialist safety environments.
6. Property or Landlord Compliance Officer
Letting agencies and property management companies frequently hire staff with PAT testing knowledge to ensure properties remain compliant.
Tasks may include:
Conducting PAT testing in rental homes
Preparing compliance reports for landlords
Inspecting appliances between tenancies
Supporting property safety audits
Advising landlords on safety regulations
This field offers long-term opportunities as compliance regulations become more stringent.
7. Self-Employed PAT Testing Provider
Many people choose to start their own PAT testing business due to the high demand and the flexibility it offers. Start-up costs are low, and the service is needed across multiple industries.
Benefits of working for yourself:
Flexible hours
Repeat clients for regular testing
High earning potential
Ability to scale your business with extra services
Typical clients include offices, restaurants, landlords, schools, and mobile entertainers.
8. Electrical Compliance Auditor (With Experience)
After gaining experience, some technicians move into auditing, ensuring businesses meet legal and insurance requirements.
Responsibilities include:
Reviewing PAT testing records
Conducting site inspections
Advising on improvements
Supporting compliance audits
Working directly with senior management
This is an excellent progression pathway for those who want a more advanced role.
Skills You’ll Gain From a PAT Testing Course
A good PAT testing course provides you with essential skills such as:
Understanding electrical risks
Safe handling of appliances
Using PAT testing equipment
Completing compliance documentation
Communicating findings clearly
Working independently or on-site with clients
These skills transfer easily into multiple roles within maintenance, safety, and compliance.
What to Expect From the PAT Testing Job Market
The job market is strong because:
Electrical safety is legally required
Businesses need annual appliance testing
Landlords must meet compliance standards
More organisations outsource testing to specialists
Whether you want an employed role or self-employment, PAT training gives you credibility and industry-recognised skills.
Conclusion
Completing a PAT testing course opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the UK. From technician roles to compliance, maintenance, and self-employment, the qualification offers strong job security and room for progression. If you’re looking for a practical, hands-on career with high demand, PAT testing is an excellent pathway.
Whether your goal is flexible freelance work or a long-term professional role, the skills you gain will help you thrive in the electrical safety and compliance industry.
FAQs
1. Do I need electrical experience to start a PAT testing career?
No, PAT testing courses accept beginners with no electrical background.
2. How long does a PAT testing course take?
Most courses are completed in a single day with both theory and practical training.
3. Can I work for myself after the course?
Yes, PAT testing is a popular self-employment option with high demand.
4. What equipment do I need to start?
You’ll need a PAT tester device, labels, and basic safety tools.
5. What is the typical salary for a PAT tester in the UK?
PAT testers usually earn between £22,000 and £35,000 per year, with higher earnings through self-employment.