City & Guilds 18th Edition Exam Only

Course duration

Half day

Course details

If you already have a good working knowledge of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and don’t need classroom training, you can book the City & Guilds 18th Edition exam only option. This is ideal for experienced electricians and professionals who are confident using the current standard, or who have completed relevant training elsewhere.

This exam tests your ability to reference and apply the latest BS 7671 regulations in real‑world scenarios — including the most recent updates from Amendment 4 (due April 2026).

Note: This option is not suitable for those new to the 18th Edition. If you need a full refresher or structured training, please enrol on the C&G 2382-22 Full 3-Day Course.

Who Should Take This Exam?

The exam‑only route is suitable if you:

Already understand the content of BS 7671:2018 18th Edition and are comfortable using the book
Have kept your knowledge up to date with amendments including Amendment 4 (2026)
Prefer to sit the exam without taking the full course
Are an experienced electrician, technician, inspector, or industry professional

Note: You must be familiar with the current regulations and confident in finding information in the standards — simply being on‑the‑job does not replace reading and understanding the official publication.

Note: If you’re new to the 18th Edition or require a full refresher, please see our C&G 2382-22 Full 3-Day Course instead.

Key Topics Assessed

The exam covers the following areas, reflecting the latest Wiring Regulations and Amendment 4 changes:

Fundamental principles and scope of BS 7671:2018
Definitions and terminology relevant to the current regulations
Protection for safety, including RCDs, AFDDs, and updated overcurrent/fault protection requirements
Special installations and locations, including Part 7 and Part 8 prosumer/low-voltage energy systems
Functional earthing and equipotential bonding for ICT and data systems
Power over Ethernet (PoE) installations and related considerations
Medical locations (Section 710) — updated supplementary bonding and inspection/testing requirements
Updated inspection, testing, and certification standards
Electrical hazards, fire safety, and surge protection devices (SPDs)

This ensures candidates are tested on the most recent regulatory requirements and can demonstrate compliance with real-world electrical installation scenarios.

Regulatory Standard for the Exam

The exam assesses your understanding of BS 7671:2018 + Amendment 4 (2026), which is the latest version of the UK Wiring Regulations and will be the standard in force from 15 April 2026. Between April and 15 October 2026, providers may offer both the current (2382‑22) and updated (2382‑26) exam options; from 16 October 2026 onwards, only the 2382‑26 version will be available.

You are permitted to bring your copy of the current BS 7671 book (with Amendment 4) into the examination. It is an open‑book multiple‑choice test; practical ability to navigate the regulations is essential.

Exam Format

Type: Multiple choice, open book
Number of Questions: 60
Duration: 2 hours
Pass Mark: 60%
Certification: City & Guilds 2382-22 Level 3 Award upon passing

This exam-only pathway provides a fast, efficient route for qualified professionals to demonstrate compliance with the latest wiring regulations and maintain their career credentials.

What you will need

IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671:2018 + Amendment 4 (latest edition) (Brown Book) (you can purchase these from Pragmatic Consulting)
Non-Programmable Scientific Calculator
Photographic ID

Candidates must be able to reference and navigate the wiring regulations quickly and accurately.

Results

Your results and breakdown will be available usually within a few minutes of exam completion.

Cost

£120 + VAT including City and Guilds Certification if successful.

Study Tips & Preparation

Even with exam‑only options:

Ensure your knowledge of the current regulations (including Amendment 4) is sharp — you’ll be expected to reference and interpret requirements during the test.
Consider reviewing key technical areas such as protection, inspection & testing, special locations, and the latest updated sections (e.g., battery storage, ICT earthing, Power over Ethernet).
Practise exam‑style questions where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the exam open book?
Yes. You are allowed to use your own copy of the IET Wiring Regulations during the exam.

Q: What if I fail the exam?
You can rebook the exam at a reduced re-sit fee. We’ll guide you through the process.

Q: Do I need prior training to sit the exam?
No formal course is required, but a strong understanding of the content is essential.

Q: Is this the most up-to-date version of the exam?
Yes. This exam covers Amendment 2 to BS 7671:2018, released in 2022.

Q: Is the certification recognised by employers?
Absolutely. The City & Guilds 2382-22 is widely accepted across the UK and may be required for ECS card applications, site work, and electrical compliance.

If you have any questions about this or any other course, please get in touch on 01926 674340