Becoming a qualified electrician in the UK is not an easy or quick process. In order to gain the qualifications required to legally practice, you must pass multiple exams and assessments, both theoretical and practical. Studying for these exams is hard, dedicated work and so ideally, you only want to have to do it once.

We've put together 11 top tips to help make sure you pass your electrician exams first time, so you can get working and most importantly, earning as a fully qualified electrician in the UK as soon as possible.

Preparation for electrical exams is vital

All routes for you to become a qualified electrician in the UK require you to pass some written exams, either through open or closed book exams, so it's important to make sure you're as prepared as possible. You can make sure you're focused and ready by using the following methods:

1. Take the study seriously

Dedicate regular time to read the regulation manuals and text books properly and in depth. Make sure you're familiar with the layout of each manual, including the I.E.E. Wiring Regulations and BS 7671 18th edition book including the indices, so you're able to answer each exam question fast enough. This organised study will really pay off, so it's crucial you put the effort in.

2. Practise with past papers and mock exams

Take as many mock UK electrician exams and papers as possible. These allow you to become familiar and confident with the way the questions are presented, formatted and best answered, so there will be no surprises in the exam. You'll also get faster at answering them the more you practise.

3. Test yourself and act on areas of weakness

Ask yourself questions and look up the correct regulations for the answers. This is a great way to memorise and understand regulations and correct procedures, as well as highlighting any key areas of knowledge and understanding you need to strengthen before the exams. You'll soon learn if you need to brush up on knowledge of safety requirements, specific regulations or calculations.

4. Use electrical exam simulators

Exam simulators are a great way to test your knowledge while developing your confidence with electrician exams. We have a number of excellent exam simulators for you to use, including the 18th Edition exam simulator which will really strengthen your knowledge and confidence before the exams.

5. Study partner either online or on your course

Teaming up with a study partner can be really helpful. You can motivate and test each other throughout the revision process.

6. Know how you learn

Being aware of how you learn best can be really useful, especially if it has been a while since you had to take written exams. If you're a visual learner, revise using different colours, mind maps or flow chats. If you're an auditory learner then listening to music while reading regulations can help. Physical learners may find post-it notes a helpful way to remember information.

7. Know what's expected

Make sure you're clear on what you're expected to know before each exam. This way you'll be as prepared as possible, so you'll be able to confidently answer any question asked.

Practical tips for on exam day

Preparing properly before the exam is essential, but there are also some important things to remember for during the exam which will really impact your exam performance.

1. Read the question

It sounds simple, but this is the most important thing you can do. Not reading the question properly is one of the biggest causes of failing electrician exams. Make sure you've really read the question properly, so you can give the correct answer.

2. Understand the exam question weighting

Make sure you're aware of the weighting for each exam question so that you can be sure to spend the right amount of time on the question. Don't leave yourself short on time for sections with larger weightings

3. If you don't know, move on

If you don't know an answer, move on to the next question. If you have time at the end you can re-visit any missed questions, but don't leave yourself having to rush at the end.

4. Show all calculations

No doubt you remember this from school, but make sure that you show all of your calculations in the exam. It's a great way to keep you focused and also help the examiner.

Good luck! Passing the required electrician exams is a process that requires dedication. However, with the right study, revision and preparation for in the exams, you'll make it easier to pass first time, so you can get working and earning as an electrician in the UK.