NVQ 2357

Your Guide To The C&G NVQ 2357

NVQ 2357

Your Guide To The C&G NVQ 2357

The NVQ 2357 Course

The course has 18 units within it, 9 knowledge units, 8 performance units and the mandatory AM2 unit.

A break down of each can be found below in the unit details. The course is at Diploma level within the QCF so requires 37+ credit qualifications.

The AM2 – At The Heart Of The Electrical Industry

As the AOC for the electrical industry, AM2 is the practical assessment that proves an individual’s competence in electrical work.

The assessment was launched by the industry in 1985, and redesigned last year with the demands of today’s environment in mind, and with an enhanced emphasis on safety. The AM2 aims to reflect ‘real life’, assessing competence in the typical tasks and time conditions that a qualified electrician would experience at work within a property or site.

AM2 is generally the final stage of an apprenticeship or NVQ; it is taken at the end of the training period when the candidate is almost fully trained and therefore likely to be ready to have their practical ability tested across the breadth of electrical work.

However, before sitting AM2, candidates have the opportunity to consider if they are in a good position to pass the assessment, by means of a pre-assessment exercise based on the tasks they will have to perform in the AM2.

Benefits to learners, employers and industry

By incorporating the AM2 into the Level 3 NVQ, employers benefit as much as learners do. Every qualified NVQ Level 3 holder will be able to provide evidence they are equipped with the right skills and employers can be confident taking on an electrician who has come through the NVQ route, rather than through an apprenticeship, is equally competent to support their business appropriately. This will be particularly important as the UK embarks on the government’s low-carbon initiatives, which will require a large number of qualified electricians to play a key role over the next 40 years.

NET has been working closely with the UK’s two awarding bodies for the electrotechnical NVQ Level 3, EAL and City and Guilds, as they incorporate the AM2 into their suites of NVQ Level 3 electrical qualifications. From next year all relevant qualifications will list the AM2 as a compulsory component, and learners enrolled on these level 3 NVQs will be required to sit the AOC irrespective of their training provider or college. This highlights the role of the AM2 in ensuring competence within the electrical industry.

NVQ 2357 Knowledge Units

2357-301: Understanding Health and Safety legislation, practices and procedures (Installing and maintaining electrotechnical systems and equipment)
2357-302: Understanding environmental legislation, working practices and the principles of environmental technology systems
2357-303: Understanding the practices and procedures for overseeing and organising the work environment (Electrical Installation)
2357-304: Understanding the principles of planning and selection for the installation of electrotechnical equipment and systems in buildings, structures and he environment
2357-305: Understanding the practices and procedures for the preparation and installation of wiring systems and electrotechnical equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
2357-306: Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for the termination and connection of conductors, cables and cords in electrical systems
2357-307: Understanding principles, practices and legislation for the inspection, testing, commissioning and certification of electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
2357-308: Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for diagnosing and correcting electrical faults in electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
2357-309: Understanding the electrical principles associated with the design, building, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems

Knowledge Units

2357-301: Understanding Health and Safety legislation, practices and procedures (Installing and maintaining electrotechnical systems and equipment)
2357-302: Understanding environmental legislation, working practices and the principles of environmental technology systems
2357-303: Understanding the practices and procedures for overseeing and organising the work environment (Electrical Installation)
2357-304: Understanding the principles of planning and selection for the installation of electrotechnical equipment and systems in buildings, structures and he environment
2357-305: Understanding the practices and procedures for the preparation and installation of wiring systems and electrotechnical equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
2357-306: Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for the termination and connection of conductors, cables and cords in electrical systems
2357-307: Understanding principles, practices and legislation for the inspection, testing, commissioning and certification of electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
2357-308: Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for diagnosing and correcting electrical faults in electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
2357-309: Understanding the electrical principles associated with the design, building, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems

Performance Units

2357-311: Applying Health and Safety legislation and working practices (Installing and Maintaining Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment)
2357-312: Applying environmental legislation, working practices and the principles of environmental technology systems
2357-313: Overseeing and organising the work environment (Electrical Installation)
2357-315: Planning, preparing and installing Mandatory wiring systems and associated equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
2357-316: Terminating and connecting conductors, cables and flexible cords in electrical systems
2357-317: Inspecting, testing, commissioning and certifying electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
2357-318: Diagnosing and correcting electrical faults in electrical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment
2357-399: Electrotechnical Occupational Competence (AM2)

Gola Exams

There are 3 GOLA multiple choice online exams studied on the 2357.
These are:
Unit 301 – Health and Safety (15 questions)
Unit 305 – Installation (15 questions)
Unit 309 – Electrical Principles (30 questions)

Assignment

An assignment, although assessed in parts throughout each unit, is to be completed for each unit as a separate module.

Short answer questions

There is a short answer question paper for each unit of the C&G2357 and forms part of the assignment task.

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a new framework which has been designed to make vocational qualifications easier to follow and simpler in their application to qualifications.

Under “Rules of Combination”, a series of individual units are combined to create a qualification. The amount of units studied determines the level of the qualification.

They are:

Award – 1-12 Credit qualifications
Certificate – 13-36 Credit qualifications
Diploma – 37+ Credit qualifications

Each unit should take 10 hours to complete which includes notional learning time (time taken to complete by the student) and guided learning hours (time spent being taught within a formal environment).

The QCF offers a simplified learning process, allowing those responsible for training and development to invest in a more flexible qualification structure for their staff. They can now do this because the modules that make up QCF qualifications can be taken at the employee’s pace, allowing career development to fit around professional and personal commitments.

Qualifications will be built up in units, with each unit having a level and a ‘value’. Learners will be awarded credits for every unit they pass, where one credit represents 10 hours of learning time. From April 2011, the electrical industry’s Assessment of Occupational Competence (AOC), the AM2, will be a compulsory unit for anyone signing up for an electrotechnical NVQ Level 3 qualification:

Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installation Work in Dwellings

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Building Structures and the Environment)

As clarification, the term NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) will still be used in titles where the qualification is competence based, and directly aligned to National Occupational Standards. So, for all trainee electricians studying for a Level 3 qualification the NVQ title will still apply.

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 & the 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