As its January and many companies and individuals are looking at options for their electrical safety needs, especially around test and tag, we thought why not just go through the differences in training in 2025.
What are the options?
You essentially have two options when it comes to getting trained in test and tag; do your training face-to-face or do it online. But you may be wondering which is better or which option should I choose?
That’s a great question to ask in 2025, so let’s explore each option.
Face-to-face test and tag training Course:
A face-to-face test and tag training course has several benefits. You show up on the day at a venue run by the training provider, normally with a number of other trainees (5-8 trainees) who will be learning on the day with you.
This has several benefits; you get to interact with other trainees and the testers they may have brought to the training, and even have a play around with them. Remember, not every tester is suitable to your individual needs, so it’s great seeing different types of testers and brands available introduced to you on a course.
You also get a much more hands-on experience with the trainer on the day. Since Metrotest has its own test and tag division, our trainers have the unique experience of being electrically qualified but also test and tag qualified; experience in the field that’s hard to beat. That means you get to learn the tips and tricks other providers can’t teach you if they don’t do test and tag themselves.
You also on the day get plenty of time to practice with others and the trainer so you leave feeling confident to test and tag your own equipment. The trainer is there to guide you every step of the way.
By the end of the day, the trainer will assess your competency in accordance to the Standard AS/NZS 3760. You will be awarded a certificate of competency as well as being issued a photo ID card to be sent to your preferred address. Some companies will do this a little differently and may not provide your ID with a photo. If your Health and safety policy or where your work requires it to be a photo ID then it might be worth thinking about this before booking a course.
Those are some great benefits to a face-to-face training course. On the downside, courses aren’t always run when you need them and even the largest providers don’t offer courses face-to-face in all regions. Metrotest doesn’t run face-to-face courses as often as some providers but we do offer and cover more regions throughout New Zealand. If you are wondering if there is a course available in your region coming up, please give us a call on 0800 638 768.
Face-to-face courses also mean you have to be at the course the entire day, normally from anywhere between 8am and 4pm. For some this isn’t a really great option and what happens if you can’t turn up on the day and your not in Auckland where courses are run regularly?
That leads us to option two; AS/NZS 3760 Online Test and Tag Training course.
Online Test and Tag Training Course:
Let’s go through what are some of the benefits first. Basically, whether you do it face-to-face or online, you should still be being trained to the same competency level and quality that ensures safety. There will also be some differences in both options but the end result is you are deemed competent to safely perform testing and tagging of your equipment in accordance with the AS/NZS3760.
Doing your course online turns those face-to-face downsides into positives, at least for Metrorest’s training model. All you have to do is order your course online, get approval and away you go, you can start learning to test and tag your own equipment anytime from anywhere!
You can also do your training at your own pace. Start on the Monday, finish your course on the Wednesday, its totally up to you. Even better, Metrotest gives you plenty of time to complete your training online because we understand life happens.
You will go through several levels and then do your practical assessment where you will get plenty of time with our electrically qualified trainers. You can ask as many questions as you like and we have set it up to help testing correctly. To do that, our training is one-on-one, no group sessions for online training which we also believe is important for safety reasons.
Also, you don’t have to have a PAT to start the training, or even finish it. Metrotest can send you a loan PAT for your assessment!
Once you have successfully completed your online practical assessment you will be awarded your industry leading certificate as well as your photo ID card, just like the face-to-face courses.
Note: It’s important to do your research before choosing a provider for your training, as some courses do online group courses which we aren’t that fond of for safety and learning experience reasons. Other companies might also require you to buy a PAT before doing an online course. In our experience we don’t recommend you do this if you don’t have a PAT yet. Do the course first so you understand what you need or don’t based on your own needs.
Which is The Better Option?
Each option has its strengths and weaknesses. If you do it face-to-face you get a more hands-on experience but if you do it online you get the flexibility to do it from anywhere.
Face-to-face is better if your not confident with using a computer or technology. If you are confident, then it could be a good fit. If you want an entire day with your trainer then maybe face-to-face is better for you. With Face-to-face you will be in a group, online is more one-on-one. Online, at least with Metrotest, is considerably cheaper than face-to-face.
When it comes down to it, it depends on your situation. At Metrotest we want to also help you decide, that’s why we offer our first level online free; our Bronze Course! You can try it and see if online is right for you.
Metrotest is the leading and largest online test and tag training provider in New Zealand. If you have any questions or want to know more, give us a call on 0800 638 768 to talk to a qualified trainer or our training team and we will be happy to help.
P.S. We are looking at launching a new training option soon, so keep an eye out for that soon!
Stay safe everyone!