About Training

Electrical Safety Testing ‘Competent Person’ Training Courses

For more information on courses available visit our training courses page.

Firstly, let us assure you that this is not a ‘second rate’ option when thinking of testing your portable electrical equipment.  Often when a company has a person trained up to test the equipment there is an overwhelming culture shift within the workplace. Knowledge of the dangers of electricity within the environment and the need to look after equipment to keep everyone safe rises greatly.

With electricity you may not get a ‘second chance’ – you can’t see it, hear it or taste it and if you feel it, then quite possibly it will be too late.

Metrotest have been training people for competency in AS/NZS3760 since 1998.  We offer comprehensive ‘Competent Person’ training in how to test and inspect electrical equipment in accordance with AS/NZS3760 & AS/NZS3012 as well as information on other appropriate Standards and the necessary the safety requirements, features and hazards of appliances and what to look for during the inspection process which must always be done prior to testing.

As nearly 90% of faults are found during the visual inspection, which must always be done prior to any other testing, it is very important to know what to look for during this process.  The training gives hands-on experience using a PAT (Portable Appliance Tester) and very importantly also information on what you need to be looking for when purchasing a tester – it’s very easy to buy something which will not allow you to conduct all the tests you need to fully comply but ‘looks the part’.  We want you to test for safety not just for compliance. DON’T BUY BEFORE THE COURSE.

We have an extensive knowledge base to draw from and share with participants on our courses in relation to the current Standards and the everyday practicalities surrounding testing. We have participated in the writing of AS/NZS3760 and have been instrumental in having the Standard made user friendly. From a practical point of view we know the industry very well as part of our business is operating a nationwide Test and Tag Service.

All participants (new and returning) receive a training manual with colour diagrams/photos that can be later referred to, thereby refreshing a person’s memory. This manual covers the equipment that our client needs to test.

Persons achieving the competency required are issued with a Photo ID Licence and Certificate. This is designed to take the heat out of any negative situations where a person testing may be challenged about their rights to test – they can contact us and we will sort out the problem.

Metrotest issues the licence for one year initially, then after completing a second training course, re-issues the licence for 2 years.  This is to ensure that trainees are kept up to date with any changes and amendments to Electrical Regulations and Standards and to ensure that testing is being carried out correctly.

No previous knowledge of electricity is required to participate in a training course

►As we want to show accountability and credibility to the industry we ask that our ‘competent person’ trainees come back after one year and do the same course again (at a reduced price) as this helps to pick up anything wrong and reinforces the correct testing procedures and practices.

►Then to give our training system for the ‘competent’ person testing, credibility and accountability, we offer training again (at a reduced rate) every 2 years.  An electrician must do a refresher course every 2 years.

Course Content

  • Current and upcoming legislation/changes
  • Electrical Regulations
  • Standards
  • Place of the Competent Person
  • Restrictions
  • Non-Prescribed activities
  • Competency Requirements
  • Safety Before Testing
  • Visual/Mechanical Inspection
    • Classes of Equipment
    • Electrical Symbols
  • Testing
    • Earth Testing
    • 500 Volt Insulation Testing
    • Earth Leakage Test
    • Other Optional Tests
  • Correct Use of PAT Testers
  • Practical Testing (required for all candidates)
  • RCD Testing Requirements and Use
  • Necessary actions following successful/unsuccessful test results
  • Interpretation of test periods ie Table 4 AS/NZS3760:2010/Table 2.4 in updated AS/NZS3760:2022 and Table 2 AS/NZS3012:2003

Ways to Train

We offer 3 ways to train:

Open/Generic Course – carried out at venues around the country with mixed groups of interested participants. These groups are also usually limited to a maximum of 8 people; or

In-House Course – carried out at your workplace, using equipment from your work environment and normally limited to a maximum of 8 people.

Both courses are of 1 day duration.

Online Training – carried out by doing our Bronze, Silver and Gold levels as well as a one-on-one Zoom assessment with our professionally qualified trainers.

Our online training is done at your pace, simply login and progress through each level.

NOTE: This ‘Competent Person’ training only allows you to test and tag equipment.  To be able to make repairs and perform maintenance you may be required to be a Registered Electrician and hold a Current Practicing Licence