How to Book the IET Wiring Regulations Test in 2026
If you are searching for how to book the “IET test”, you probably mean the IET Wiring Regulations test, also called the 18th Edition exam or BS 7671 exam. The important booking detail is this: the usual recognised qualification is not booked directly as an “IET exam”. It is normally booked through a City & Guilds approved centre as the Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations, qualification code 2382.
For new bookings in June 2026, the key exam code to look for is City & Guilds 2382-26. This is the version aligned to BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, Amendment 4, often described as the Orange Book version. The older 2382-22 is in a run-out period, so choosing the correct code before paying is the most important step.
This guide explains exactly how to book, what to ask the provider, how much it is likely to cost, and what to prepare before exam day.
In This Guide
- First, Check Which Exam Code You Need
- Can You Book Directly with the IET?
- The Three Main Booking Routes
- Step-by-Step: How to Book the Test
- What to Ask Before You Pay
- Remote Exam or Test Centre?
- What the 2382-26 Exam Looks Like
- What to Bring on Exam Day
- How Much Does Booking Cost?
- Common Booking Mistakes
- Official Sources Checked
First, Check Which Exam Code You Need
Before looking at dates or prices, check the exam code.
| Exam Code | Based On | Booking Status in June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 2382-26 | BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 | Current version for new Amendment 4 bookings |
| 2382-22 | Previous BS 7671:2018 version including earlier amendments | Run-out version with 2026 end dates |
| 2382-18 / 2382-20 | Earlier 18th Edition versions | Outdated for new bookings |
City & Guilds states that 2382-26 is the latest version and that centres must use this version from 16 April 2026. It also states that 2382-22 is only available for registration until 31 July 2026, with the last opportunity to take the e-volve test on 15 October 2026.
That means the safest answer for most people booking now is:
Book City & Guilds 2382-26, unless your employer, training centre, or competent person scheme has given you a specific reason to complete a 2382-22 booking that is already in progress.
This matters because Amendment 4 was published in April 2026. The IET says the older Brown Book version remains valid during the transition period until 15 October 2026, but the qualification route has already moved toward the 2382-26 assessment.
Can You Book Directly with the IET?
Usually, no - not if you want the common recognised 18th Edition qualification.
The IET publishes the Wiring Regulations and supporting guidance. City & Guilds awards the widely recognised 2382 qualification. In practice, candidates normally book through one of these:
| Organisation Type | What They Do |
|---|---|
| IET | Publishes BS 7671 and offers technical training resources |
| City & Guilds | Awards the 2382 qualification and sets assessment rules |
| Approved centres / training providers | Register candidates, schedule exams, deliver training, and handle exam administration |
So when a provider advertises “IET test”, “18th Edition test”, “BS 7671 test”, “Wiring Regulations exam”, or “City & Guilds 2382”, you are usually looking at the same practical booking pathway: an approved centre registers you for the City & Guilds online test.
The Three Main Booking Routes
There are three realistic ways to book.
1. Full Course with Exam
This is the standard route if you are new to BS 7671, returning after a long gap, or not confident navigating the book under time pressure.
Typical format:
- 2 or 3 days of tutor-led training
- Course materials or online learning access
- Mock questions or sample tests
- City & Guilds exam included at the end or shortly after
This route costs more, but it reduces booking admin because the provider registers you and schedules the assessment.
2. Online Course with Exam
This is a flexible route if you can study independently but still want structured lessons and a booked exam.
Typical format:
- Self-paced video or online modules
- Practice questions
- Remote or centre-based final exam
- Email or tutor support depending on provider
Before booking an online package, check whether the final test is included in the price. Some providers sell the training course separately and add the exam fee later.
3. Exam-Only Booking
This is the cheapest route if you already know BS 7671 well and only need the qualification.
You still need to book through an approved centre. You cannot just turn up at City & Guilds and take the test as an independent walk-in candidate.
Exam-only is a sensible option if:
- You already hold a previous 18th Edition qualification and have studied Amendment 4.
- You use BS 7671 regularly at work.
- You have passed full mock tests under timed conditions.
- You can quickly find regulations, tables, definitions, and appendices in the book.
It is a risky option if you have never used BS 7671 in detail. The exam is open book, but there is not enough time to learn the book during the exam.
Step-by-Step: How to Book the Test
Use this process before paying any provider.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Search for a City & Guilds approved centre or 2382-26 provider | Only approved centres can register candidates for the qualification |
| 2 | Confirm the exact exam code is 2382-26 | Avoid booking an outdated or run-out version by mistake |
| 3 | Choose full course, online course, or exam-only | Match the route to your current knowledge |
| 4 | Choose centre-based or remote exam | The rules, equipment, and risk profile are different |
| 5 | Check what is included in the price | Some prices exclude VAT, book costs, or resit fees |
| 6 | Give your legal name exactly as shown on photo ID | Name mismatches can cause problems on exam day |
| 7 | Pay and keep the confirmation email | You may need it for arrival, login, or remote exam instructions |
| 8 | Prepare using the correct Orange Book version | The 2382-26 exam is based on BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 |
| 9 | Complete any remote exam system checks early | Technical failures can delay or cancel remote sittings |
| 10 | Sit the exam and wait for certification | Your provider should explain results and certificate timing |
City & Guilds also advises learners to contact centres directly because availability can vary. Do not rely only on a course title in a search result. Ask the centre to confirm the live exam code, delivery method, date, and included fees in writing.
What to Ask Before You Pay
A good provider should answer these clearly.
| Question | Good Answer |
|---|---|
| Which City & Guilds code will I be registered for? | 2382-26 |
| Which BS 7671 version is the course based on? | BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, Amendment 4 |
| Is the exam fee included? | Yes, or a clearly stated separate fee |
| Is VAT included in the advertised price? | Clearly stated |
| Is the BS 7671 book included? | Clearly stated; often it is not included |
| Is this centre-based or remote? | Clear exam location or remote invigilation process |
| What ID do I need? | Usually photographic ID, such as passport or driving licence |
| What happens if I fail? | Clear resit fee and booking process |
| What happens if a remote exam has technical problems? | Clear cancellation, investigation, and rebooking policy |
| When do I get results and certificate? | Clear expected timescale |
If the provider cannot confirm the exam code or amendment version, do not book yet.
Remote Exam or Test Centre?
Both routes can work, but they suit different candidates.
| Option | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Centre exam | Candidates who want fewer technical risks and an exam room setup | Travel time, fixed dates, limited local availability |
| Remote exam | Candidates who want to sit at home or work | Device compatibility, room checks, internet stability, rebooking rules |
Remote exams are still invigilated exams. City & Guilds remote invigilation guidance explains that the invigilator must be able to view the candidate, environment, and computer screen during the test. You should expect ID checks, room checks, screen sharing, camera and microphone requirements, and exam-condition rules.
Before choosing a remote exam, ask:
- Do I need a Windows laptop or PC?
- Are Macs, Chromebooks, tablets, or work laptops allowed?
- Is a webcam enough, or do I need a second device for room checks?
- How early do I receive the exam link and system test instructions?
- What is the cancellation deadline?
- Who pays if the sitting fails because of my internet, device, or permissions?
Remote exams can be convenient, but a centre exam may be simpler if your computer setup is locked down by an employer or if your internet is unreliable.
What the 2382-26 Exam Looks Like
The 2382-26 handbook sets out the assessment as a multiple-choice online test. The core format is:
| Detail | 2382-26 Format |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Multiple-choice online test |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Questions | 60 |
| Grading | Pass / Fail |
| Pass mark | Approximately 60% |
| Reference material | BS 7671:2018 Amendment 4:2026 |
| Calculator | Non-programmable calculator required |
The question weighting is not even across the book. Parts 4 and 5 carry the heaviest load:
| BS 7671 Area | Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Scope, object, and fundamental principles | 4 | 7% |
| Definitions | 2 | 3% |
| Assessment of general characteristics | 6 | 10% |
| Protection for safety | 15 | 25% |
| Selection and erection of equipment | 14 | 23% |
| Inspection and testing | 4 | 7% |
| Special installations or locations | 7 | 12% |
| Part 8 and appendices | 8 | 13% |
That is why booking a test date first and “reading the book later” is a bad strategy. You need enough time to practise finding information quickly, especially in Parts 4, 5, 7, Part 8, and the appendices.
What to Bring on Exam Day
Your provider has the final say, so follow their joining instructions. For the 2382-26 exam, expect to need:
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Photographic ID | Use the same legal name as your booking |
| BS 7671:2018+A4:2026 | The Orange Book version for 2382-26 |
| Non-programmable calculator | City & Guilds states candidates require one |
| Booking confirmation | Useful for reception or remote exam support |
| Pens or pencils | For rough working if allowed by the centre |
The City & Guilds handbook says candidates require access to BS 7671 during the exam and that the exam is based on that document only. It also says books can contain bookmarks, highlighting, and short cross-reference notation, but cannot contain sample questions, answers, additional diagrams, detailed notes, or content that could unfairly help the candidate.
Because centres are responsible for checking materials, ask your centre what they allow before marking up your book.
How Much Does Booking Cost?
Prices change often, and providers advertise them differently. Some quote excluding VAT; others quote including VAT. Some include the exam fee; some list it separately. Some include books or online materials; many do not.
June 2026 spot checks of UK training providers showed these broad ranges:
| Booking Route | Typical Range | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Exam-only, centre-based | Around GBP 145 to GBP 200 | Whether mock access or admin fees are included |
| Exam-only, remote | Around GBP 185 to GBP 235 | Remote invigilation fee and rebooking policy |
| Online course plus exam | Around GBP 300 to GBP 450 | Whether the exam is definitely included |
| Full classroom course plus exam | Around GBP 400 to GBP 600 | VAT, book costs, duration, location, and resit fee |
| Amendment 4 update / bridging route | Often cheaper than a full course | Whether it includes the full 2382-26 exam or only CPD |
Examples checked in June 2026 included providers advertising 2382-26 exam-only bookings from about GBP 145 in-centre or GBP 195 remotely, and full 2382-26 course packages from about GBP 400 to GBP 600 depending on provider, location, VAT, and delivery mode.
Do not compare prices until you know what each package includes. A cheaper listing can become expensive if the exam, VAT, book, remote invigilation, or resit fee is added later.
Common Booking Mistakes
Booking the Wrong Exam Code
Do not book a page that still advertises 2382-18, 2382-20, or an unclear “18th Edition exam” without confirming the live code. In June 2026, the target code for most new bookings is 2382-26.
Assuming “Open Book” Means Easy
Open book means you can use BS 7671. It does not mean you have time to search every answer from scratch. With 60 questions in 120 minutes, you average two minutes per question.
Buying the Wrong Book
For 2382-26, use BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. The IET describes this as the current Amendment 4 publication. The older Brown Book remains valid for installation work during the transition period, but it is not the book you want for a new 2382-26 booking.
Ignoring Remote Exam Requirements
Remote exams can fail because of laptop permissions, weak Wi-Fi, unsupported devices, webcam issues, or late setup. Run every system check early and avoid using a locked-down work laptop unless your IT team has confirmed screen sharing and exam software permissions.
Using a Different Name from Your ID
Book using the name on your passport, driving licence, or approved photo ID. If your booking says “Sam” but your passport says “Samuel”, ask the provider which name they need before they register you.
Forgetting to Ask About Resits
Ask before paying:
- How soon can I resit?
- What does a resit cost?
- Is the resit centre-based or remote?
- Do I need to pay a full admin fee again?
Knowing the resit policy upfront matters, especially if you are choosing exam-only.
Quick Booking Checklist
Use this checklist when you are ready to book.
- I know whether I need a full course, online course, or exam-only route.
- The provider has confirmed City & Guilds 2382-26.
- The provider has confirmed BS 7671:2018+A4:2026.
- The price clearly states whether VAT is included.
- The price clearly states whether the exam fee is included.
- I know whether the test is remote or centre-based.
- I know the ID requirements.
- I know whether I need to buy the Orange Book separately.
- I know the cancellation, remote failure, and resit rules.
- I have enough study time before the test date.
Once those points are clear, booking is straightforward: pay the approved provider, follow their registration instructions, prepare with the correct edition, and sit the scheduled City & Guilds online test.
Official Sources Checked
This guide was researched and updated on 10 June 2026 using official City & Guilds and IET pages, plus a spot check of current UK provider booking pages.
- City & Guilds Requirements for Electrical Installations (2382)
- City & Guilds 2382-26 qualification handbook
- IET and BSI Amendment 4 publication announcement
- IET guidance on staying up to date with BS 7671
- IET BS 7671 and guidance publications
- City & Guilds contact and learner support page
For practice before you book, start with our 18th Edition exam question format guide and then take full mock tests under timed conditions.