How long is Section B of the AM2?

A maximum of 3 hours 30 minutes, with 20 minutes to read and prepare, on the AM2, AM2S and AM2S v1. It covers inspection, testing and the certificate together.

What tests are in AM2 Section B?

Continuity of protective conductors including bonding, continuity of ring final circuit conductors, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, prospective fault current, check of phase sequence, additional protection (RCDs) and functional testing.

Can I fix my installation during Section B?

Yes. Within Section B’s time you may correct any part of your installation you find incorrect or faulty, then retest what the change affects.

Can I use my own tester?

No. Only your own insulated side cutters, strippers and pliers are allowed. NET does not publish the tester each centre uses; your centre may tell you, so practise on more than one make.

Do I fill in the paperwork at the end?

Start it before you test and fill in the schedule of test results as you take each reading. NET says results kept on scrap paper get lost, and incorrect documentation means the testing is not proven.

AM2 SECTION B

AM2 Section B: AM2 Section B — Inspection, Testing + Certification — 3 hours 30 minutes, GN3 order

Section B is a maximum of 3 hours 30 minutes, with 20 minutes to read and prepare, on every version of the AM2. You inspect your installation, carry out the tests as Guidance Note 3 sets out while the assessor watches, verify the results against BS 7671, and complete an Electrical Installation Certificate, schedule of circuit details and schedule of test results. Within the section’s time you may correct anything in your installation you find wrong.

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9 min readUpdated 2026-11-03Andrew Moore, Founder of Elec-Mate

Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.

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Key takeaways

01Section B: 3 hours 30 minutes plus 20 minutes’ reading, on the AM2, AM2S and AM2S v1. GN3 and the On-Site Guide are provided.
02NET’s tests: continuity of protective conductors (including bonding), ring final continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance, prospective fault current, phase sequence, additional protection (RCDs) and functional testing.
03Prepare the instrument: right function and range, leads nulled, in date and safe to use.
04Fill in the schedule of test results as you take each reading, never on scrap paper.
05If you repeat a test, repeat any test that depends on it. Operate switches and isolators so the whole circuit is tested.
06Reinstate every connection you undid: connections are assessed after testing.

01 · AM2 Section B

What Section B covers

NET asks you to carry out a visual inspection; test in accordance with Guidance Note 3; verify the results comply with BS 7671 using the documents provided; and complete the EIC, schedule of circuit details and schedule of test results. You are expected to work in a way that allows for voltage-sensitive equipment. After testing, the assessor supervises the functional testing of every final circuit and its equipment. NET publishes blank copies of the forms on its website so you can get used to them.

02 · AM2 Section B

The tests, in GN3 order

Continuity of protective conductors, including main and supplementary bonding.
Continuity of ring final circuit conductors.
Insulation resistance (Table 64: at least 1 MΩ at 500 V DC for circuits up to 500 V).
Polarity.
Earth fault loop impedance.
Prospective fault current.
Additional protection: RCDs (BS 7671 643.8: a general non-delay RCD should disconnect within 300 ms on an AC test at its rated residual current).
Check of phase sequence.
Functional testing.

This follows the sequence in GN3, which starts with the dead tests. NET lists the same tests for the AM2S v1. Do not take shortcuts learnt on site: NET says follow the method you were taught, and check GN3 or the On-Site Guide if unsure.

03 · AM2 Section B

NET’s common errors in Section B

Not preparing the instrument: wrong function or range, leads not nulled, not checked as in date and safe.
Not testing as GN3 sets out, or not repeating the tests that depend on a test you repeated.
Not operating switches (lighting) or isolators and contactors (other circuits), so part of a circuit is never tested.
Not recording results as you go: readings on scrap paper get lost.
Not verifying the results against BS 7671.
Documentation not completed correctly: if it is wrong, the testing is not proven, even if you tested well.
Not checking that circuits and equipment work as intended.
Not reinstating connections securely after testing.

NET’s Top Tips video adds: start the EIC and set up the schedule of test results before you test, and do not leave any section blank.

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04 · AM2 Section B

Study with Elec-Mate

Elec-Mate’s AM2 course has a testing-sequence simulator for Section B, drills on reading results against BS 7671, and inspection and testing walk-throughs checked against GN3. Not affiliated with or endorsed by NET.

Test yourselfTry the free AM2 mock examTimed, marked instantly, with an explanation on every question. No sign-up.

AM2 Section B — FAQ

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