City and Guilds 2357
Introduction | The QCF | Units | Other study items | FAQ
Introduction
The C&G2357 Level 3 Diploma in Electrotechnology was introduced as a replacement qualification for the outgoing C&G2330 technical certificate and the C&G2356 NVQ Level 3 as part of the Government switch to the QCF suite of qualifications. It combined both qualifications into one and was created by the Sector Skills Council, Summit Skills. It was very controversially introduced as an "employer created" qualification and was said to have been written mainly in conjunction with employers. Feedback from employers though seems to be consistent in its disagreement with this statement with many claiming they never had the opportunity to contribute.
The 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 generality is that units can be plucked from several sources and merged to create a recognised qualification. It stands to reason that whatever the discipline, electrical principles is a useful part of many different trades so why have several similar units written when one will suffice?
What units will I study?
| Unit Title | Unit Number |
| Knowledge Units | |
| Understanding Health and Safety legislation, practices and procedures (Installing and maintaining electrotechnical systems and equipment) | 2357-301 |
| Understanding environmental legislation, working practices and the principles of environmental technology systems | 2357-302 |
| Understanding the practices and procedures for overseeing and organising the work environment (Electrical Installation) | 2357-303 |
| Understanding the principles of planning and selection for the installation of electrotechnical equipment and systems in buildings, structures and he environment | 2357-304 |
| Understanding the practices and procedures for the preparation and installation of wiring systems and electrotechnical equipment in buildings, structures and the environment | 2357-305 |
| Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for the termination and connection of conductors, cables and cords in electrical systems | 2357-306 |
| Understanding principles, practices and legislation for the inspection, testing, commissioning and certification of electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment | 2357-307 |
| Understanding the principles, practices and legislation for diagnosing and correcting electrical faults in electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment | 2357-308 |
| Understanding the electrical principles associated with the design, building, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems | 2357-309 |
| Performance units (Completed on site) | |
| Applying Health and Safety legislation and working practices (Installing and Maintaining Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment) | 2357-311 |
| Applying environmental legislation, working practices and the principles of environmental technology systems | 2357-312 |
| Overseeing and organising the work environment (Electrical Installation) | 2357-313 |
| Planning, preparing and installing Mandatory wiring systems and associated equipment in buildings, structures and the environment | 2357-315 |
| Terminating and connecting conductors, cables and flexible cords in electrical systems | 2357-316 |
| Inspecting, testing, commissioning and certifying electrotechnical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment | 2357-317 |
| Diagnosing and correcting electrical faults in electrical systems and equipment in buildings, structures and the environment | 2357-318 |
| Electrotechnical Occupational Competence (AM2) | 2357-399 |
What else will I do on the course?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be employed to do this qualification?
Yes and no! You will need employment or significant work experience to complete the final 7 units known as the performance units. These will be completed on site mainly through observation by an assessor. This doesn't stop you from doing the first 9 knowledge units at a college or training provider though and then gaining the relevant work experience to complete the rest.
If I do the C&G2330, can I use any units against the 2357?
Yes, according to the City and Guilds, you can map all of the units across except the 302 Environmental unit depending on how much of the 2330 you have completed.
If I do the C&G2356, can I use any units against the 2357?
It is thought that you can yes. Practical experience should be able to be cross mapped by a good assessor to the new standards.
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1. For the purpose of this site, a fully qualified electrician is considered to hold the ECS Gold card issued by the JIB. We understand there is no legal definition of qualified as of yet, but ascribe to the notion that an electrician holding the Gold card has sufficient competence and qualifications to be classed as an electrician.
2. Please contact the JIB direct about a grading card. They may ask for or require proof of training.
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