City & Guilds NVQ 5357: Everything You Need to Know
In This Guide:
What is the City & Guilds NVQ 5357 Electrotechnical Qualification?
As of October 31st 2026, the City & Guilds NVQ 5357 will be the new Level 3 Electrotechnical qualification – replacing the existing 2357 NVQ as the industry’s proficiency standard. It is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, practical skills and workplace competence needed to become qualified electricians and obtain their ECS Gold Card.
The qualification covers the skills required to install, maintain and repair electrical systems across residential, commercial and industrial environments; supporting the Installation and Maintenance Electrician occupational standard (ST0152).
This change forms part of a UK-wide reform led by TESP (The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership), affecting all awarding bodies across the electrotechnical industry, not just City & Guilds. Like the 2357, the 5357 combines electrical knowledge with practical workplace assessment.
NVQ 5357 Registration Routes
The new City & Guilds 5357 qualification offers different registration routes depending on a learner’s circumstances and previous experience.
5357-95: Unit-Based Adult and Non-Apprentice Route (19+)
The 5357-95 is designed for adult learners, career changers and those who aren’t completing a formal apprenticeship. It provides a route to becoming a qualified installation electrician through Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Electrical Installations, followed by workplace competence assessment and the relevant AM2 assessment.
5357-43: Adult Full Qualification Route (19+)
The 5357-43 is the full Level 3 Electrotechnical qualification for adult learners following the non-apprentice route. It combines knowledge units, practical skills and occupational competence assessments to develop the skills required to become an installation electrician, covering domestic, commercial and industrial installations.
5357-94: Unit-Based Apprenticeship Route (16+)
The 5357-94 provides a unit-based pathway for apprentices undertaking the Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship. It incorporates the Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas alongside the relevant knowledge and practical units. Learners then progress to the workplace NVQ stage, where they demonstrate their competence before completing the relevant AM2 assessment.
5357-23: Apprenticeship Full Qualification Route (16+)
The 5357-23 is the full Level 3 Electrotechnical qualification for apprentices aged 16 and over. It combines knowledge units, practical assessments and workplace evidence to develop the skills and competence required of an installation or maintenance electrician.
5393-43: Domestic Route – Dwellings (16+)
The 5393-43 is a separate, domestic-focused qualification for learners who intend to work on electrical installations in dwellings. It has a narrower scope than the full installation and maintenance electrician qualification and uses the AM2D assessment.
Why is the NVQ 2357 Being Replaced?
The City & Guilds NVQ 2357 has been the recognised route for electricians to demonstrate their occupational competence for 15 years. However, following a review of electrotechnical training, the industry is introducing a revised qualification structure to bring assessment standards and training routes up to date.
The changes are being led by TESP (The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership) in collaboration with awarding organisations, including City & Guilds and EAL. The aim is to create consistent qualification and assessment standards across apprenticeships, experienced worker assessments and adult non-apprentice routes.
Key Changes & Deadlines
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a minimum 24-month enrolment and on-site competence period. As a result, learners undertaking the new 5357 cannot be claimed as complete until at least two years after their enrolment date.
This change is intended to ensure learners have sufficient time to develop and demonstrate their practical skills across a range of working environments, with a more consistent and rigorous approach to assessment.
The 2357 will close to new registrations on 31st October 2026, although existing learners will have until 31st December 2029 to complete their qualification and achieve certification.
The New 5357 Gold Card Route
Under the new 5357-95 and 5357-94 unit-based routes, the process is more structured:
- Complete the Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas, covering the required knowledge and practical units.
- Progress to a minimum two-year on-site competence portfolio, gaining practical experience and earning a wage as an ECS Trainee Electrician.
- Complete the relevant AM2 practical assessment once you’ve met the required portfolio and assessment criteria.
- Apply for your ECS Gold Card, provided you meet all the eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the City & Guilds NVQ 2357 being withdrawn?
The final registration date for the NVQ 2357 is 31st October 2026. Existing learners can continue working towards their qualification, with a final certification deadline of 31st December 2029.
Can I still complete the NVQ 2357 if I’m already enrolled?
Yes. If you’re already registered on the 2357, you can continue working towards your qualification within the permitted completion period.
Can I get an ECS Gold Card with the NVQ 5357?
Yes. The relevant 5357 route can lead to the ECS Installation Electrician Gold Card, provided you complete the required qualifications, workplace competence and assessment stages, and meet the ECS eligibility criteria. If you would like to apply for the 5357 qualification, please submit an Online Application Form.
Is the 5357 equivalent to the 2357 NVQ?
Both are Level 3 qualifications designed to demonstrate occupational competence in the electrical industry. Their structures and progression requirements do differ, so they shouldn’t be assumed to be interchangeable in every circumstance.
