- The December 2016 series has seen a significant drop in the performance of candidates for the 2395 exam
- The number of candidates has fallen throughout 2016
From a rising trend, the December series for 2395 showed a drop in numbers of candidates passing the exam to just 35%. Back to the bad old days when the 2395 was first introduced in 2012.
The examiners have not identified a single reason for this result, but they do point out that ‘A large number of candidates failed to read the questions and scenario carefully [Electacourse – we keep reminding our customers of this]. One example being where candidates incorrectly listed x0.5, x1 and x5 as the applied test currents for RCBO testing, when the question clearly stated applied test current in mA, so needed the actual mA values.’
From August 2014, the pass rate has generally been above 50% for both 2394 and 2395 and is stabilising around 60% pass rate for 2394 and 55% pass rate for 2395.
Again, and again, Electacourse see the examiners reporting that candidates repeatedly making the same errors. In the Electacourse products 2394 and 2395 Written Exam Guidance Notes, we go into detail about how to pass these exams and in another post we will highlight the most common errors seen by the examiners. In the meantime, by far the most common errors seen by examiners are:
2394 Common Errors
- Candidates use the term ‘live’ rather than ‘line and interchange the terms when describing test procedures
- Inability to list the three documents that must be completed and handed to the client on completion of an initial verification of an installation
- Candidates are only reading part of the question – this is simple to resolve with good exam technique (covered in our previous post)
2395 Common Errors
- Candidates need to be aware of the requirement to show calculations and descriptions to demonstrate their conclusions when answering questions
- Candidates are not sufficiently familiar with the items they are to consider, inspect and record. Familiarity will greatly improve both candidates understanding of the inspection process and their success in any related questions
- Candidates repeatedly seem to forget that 2395 is an examination of periodic inspection and not initial verification
Falling Candidate numbers
Could this be the Brexit effect? As I think all of us in involved in the construction industry have noticed, the numbers of new entrants coming to work in the industry from Europe has gone down.
The Electacourse customer data does not fully support a drop of 50% in new staff coming into the electrical trade, but as we have Tweeted (@Electacourse) and reported previously, we can certainly see a Brexit impact.
This is bad news and good news
Bad news that a limit on the number of people coming in to the industry limits company growth and opportunity. Good news for individual sparkies already qualified: you will be able to increase your rates and choose your jobs.
For the rest of us, our home rewires will cost more.
