Approved Electrician Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Most Approved Electrician interviews in the UK follow a pattern, and knowing it beats guessing. Below are eight questions from our bank of 16, each with a note on what the interviewer is really after.

Eight Approved Electrician interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What qualifications and experience are required to be a JIB Approved Electrician, and what does that grade mean on site?

Why they ask: The grade is a recognised industry standard, so employers check you actually qualify and understand it.

2. How do automatic disconnection of supply and earth fault loop impedance work together, and how do you check that Zs is acceptable?

Why they ask: Earth fault protection is fundamental to electrical safety, and testing results must be interpreted correctly.

3. How do you select the correct size of cable for a circuit, and what factors affect the choice?

Why they ask: Cable sizing is a core design and installation skill with fire and safety consequences.

4. When are RCDs, AFDDs and surge protection devices required under the current edition of BS 7671?

Why they ask: Shows up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes.

5. What are the different earthing arrangements, and how would you identify and deal with each on an installation?

Why they ask: Earthing arrangement determines protective measures and testing, so electricians must recognise them.

6. You are asked to connect a new distribution board in a commercial building, but the supply cannot be isolated because the tenant says they cannot lose power. What do you do?

Why they ask: Tests judgement on live working and safe isolation under pressure.

7. Tell me about a time you diagnosed and fixed a difficult electrical fault.

Why they ask: Fault finding shows technical depth and persistence.

8. What does a typical day as an Approved Electrician involve on a commercial site?

Why they ask: Checks realistic understanding of day-to-day tasks and standards.

A sample answer to question 1

What qualifications and experience are required to be a JIB Approved Electrician, and what does that grade mean on site?

JIB Approved Electrician is the main skilled grade under the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme, and holders get the ECS Gold card. To qualify you need an NVQ Level 3 in Installing Electrotechnical Systems, or an equivalent such as the older C&G 2330 with 2356, and you must pass the AM2 or AM2E assessment, which tests practical skills, fault finding and safe isolation. You also need up-to-date knowledge of BS 7671, typically through the City and Guilds 2382 qualification, plus a valid health and safety assessment for the card. On site, the grade means I am trusted to work to plans and specifications, install and test circuits, work with limited supervision and sometimes supervise labourers or apprentices. It also sets the pay rate in the JIB agreement, so employers know what to expect. I keep my card and qualifications current, and I continue training through courses on inspection and testing, such as 2391, to move toward Technician or Senior Electrician grades.

Common mistake to avoid: Confusing Approved with apprentice grades; Not knowing how to renew the card

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Approved Electrician interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.