AM2 changes in 2010
Plans are currently in progress to overhaul the AM2 and potentially bring it under a QCF unit. Changes mooted are the removal of the motor control circuit completely, taking out the MIMS (MICC) installation as it is thought to be a specialist cable and taking out the conduit forming as it is thought to be a level 2 skill. In comes a S plan heating circuit, segregated trunking and data cabling. Other changes include the trainee having to complete a full Electrical Installation Certificate, including a Schedule of Inspection and a Schedule of Test Results instead of the old method with a couple of random boxes of information. The AM2 is planned to be split into 4 sections, A - Installation, B - Inspection and Test, C - Fault Diagnosis and a new section D - Knowledge Assessment. The last part is planned to be a 30 question multiple choice exam with a 90% pass mark. The exam will cover health and safety, working at heights, security systems, building regulations, protective devices, hand tool and single and three phase supplies.
More information
One of the biggest differences is that no paperwork will be sent in advance as has been the case beforehand. There is sure to be some information, currently believed to be a support pack for employers and providers, but students will get instructions when they arrive at the test centre. This time they will need to be prepared, all the details (for however long they can) will be kept secret.
The marking system is being changed, previously there were lenient critical points and safe isolation for example could see the student get several important safety points incorrect yet still pass. The new system will be a lot tighter, easier to interpret and more focused. The safe isolation for instance will now have to be performed 100% correctly to pass.
Before a student will be allowed to sit the AM2, a mandatory checklist sill be completed to ensure that the student is ready to take the test. The current system has seen students turn up who are not yet ready but have been pushed through by training providers, employers and colleges due to various issues including student funding. The new test is to last between 2 and 2 and a half days (16.5 hours) and there will be as previously stated 4 distinct sections.
Section A
Fabrication has been removed entirely as it is thought to be a level 2 skill (Eds note: How does it get assessed then? According to the Summit Skills, industry does not recognise a level 2 so how can there be level 2 skills?). There are also increased expectations on the students ability to think about installation design. For example, the correct choice of protective device, the selection of RCD/RCBO for relevant circuits and the correct overload setting within the DOL starter which will be changed frequently so has to be calculated on an individual basis.
Below are some of the expectations for the new qualification: