What a PAT certificate should show
A sticker proves very little on its own. The record behind it is what an insurer, letting agent or inspector will actually look at.
The legal position
HSE's guidance says there is no legal requirement to label equipment that has been inspected or tested, and no requirement to keep records. What the law requires is that equipment is maintained so it is safe. In practice, a record is how you show you did that, which is why insurers, letting agents, landlords and inspectors ask for one.
What a useful record contains
- A unique ID for each item, matching the label on the item
- A description and where the item is kept
- Its class (Class I or Class II)
- The result of the formal visual inspection
- The test results, with readings, where the item was tested
- Pass or fail, and what was done about any failure
- The test date and when it is next due
- The name of the person who did the testing
- Any items that were visually inspected only, and why
Certificate or itemised report?
A certificate is a summary: the site, the date, the number of items and the overall outcome. It is handy for a noticeboard or a letting file. The itemised report is the evidence. If an item is ever involved in an incident, the question will be what was done to that particular item and when, and only the itemised report answers it.
Signs of a weak record
- No list of items, only a total
- No test readings, only ticks
- No tester name
- No mention of items that could not be reached or tested
None of these means the testing was done badly. They do mean the paperwork will not help you much if you ever need to rely on it.
How long to keep it
At least until the next test, and ideally longer. Keeping the last two or three sets lets you show a history, and the IET Code of Practice suggests using past results to decide how often to test in future.
What you get from us
A PDF certificate and a full itemised report, emailed the same day. Every item is listed with its result and the date, and anything we could only inspect visually is recorded that way. It is the format insurers and letting agents ask for. The free appliance register uses the same columns, so you can keep your own record between visits.
Sources
Common questions
Is a PAT sticker enough?
A sticker shows an item was looked at on a date. It does not show what was checked or what the results were. Keep the itemised report as well.
Does a PAT certificate expire after a year?
There is no legal expiry. The next due date on the report is the recommended retest date for that item, based on its type and where it is used.
Do I have to keep PAT records by law?
No. HSE says there is no legal requirement to keep records, but they are the simplest way to show you have met your duty to keep equipment safe.
Related guides
How to prepare for a PAT test
A practical checklist for the day of your PAT test, plus a free appliance register and user-check sheet to download. Saves time and keeps your quote accurate.
Read the guideClass I and Class II appliances: what is the difference?
How to tell a Class I appliance from a Class II one, why it changes how an item is tested, and whether a kettle is Class 1 or Class 2. Plain English.
Read the guideDo new appliances need PAT testing?
HSE says new equipment should arrive safe and does not need a formal PAT test. What to check instead, and when testing a new item still makes sense.
Read the guideReady to get tested?
Pick a slot in the next four weeks, or send us the details for a date further out. It's a provisional booking, and one of the team will be in touch to confirm.