What is a PAT Test Certificate?

A PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) Test certificate, is a document that is provided to customers after a PAT test is completed. This proves that an electrical engineer has successfully tested portable electrical devices for damage and faults.

While PAT testing certificates are not a legal requirement, they serve as proof that a company has taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their workforce. Many employers will not allow staff to use their own electrical appliances – such as phone chargers – at work unless they have been tested.

PAT testing must be carried out by an approved engineer who is registered with the NICEIC/ECA.

Most PAT testing certificates are produced using pads of blank forms which can be produced in duplicate. However, these paper forms are proving clunky and old-fashioned for many electrical service businesses. Let’s review some setbacks of a manual certificate workflow.

• Why should you use digital over manual PAT Testing Certificates

The benefits of a digital vs. paper-based certificate are numerous.

Here’s a few to keep in mind that will save you time, money, and even help your reputation:

1. Dirty documents can harm your business’s reputation:

Paper forms are notorious for getting ruined. Grease, water, and rough handling can all leave documents looking untidy and unprofessional.

It would be great to be able to hand over a clean certificate each time. But the realities of the field service business means, with paper forms, this is not always possible. Picture your engineers; the last thing they want to worry about is safekeeping important forms.

Another issue with handwritten PAT testing certificates is that not all engineers will have the best spelling, grammar, or handwriting. While this won’t have a negative impact on most elements of an engineer’s work, it can result in a poor professional image for the company.