The Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association

Most people know PATTA (Portable Appliaince Testing Trade Association) as a professional association that supports PAT testing businesses through technical advice, networking and the sharing of knowledge. However, much of the Association’s most important work takes place behind the scenes, often away from public view.

PATTA was established with three clear objectives:

• Raising standards throughout the PAT testing industry.
• Improving the reputation of the profession.
• Sharing good practice between competent PAT Testing professionals.

These principles guide everything the Association does.

Portable Appliance Testing plays an essential role in electrical safety, yet the industry has become increasingly fragmented and inconsistent.

Whilst many PAT testing companies provide an excellent service, there are also organisations that compete almost entirely on price, often promising to test hundreds of appliances in a day at rates that leave little time for a thorough inspection. This has encouraged poor-quality testing, inadequate training and a “tick-box” approach, where speed is valued over competence and electrical safety.

As a result, customers are often unsure what represents good practice, and many assume that all PAT testing services are much the same. Professional PAT testers who invest in proper training, follow the IET Code of Practice and carry out inspections thoroughly can find it difficult to compete against companies offering unrealistically cheap prices and poor-quality work.

PATTA believes the industry deserves better. By promoting professionalism, competence and the sharing of good practice, the Association aims to raise standards across the industry, improve confidence in PAT testing and ensure that quality and expertise are recognised alongside price.

PATTA exists to help change that.

The Association believes that professional PAT testing should be based upon competence, consistency, sound engineering judgement and continual professional development, rather than simply completing as many tests as possible in the shortest amount of time.

The PAT testing industry is currently unregulated, with no statutory licensing or mandatory professional registration for those offering PAT testing services. Whilst PATTA is not a regulatory body, it exists to represent the profession and to promote higher standards through professionalism, competence, continuing professional development and the sharing of good practice across the industry.

At the heart of PATTA is a commitment to raising standards within the PAT testing industry.

One of PATTA’s greatest strengths is the willingness of its members to share knowledge and experience. When members exchange knowledge and experience, the whole industry benefits. Consistency improves, confidence grows and professionalism becomes more visible to clients.

Raising standards is not about being rigid or unapproachable. It is about supporting each other to do the job properly and to represent the trade with integrity.

By encouraging collaboration rather than competition, PATTA helps improve standards throughout the profession while supporting the continuing professional development of its members.

Improving the reputation of an industry is a long-term commitment.

It requires professionalism, consistency and a willingness to challenge poor practice through education rather than criticism.

PATTA promotes high-quality training, competent inspection techniques, accurate interpretation of the IET Code of Practice and continual professional development.

The Association’s objective is simple: to help create a profession recognised for competence, integrity and professionalism.

PATTA works to ensure that the interests and expertise of working PAT testers are properly represented.

We were proud to have contributed to the latest IET Code of Practice for Inspection and Testing, ensuring that the practical experience of those working in the field formed part of the conversation. Our involvement reflects our commitment to maintaining and improving standards across the sector.

We believe the industry benefits when professional testers are not isolated, but united — sharing experience, contributing to discussions and helping shape the direction of standards and guidance.

PATTA aims to be the recognised trade association for PAT testing in the same way other sectors are represented by dedicated professional bodies.

One of the greatest strengths of PATTA is the network formed by its members.

Through our private members’ group, PAT testers across the UK connect daily to share experience, discuss technical questions and support one another with real-world advice. Whether it’s interpreting guidance, discussing equipment or handling challenging situations, members benefit from access to collective experience.

For many — particularly those running their own business — this community removes the feeling of working alone. Instead of second-guessing decisions, you have direct access to other professionals who understand the job and are willing to help.

The result is better-informed testers, more confident businesses and higher standards delivered to clients

Every year, PATTA brings members together at our annual industry event, held this year on 2nd October (2026) in Grantham, Lincolnshire. PATTA Connect is an opportunity for PAT testers from across the UK to connect in person, share ideas and strengthen professional relationships.

The event provides space for open discussion about developments in the industry, practical challenges, evolving guidance and business growth. It reinforces what PATTA stands for: collaboration, professionalism and raising standards together.

Our next annual event will take place in Grantham on 2nd October 2026. Tickets are availble for non-members as well as current members, at £75 for non members including one year’s free membership, and discounted to £25 for exisitng members.

For many members, this event is a highlight of the year — a reminder that behind every business name is a professional who values connection and shared progress.

More information on this event is available in this PATTA Connect 2026 article.

Membership of PATTA is open to professional PAT testers throughout the UK.

For an annual fee of £75, members gain access to the association’s professional network, annual event, industry representation, members’ resources and exclusive discounts. More importantly, they become part of a supportive and forward-thinking community that is working to strengthen the industry together.

With over 160 members already involved, PATTA is growing steadily — and we are looking to welcome many more professionals who believe in collaboration, high standards and supporting one another.

If you carry out portable appliance testing professionally and want to be part of a respected and connected trade body, we invite you to join us.

PATTA welcomes members from all business sizes, who provide Portable Appliance Testing services, solutions and training. Annual membership costs jusr £75 per year providing members with so many benefits!

Members of PATTA recognise the importance of high standards when conducting Portable Appliance Testing,  making them the perfect partner for your PAT testing needs. Search for your local PAT tester.

Members displaying the Portable Appliance Testing Trade Association Logo have committed to working to the minimum Working Standards expected of a PATTA member; in relation to how they deliver their electrical inspection service.