This qualification provides learners with practical experience of plumbing and domestic heating and an expectation of some of the situations that they could face as a plumber or domestic heating engineer in the building services sector. More specifically, it provides learners with the required underpinning knowledge and related practical skills they will need to prove competence and to subsequently pursue a career in this occupational area.

Key topics include planning, selection, installation, commissioning, service and maintenance techniques for cold water, hot water, central heating and above ground drainage systems.

Learners must be at least 16 years old. There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, learners must have the potential to achieve all aspects of the qualification. In particular, learners should be able to demonstrate that they have the minimum levels of literacy and numeracy required to comply with the health and safety aspects of the scheme, the completion of the learning outcomes, and the assessments.

This qualification is predominantly for learners who want to be plumbers and domestic heating engineers working in the BSE industry. The qualification may also be suitable for learners who are interested in plumbing and domestic heating and/or are considering a career change. The qualification has been specifically designed as a competence component in the Apprenticeship Standard.

It is suitable for learners aged:
• 16-18
• 19+

Where appropriate, learners will be assessed in naturally occurring planned activities carrying out their work tasks. Assessment against the learning outcomes of the qualification may be through practical observation and oral questioning. Performance evidence may be provided by the employer in partnership with the approved centre staff where established performance management processes are used by the employer to monitor staff performance.
The internal assessments will be a combination of on-screen exams, written and short answers and simulated practical assessments

There internal assessments are a combination of EAL Set and Centre Marked, Centre Devised and Marked and the on-screen exam is marked by EAL and all other internal assessments are marked by members of the delivery team at the Centre.

Where the assessment takes the form of written/short answer or multiple choice question papers, these must be treated as controlled assessments.

This qualification will be achieved when the learner has successfully completed:
• The four Phases, including any related Centre marked assignments/practical tests and externally marked exams.
• ONE of the four pathways, including any related Centre marked assignments/ practical tests, portfolio development and on-site practical assessments

Qualification Manual