If you’re thinking about becoming a plumber, it’s obvious that you’ll need to do a considerable amount of learning before you can begin to think of yourself as a plumber.  This will involve practical plumbing skills and understanding the theory behind plumbing and water safety.  You can learn on the job or do a plumbing course, but why would you need a plumbing NVQ?

There are many reasons to pursue a Plumbing NVQ Level 2 qualification. This guide will explain what’s involved and the benefits of industry-recognised certifications.

How to become a plumber

Routes into the plumbing industry

As with many trades, there are a few pathways into the plumbing industry. Apprenticeships, college courses, plumbing training courses, and also working as a plumber’s mate.

What qualifications plumbers need

In terms of plumbing qualifications, there isn’t one qualification that all plumbers must have. It’s an industry where skills, knowledge and experience are highly valued, and these can be built up on-the-job – there are many plumbers working in the industry without any official qualifications.

Where plumbing qualifications become significant, is when you’re looking for work as a plumber:

  • Holding a Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing shows that you have the underpinning knowledge.
  • While an NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing demonstrates that you can do the work to an industry standard.

As NVQs are work-based competence assessments, whether you’ve achieved it via an apprenticeship and subsequent End Point Assessment or via other means like the experienced worker route and practical assessment, they show that you’ve learnt the relevant plumbing skills and can do the work in the real world.

Holding the NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing unlocks employability and broadens the scope of work you can do.

Competent persons schemes such as WIAPS (Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme) or APHC (Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors) will require you to hold an NVQ or equivalent to meet their eligibility criteria.

Likewise, if site work is in your future career plans, holding an NVQ will give you access to applying for JIB PMES Blue Card (CSCS).

Guide to plumbing Level 2 qualification

An industry-recognised qualification route is the level 2: The City & Guilds Level 2 in Plumbing (6035) and the Level 2 NVQ in Plumbing (6189).

The 6035 is both a diploma and a technical certificate, and while it’s still an industry qualification, it demonstrates that you’ve done training in a workshop and classroom. The 6189 NVQ shows that you’re site qualified and do the work in the real world. Together, the two qualifications provide a plumbing apprenticeship alternative for adults entering the trade.

Completing a plumbing NVQ

A Level 2 Plumbing course is the industry-recognised route for anyone new to the industry and will take you through the basics and to build a full understanding of domestic plumbing. The training includes knowledge units and practical units covering common plumbing processes, domestic hot and cold water systems, drainage, sanitation and central heating.

This will give you the in-depth technical knowledge of plumbing to move into the industry. 

Once you’re working in the industry, you can register for the NVQ. An assessor is allocated to each candidate to guide you through the process. This includes a profiling session, portfolio and work-based assessments. The assessor will need to witness a variety of examples of plumbing work in installation, maintenance and decommissioning, to see that you can work independently and safely.

During both the Level 2 training and the NVQ, candidates learn safe working practices, including risk assessment, manual handling and compliance with water regulations.

Where can a plumbing qualification take you?

A common move is into the gas industry and working as a boiler engineer. With training, gas engineering is an ideal complement to plumbing with many skills and techniques transferable between the two. Of course, gas has its own training and qualifications to consider – it’s a legal requirement that anyone working with gas is registered with Gas Safe.

FAQs about plumbing NVQ Level 2

Can I get an NVQ Level 2 without doing a plumbing Level 2 course?

If you’ve been working in the industry for more than three years without a plumbing qualification, there is a fast-track assessment process known as the experienced worker route.

What happens in a plumbing NVQ assessment?

Through site visits, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can work safely and independently on the various plumbing tasks. An assessor will witness you working to verify your ability.

How do I collect my plumbing portfolio evidence?

Once you register for the NVQ, you’re appointed an assessor who will assist you with the entire NVQ process and requirements including being allocated a portfolio and how to collect suitable evidence of your work.

What’s the industry-standard plumbing certification UK?

A Level 2 in Plumbing is the industry-standard qualification to enter the industry. The Level 2 NVQ in Plumbing demonstrates occupational competence as a plumber and is widely recognised by employers.

What are the different Level 2 plumbing qualifications?

City & Guilds Level 2 in Plumbing (6035) and the City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ in Plumbing (6189).

What are competent person schemes in plumbing?

Competent persons schemes include the Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme (WIAPS) or the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC). Membership of these schemes may allow suitably qualified plumbers to self-certify certain types of plumbing work, depending on the scheme and the work being undertaken.

How to get started

Plumbing training courses at Able Skills

“Workshop classes benefit from large amounts of bays dedicated to installation of various pipework and appliances. Participants are provided with all tools and materials necessary to complete the course.” – Review via Trustpilot.

Whether you’re looking to hone your domestic plumbing skills or are an experienced plumber needing an NVQ, we have a training option for you.

Start with an Introduction to Plumbing course if you want to learn the basics of domestic plumbing and gain some insight into the trade. Take your first steps towards achieving industry recognised plumbing qualifications by doing the City & Guilds Level 2 Plumbing Course. Get ready for the industry by gaining both recognised plumbing qualifications and NVQ with our City & Guilds Full Plumbing Package.

As a City & Guilds approved training centre, you can be assured of plumbing installation training and qualifications to the highest industry standards.   If you’d like to find out more about plumbing training courses, contact our team today by phone or email.