In a nutshell
What are the qualifications about?
Start your career in plumbing - learn how to deal with leaky pipes, water systems and drainage. A Certificate in Plumbing will help you learn the trade and progress onto an NVQ.
Who are they for?
You don't need any plumbing experience for the Certificate in Basic Plumbing - it is for anyone who is interested in entering the plumbing trade.
Why choose City & Guilds?
A City & Guilds qualification is proof that you have the right skills to do your job well - which is why so many employers look for people who have one. You can be confident your qualification is well respected within your industry.
City & Guilds qualifications are engaging and rewarding, and can lead to a whole range of fulfilling careers - including many of the UK's happiest professions.
Fast facts
| Qual. number: | 6129 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Vocational |
| Level: | 2 and 3 |
| 380-495 | |
| Duration: | 1-2 |
| Fundable? | Yes. See the Learning Aims Database |
| Last registration: | 31/12/2010 |
Your questions
... if you're taking these qualifications
- What sorts of things do they cover?
The Certificate in Plumbing covers lots of subjects including:
- health and safety at work
- working safely in a team doing plumbing installation activities
- pricing jobs
- materials, storage and handling
- maintaining pipe systems and components
- hot and cold water, central heating, sanitation and roof weathering systems
- pipe systems and components installation and testing.
- How will I learn and be assessed?
To get a Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) you learn with your training provider - maybe through practical sessions, group discussions or assignments.
VRQs are usually assessed by your training provider using assignments, practical tasks, and online tests.
For the Certificate in Plumbing you'll learn with a training provider and be assessed by a mixture of practical activities and multiple-choice tests.
You can also make use of the online courses, quizzes and games available from our SmartScreen service.
- Which level is right for me?
Level 2
You are interested in getting your first job in plumbing and are about to start an NVQ or apprenticeship in plumbing.
Level 3
You are working in the plumbing industry and already have the Level 2 certificate and NVQ. You may be working towards your NVQ in plumbing or on a plumbing apprenticeship programme.
- How long do they take?
The Level 2 Certificate usually takes:
- 1 year full time
- 2 years part time.
The Level 3 certificate is usually taken on a part-time basis.
This is a rough guide - each centre decides its own timescales and you can often learn at your own pace.
- What jobs could they lead to?
A Certificate in Basic Plumbing is the first step towards your career as a plumber.
It's a route into the industry, and designed to provide the background to undertaking the:
- NVQ in Plumbing (6089) increase your plumbing skills to get ahead at work or build up your own list of satisfied customers.
- NVQ in Plumbing (6089) increase your plumbing skills to get ahead at work or build up your own list of satisfied customers.
... if you're delivering these qualifications
- How would we deliver and assess them?
Delivery is through practical assessments and computer-based tests. You will need the space and equipment to undertake the practical tasks and sufficient computer facilities to undertake the knowledge tests.
- What resources do we need?
In order to offer the Certificate in Plumbing, you will need:
- suitably qualified staff to carry out training and assessment
- suitable facilities to carry out the required training to enable learners to achieve industry standards
- facilities to undertake the knowledge assessments of learners
- facilities to train and assess learners on the practical requirements of the scheme.
- How can we get approval to offer them?
New to City & Guilds?
First become a centre - then you can apply for qualification approval.
Already a centre?
Download and complete the qualification approval form (PDF) and send it to your local City & Guilds office.
- Are there any learner eligibility requirements?
Anyone can take this qualification, but you must make sure all your learners can access the resources they need to complete it.
- Do these qualifications replace any others?
No, this is a new qualification.
Related subject areas
- Construction qualifications
- Electrical installation
- Energy efficiency qualifications
- Electrical Power Engineering
- Gas installation and maintenance qualifications
- Heating and ventilation qualifications
- Plumbing qualifications
- Refrigeration and air conditioning qualifications
- Utility qualifications
Related qualifications
Related careers
- Plumber
- A role within the plumbing trade
Tell us what you think...