Confined Spaces qualifications and training courses

Last Updated: 06 Jan 2023

These qualifications replaced 6150 in December 2021. They are for those who have to enter, supervise or manage confined spaces. They are short course single unit qualifications and the updated qualification content is based on the National Occupational Standards developed by Energy & Utility Skills for the industry.

They are available to suit various levels of risk and roles in confined space entry including managing confined spaces.

Please note: From May 2022 we have introduced a new qualification: 6160-09 Level 2 Award in Entrant and Entry Controller for Confined Spaces (Medium Risk). The handbook has been updated and assessment materials are now on the website. Current 6160 centres have been given automatic approval to offer this qualification.

Level 2 & 3 qualifications are for anyone entering a confined space. This could be to carry out work, work as an entry controller/ top person supporting entry or conducting emergency rescue and recovery.

The level 4 qualification is for those who plan and manage work in confined spaces.

6160 Confined Spaces Webinar

This webinar covers the new 6160 Confined Spaces qualifications and addresses some key questions from centres.

Available to deliver in the following:

England
Wales – please check QiW website for available funding
Northern Ireland
International

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form.

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?

Depending on which qualification you take, you will cover things like:

preparing to enter and work safely in confined spaces
entering and exiting confined spaces
preparing and using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for working and escape purposes
using equipment and tools safely
dealing with emergencies
controlling entry and arrangements for confined spaces
Planning, managing and reviewing work for confined spaces

The qualifications are delivered through a combination of practical and theoretical training at a City & Guilds centre. You will look at areas such as: risk assessments, classifications of confined spaces, equipment and procedures. More information can be found in the qualification handbook, available to download from the key documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

Candidates may undertake individual qualifications to progress from low to high risk or they may specialise in emergency rescue and recovery. Depending on their job role some candidates may progress to the level 4 qualification, plan, manage and review legislative and safety compliance for work in confined spaces.

What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?

To deliver these qualifications you will need suitably qualified staff to carry out training and assessment and assessment facilities that meet the specification in the qualification handbook and centre resource document.

The operational qualifications are assessed through a practical demonstration and a written test. The level 4 management qualification is assessed through the production of a portfolio and a written test.

Any learners aged 16 and over are eligible to undertake the assessments. In practice, though, learners will already be employed and aged 18 and over.

To find all the requirements for assessment and delivery, download the course handbooks from the centre documents section.