Becoming a gas engineer can be an extremely profitable career choice. However, it is a lengthy process that involves many training courses and assessments. Hence, knowing the requirements for legally working as a gas-safe engineer is crucial to qualify and enroll with the Gas Safe Register.
This blog is a step-by-step guide on how to become gas safety registered in the UK. So, if your dream job is to be a gas engineer, here is everything you need to know!
Before diving into the guidelines for becoming a gas-safe engineer in the UK, you must familiarize yourself with the Gas Safe Register.
Gas Safe Register is a list of accredited gas companies and engineers in the UK, Jersey, Isle of Man, and Guernsey that are permitted to legally work on gas appliances (water heaters, boilers, bookers, gas meters) and installations.
The Gas Safe Register handles all features of the downstream gas industry governed by the following regulations. These regulations cover piped gas, namely liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas, and hydrogen:
The Gas Safe Register is under the authority of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and was created to ensure the safety of citizens from illegal and dangerous gas work. It guarantees that all gas engineers follow regulations and practice the best industry standards.
The Gas Safe Register also conducts inspections and reviews reports concerning illegal gas work, which may result in prosecution charges. Campaigns about gas safety and the hazards of uncertified gas appliances are also conducted.
Here are the steps you must follow to become gas-safe registered in the UK. According to how experienced you are, this entire process can take about 18-25 weeks:
Gas Managed Learning Programs (MLPs) must meet the requirements of IGEM/IG/1 standards of training in gas work. Each program has a distinct structure, duration, and cost; however, the minimum duration of an MLP is about six months.
A gas-managed learning program involves gaining and recording onsite experience under the guidance of a gas-safe registered engineer. Once the training is complete, you will have developed a work-based portfolio as evidence of having worked with a gas-safe registered installer and the type and range of work you learned, after which you can sit for the MLP assessments.
MLP assessments consist of both practical and written assessments. You will receive a Managed Learning Program certificate for five years after passing the assessments. After obtaining this certificate, you can appear for the relevant ACS assessments.
Your portfolio is undoubtedly the most crucial aspect of your gas training since it helps verify your competence as a gas-registered engineer. It tests your abilities in pressure situations and provides the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge and training from an experienced gas-registered engineer.
Working on-site allows you to tackle scenarios otherwise complex to imitate in a classroom setting. You will face dangerous circumstances such as gas leaks and fires and will learn to resolve such issues promptly.
Your supervising gas safe registered engineer will assist you in finalizing your portfolio by including pictures, completing relevant paperwork, and signing off the final document with their gas-safe number.
The cost of developing a portfolio depends on the Gas Managed Learning Program you are enrolled in.
The Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) assessments will test your practical knowledge more than your theoretical concepts. Having qualified for a comprehensive learning program and developed a portfolio, you are expected to pass these assessments promptly and obtain a certificate of competence.
To sit for the assessment, you must provide your national insurance number and two recent color photographs. You can undertake the initial ACS assessments for the following categories:
If you do not obtain the required competency level in your theory or practical test, you might need to re-appear for the sections in which you did not perform well – this may incur additional costs.
Note: For those reappearing for the ACS assessments because their certificate expired more than a year ago, on-site training and building a portfolio is not a pre-requisite.
Once you’ve obtained your MLP certificate, developed a portfolio, and passed your initial ACS assessment, you can apply to register with the Gas Safe Register. The fee for submitting a new application for one engineer for one year is available and you must renew this fee every year.
When registering online, regularly check your email ID for all future correspondence and inform the Gas Safe Register if your email ID changes. You can easily submit your application online by submitting the following details along with your application:
Once your application is accepted, you will receive a probationary Gas Safe Licence. During the first three months, your local Gas Safe Inspector will set up an appointment for you to take a short test, like the ACS assessment.
Becoming a gas safe registered engineer requires passing a Gas Managed Learning Programs assessment, gaining on-site experience with a registered gas engineer to develop a portfolio, and undertaking the initial ACS assessment. Once you’ve fulfilled all these requirements, log into the Gas Safety Register and register online.
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