Last Updated: 23 May 2023
City & Guilds domestic heating and plumbing courses cover the essential knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in domestic plumbing and heating. Areas of study include:
- Domestic hot and cold water systems
- Central heating systems
- Sanitation systems
- Environmental technologies
- Gas safety
The NVQ Level 2 plumbing and heating qualification is designed for anyone who wants to become a plumber or domestic heating engineer. It provides all the basic domestic heating and plumbing training you need to start work in the industry.
The NVQ Level 3 plumbing and heating qualification is aimed at anyone who has already completed the Level 2 qualification, or who already has some relevant experience and knowledge. If you choose gas-related units at Level 3 you will achieve the Gas Safe licence to practise on successful completion of the course.
We are issuing digital credential to learners who have completed this qualification. Please add your learners’ emailaddress during registration. A digital credential cannot be issued without the learner’s email address.
Available to deliver in the following:
- England
- Wales – please check QiW website for available funding
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
Find out more about or fill out our online customer application form.Interested in delivering this qualification?
General Information
What Is Involved In Studying This Course?
During your study you willcover a range of knowledge and skills across areas including domestic hot and cold water systems, central heating systems, sanitation systems, environmental technologies and matters of gas safety.
What Careers Can This Lead To?
Our qualifications can lead directly into employment, offering learners the chance to develop their skills and knowledge to a high
standard recognised by the industry. In addition, we also have a number of Higher Level qualifications offered through ILM.
What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?
To deliver these qualifications you will need qualified assessors and suitable facilities – The requirements for these can be found in the qualification handbook. Centres currently offering the 6129 and 6089 qualifications will be given automatic approval, other centres will need to fill out a (QAP) qualification approval form
Level 2
Level 2 will suit you if you have some relevant plumbing and heating knowledge and skills, usually from a role where you've been supervised.
There are two pathways available at this level:
- NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
- NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems.
These comprise mandatory units, including:
- understand and carry out safe working practices in building services engineering
- understand and apply domestic hot water system installation and maintenance
- understand and apply domestic above ground drainage system installation and maintenance techniques
- install and maintain domestic heating systems.
For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from thecentre documents section.
What Careers Can This Lead To?
These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of roles within the domestic plumbing and heating sector, including:
- Heating and ventilation engineer
- Specialised craftsperson (plumber or heating engineer)
- Project development manager
- Senior skilled operative.
Learners can also go on to take the following related qualification:
- City & Guild Level 3 Diploma in Domestic Natural Gas (6014).
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating (6189-11)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: SmartScreen Learning Assistant
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
- Accreditation No: 501/1981/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 76 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 596 - 596 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 760 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: £289.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems (6189-21)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2023 Supportive services: SmartScreen
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems
- Accreditation No: 501/2102/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 66 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 522 - 522 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 660 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: £306.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3
Level 3 is ideal if you are working within the plumbing and heating trade and have a great deal of technical skills and knowledge. You work with minimum supervision and have a good record of safety, fault correction and ensuring that work meets the required standard.
There are six pathways available at this level:
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances)
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Heating
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Heating (Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances)
- Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances).
These comprise mandatory units, including:
- understand and carry out electrical work on domestic plumbing and heating systems and components
- Service and maintain domestic oil firing pressure jet appliances
- install, commission and handover 'active' solar thermal hot water systems
- know the requirements to install, commission and handover rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse systems.
For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from thecentre documents section.
What Careers Can This Lead To?
These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of roles within the domestic plumbing and heating sector, including:
- Heating and ventilation engineer
- Specialised craftsperson (plumber or heating engineer)
- Project development manager
- Senior skilled operative.
Learners can also go on to take the following related qualification:
- City & Guild Level 3 Diploma in Domestic Natural Gas (6014).
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (6189-31)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Biomass Fuel
- Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Heat Pumps
- Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Oil Firing Pressure Jet Appliances
- Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Oil Firing Vapourising Appliances
- Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Solar Thermal
- Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Solid Mineral Fuel
- Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Water Recycling
- Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances) (EUSGU0021) (6189-32)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2023
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances) (EUSGU0021)
- Accreditation No: 600/1124/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 135 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 933 - 933 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 1350 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/12/2024 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances) (EUSGU0022) (6189-33)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances) (EUSGU0022)
- Accreditation No: 600/1134/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
- Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
- Credits: 146 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
- Guided Learning Hours: 1034 - 1034 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
- Total Qualification Time: 1460 The total time for the qualification
- Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
- Qualification fees in the UK: £281.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Additional information for centres
SMARTSCREEN IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION
SmartScreen is our online portal for tutor, assessors and learners that provides unit-specific support materials and tutor forums to complement the delivery and learning experience
LEARNING ASSISTANT IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION
Learning Assistant is an innovative and cost effective e-portfolio solution that allows colleges and training providers to dramatically improve the delivery of their vocational qualifications.
Learn more about Learning Assistant >
Here you can findall documents related to this suite of qualifications.
By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.
Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in toWalled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.
Interested in delivering this qualification?
Find out more about or fill out our online customer application form.
Additional documents
- 6189 Additional learning resource v1 pdf 1008 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189 e-Books Customer information pdf 267 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189 Textbook information v1 pdf 154 KB 24 Jul 2018
- APHC Training Provider Membership application form 314 KB 24 Jul 2018
- APHC Training Provider Membership CG letter 237 KB 24 Jul 2018
- Bursary Programme April 2014 pdf 126 KB 24 Jul 2018
- CIPHE Training Centre application form 60 KB 24 Jul 2018
- Plumbing Heating Exemption Guidance pdf 353 KB 13 Oct 2020
Centre documents
- Gas Assessment Update 2024-1-V2-0 pdf 226 KB 13 Feb 2024
- Quick Guide to Qualifications GSR Categories V40 pdf 312 KB 05 Apr 2022
Level 2
Assessment materials
Assignments
- 6189 Practical task manual v1-0 pdf 2 MB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189 Source document images v1-0 pdf 690 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-11 21 L2 Diplomas Assessor guidance for practical task manual v1-1 1 MB 24 Jul 2018
Centre documents
- 6189-11 21 L2 Diplomas handbook v3-3 16 MB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-11 experienced worker document docx 35 KB 06 Mar 2019
- 6189-11 L2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating logbook v1-1 1 MB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-21 L2 NVQ Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems logbook v1-0 977 KB 24 Jul 2018
Purpose and recognition
19 plus
- 6189-11 L2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating Purpose statement 202 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-21 L2 Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems Purpose statement 205 KB 24 Jul 2018
Level 3
Assessment materials
Assignments
- 6189 mandatory units assessor guide v1-2 881 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189 mandatory units practical tasks record v1-1 654 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-302 303 304 337 344 design assignment assessor guide v4-5 pdf 412 KB 01 Mar 2021
- 6189-302 303 304 337 344 design assignment candidate guide v4-5 pdf 925 KB 01 Mar 2021
6189-33 and 43 Gas assessment packs
- 6189-33-43 Assessors Pack Part 1-V8-0 pdf 5 MB 04 Jan 2024
- 6189-33-43 Assessors Pack Part 2-V8-0 pdf 3 MB 04 Jan 2024
- 6189-33-43 Candidate Assessment Pack-V8-0 pdf 2 MB 04 Jan 2024
Supporting documents
- Gas Safe Qualifications FAQs V1 pdf 98 KB 24 Jul 2018
- Password Application Form 1-V1-4 docx 319 KB 27 Jan 2023
- Quick Guide to Diplomas GSR Categories-V3-1 pdf 223 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189 Gas safe register additional data requirements pdf 19 KB 24 Jul 2018
Pathway assessments
- 2399 6189 Assessor pack v5-0 1 MB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-320 Assessment pack v1 pdf 137 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-321 Assessment pack v1 pdf 2 MB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-326 328 Solar Thermal Assessment pack practical task manual V3-0 pdf 216 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-326 328 Solar Thermal Assessor guide V3-0 pdf 720 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-329 331 Heat Pump Assessor guide v2-0 pdf 962 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-329 331 Heat-Pump Practical task manual v2-0 pdf 665 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-333 Assessment pack v1 pdf 247 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-334 Assessment pack v3 pdf 241 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-507 Oil Assignment Assessor Guide v1-1 pdf 2 MB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-507 Oil Assignment Candidate Guide v1-1 pdf 1 MB 24 Jul 2018
- TSPEC Calculation Solutions for Scenario A to D 164 KB 24 Jul 2018
Onsite assessment forms
- Generic Decommissioning Certificate v1 pdf 54 KB 01 Oct 2020
- Generic Direct Observation Form v1 pdf 60 KB 01 Oct 2020
- Generic Feedback Form v1 pdf 47 KB 01 Oct 2020
- Generic Maintenance Record v1 pdf 48 KB 01 Oct 2020
- Generic Supporting Evidence Form v1 pdf 72 KB 01 Oct 2020
- Written Account and oral Q record v1 pdf 59 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189 Generic Direct Observation Form v1 pdf 74 KB 24 Jul 2018
Centre documents
- 6189 L3 Diplomas Unit pack v3-1 pdf 1 MB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-31 32 33 41 42 and 43 L3 Diplomas handbook v6-2 pdf 1 MB 07 Mar 2022
- 6189-31 32 33 L3 NVQ Diplomas in Domestic Plumbing and Heating logbook pdf 270 KB 11 Mar 2019
- 6189-31 32 33 L3 NVQ Diplomas in Domestic Plumbing and Heating Unit 345 logbook v2-2 1 MB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-41 42 43 L3 Diplomas in Domestic Heating logbook v1 -1 468 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-41 L3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Heating Unit 306 logbook v1-1 992 KB 24 Jul 2018
- Assessment Strategy - Gas v2-1 pdf 431 KB 07 Dec 2020
- Gas Work log pdf 1 MB 16 Sep 2020
- Gas Competent Witness Form-V1 pdf 139 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-305 025 Electrical Work on Domestic Plumbing and Heating unit delivery guidance v1-0 69 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-11 Application for experienced workers alternative evidence v0-3 35 KB 24 Jul 2018
- Gas Utilisation Assessment Updates June 18 114 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6188-6189 experienced worker route guidance pdf 210 KB 24 Jul 2018
Purpose and recognition
19 plus
- 6189-31 L3 Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating Purpose statement 201 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-32 L3 Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances Purpose statement 210 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-33 L3 Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances Purpose statement 183 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-41 L3 Diploma in Domestic Heating Purpose statement 207 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-42 L3 Diploma in Domestic Heating Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances Purpose statement 209 KB 24 Jul 2018
- 6189-43 L3 Diploma in Domestic Heating Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances Purpose statement 76 KB 24 Jul 2018
