When looking to become a fully qualified gas engineer, an ACS qualification is essential. But maybe you are unfamiliar with the ACS and want to know why it’s such a big deal for gas engineers. Let’s go into more detail.
What does ACS mean?
The Accredited Certification Scheme, or ACS, is an industry-recognised qualification allowing gas engineers in training to demonstrate their competence managing and understanding a range of gas work. This includes:
– Domestic gas
– Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
– Commercial Heating
– Boiler Repair & Installation
– Meter Installation
– and more
Assessment takes place at one of our nationwide training centres, and engineers will need to carry out regular safety assessments every five years.
The Categories
When partaking in the ACS assessment, you will be classified in one of three categories.
Category 1: Any gas engineer whose professional qualifications have expired, or who are applying from abroad.
Category 2: Any qualified worker from a related trades industry including plumbing
Category 3: A gas engineer in training who is completely new to the industry.
Assessment Details
Every student undergoing ACS assessment will need to complete a core gas safety assessment before individual appliance testing can take place. For anyone working with natural domestic gas, this assessment is the Core Domestic Gas Safety ( CCN1 ) qualification which is compulsory.
Upon successful completion of the CCN1, gas engineers will be able to take individual assessments including CENWAT (Central Heating, Boilers and Water Heaters), Meters (MET1) and Cookers (CKRI).
ACS is overseen by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). This body is the only national accreditation body in the UK recognised to carry out assessments of organisations which provide certification, testing and inspection services against internationally-agreed standards. Accreditation provides independent recognition that an evaluator can demonstrate that it has been successful at meeting the standards of international accreditation.
Want To Know More?
If you are looking to obtain your ACS qualification then head to our gas engineering course page. Once signed up you will hear from a member of our staff who will be happy to answer any questions you may have and start you on your journey to a better career.