Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating

BPEC Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating

The qualification is delivered over a 45-month period. This is divided into in four (4) phases of equal length. At the end of phase 1, 2 and 3, the candidate will attempt an ‘end of phase’ holistic assessment and a multiple-choice question test based on the Learning Outcomes and the Assessment Criteria required for that phase. The practical assessments are externally set by BPEC and internally assessed by the centre. The multiple-choice examinations are administered online.

Core Units

• J/617/5976 Health and safety systems
• L/617/5977 Common processes and techniques
• R/617/5978 Scientific principles
• Y/617/5979 Planning and supervision
• L/617/5980 Cold water systems
• R/617/5981 Hot water systems
• Y/617/5982 Central heating systems
• D/617/5983 Rainwater systems
• H/617/5984 Sanitation systems
• K/617/5985 Environmental technology systems
• M/617/5986 Domestic fuel systems
• T/617/5987 Electrical work and the control of plumbing and domestic heating systems

Core on-site Units

• A/617/5988 Install, commission, service and maintain domestic plumbing and heating systems 

Pathway Options

Gas 

• F/617/5989 Specific domestic core safety for natural gas
• T/617/5990 Install and maintain gas water heating and wet central heating appliances

Oil

• A/617/5991 Core principles of oil fuel systems for dwellings (safety and efficiency)
• F/617/5992 Install, commission, maintain and service oil systems and appliances in the work place

Solid fuel/Biomass

• J/617/5993 Safety principles (solid mineral fuel and biomass combustion)
• L/617/5994 Plan, install, commission, service and maintain solid mineral fuel and biomass combustion appliances

Environmental

• R/617/5995 Air Source Heat Pump Systems
• Y/617/5996 Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse systems
• D/617/5997 Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems

Learners must be aged at least 16 years.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but the learner must have the potential to achieve in ALL aspects of the qualification.

We would advise the centre/provider to undertake a thorough skills scan of the apprentice, along with their employer, to make sure that the apprentice will be able to achieve all of the evidence requirements within the core units and chosen pathway options.

They must demonstrate that they have the minimum levels of numeracy and literacy to be able to understand and achieve:

• The health and safety aspects
• The completion of the Awarding Organisation practical and underpinning knowledge assessments
• The chosen pathway

The Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating is a mandatory requirement within the Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician (Level 3) Apprenticeship Standard. Details of on-programme training and EPA elements can be seen within the Assessment Plan.

A range of free resources to help centres and their staff in the delivery of this qualification are available as part of registration and certification fees. These include:

• Knowledge workbooks
• Practical workbooks
• Practical guides
• PowerPoint presentations
• Schemes of work
• Centre guidance documents

Also available to purchase are our Phase 1 textbook, Phase 2 textbook and Phase 3 textbook – all have content aligned to, and were developed alongside, our free resources.

For UK funding information visit The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)

Typical job roles for learners completing this qualification are:

• Plumber
• Plumber and Domestic Heating Engineer
• Plumbing and Domestic Heating Installer

Progression may be possible in the form of:

• Level 4/5 HNC/D in Building Services Engineering (mechanical)
• Level 5 Foundation degree in Building Services Engineering
• The qualification will entitle the learner to apply for Engineering Technician (EngTech) status with the Chartered institute for Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE)

The qualification is supported by industry and regulated by OFQUAL.

Successful completion of the qualification will allow the leaner to register with the relevant Competent Person Schemes