ACS Gas – Experienced Gas Engineers: Extend Range or Scope |
Who is it suitable for
Experienced Engineers (an Engineer who is registered or previously registered on Gas Safe Register).
The engineer must be in possession of or previously held an Accreditation Certification Scheme (ACS) core (or relevant qualification) for a minimum of 12 months.
Course Programme
The course programme will depend on range or scope requirements.
Definitions:
• New Entrant: A person wishing to achieve a recognised industry qualification to undertake gas work and gain Gas Safe Registration in that work category, this includes persons holding qualifications recognised as Category 2 (Guidance Note 8, GN8 Appendix 1)
• Experienced Engineer: An engineer who is registered or previously registered on GSR. The engineer must be in possession of or previously held an ACS core (or relevant qualification) for a minimum of 12 months.
• Extend Scope: Moving from one sector to another e.g., Domestic to Commercial
• Extend Range: Remaining within the sector but adding additional appliances e.g., holding CCN1 & CENWAT adding HTR1.
• RPL - Bridge: This route is designed to build on an existing MLP or Qualification
• RWE: Realistic work environment- Appliances and equipment installed within an approved training centre, replicating typical installations (or part of) which would be found in the workplace.
Requirements for extending scope or range of work are set as per the ACS guidance notes (GN8) which ensure engineers do not undertake gas work on appliances or systems for which they have insufficient training and experience.
ACS Core assessments have been classified into 3 groups; Category A, Category B and Category C, with defined routes to follow when extending scope from Category B and C to Category A.
As detailed below:
Gas Engineers will require training, experience and RWE evidence as follows:
NOTE 1: Where opportunities are limited or not available for experienced GSR engineers to gain onsite experience to extend their Scope or Range of work, Realistic Work Environment (RWE) evidence must be used as an alternative. The RWE evidence must be obtained with a record retained in the candidates’ file and identified as RWE. Appliances and equipment used for RWE training purposes should be installed within an approved training centre, replicating typical installations (or part of) which would be found in the workplace.
NOTE 2: Before extending Scope or Range of work, gas engineers must provide evidence to the centre that they are Gas Safe Registered and there has been a minimum duration of twelve months from completion of their qualification or core ACS.
Exceptions to note 2:
• Where an engineer extends Scope or Range with less than twelve months since completion of their qualification or core ACS they will be required to show their Gas Safe Registration and will be required to undertake an MLP- Bridge via a recognised training provider in accordance with the requirements of the relevant IGEM/IG/1 training specification.
• Upon satisfactory completion of the MLP- Bridge the engineer shall be issued with a “Certificate of Training” or alternatively a “Validation of Training Report” by or on behalf of the Recogniser of Training.
• Where an engineer holds CCN1 they will be required to show their Gas Safe Registration but will not require twelve months since completion of their qualification or core ACS before undertaking training and assessment for domestic metering competencies.
NOTE 9: RPL - Bridge: This route is designed to build on an existing MLP or Qualification. A documented technical interview must take place to determine what training and experience gaps exist prior to undertaking the agreed RPL Bridge route. Refer to table 4 for the training duration.
Where extension of scope or range training is required for experienced engineers, the training content shall be taken from the relevant IGEM/IG/1 training specification and upon satisfactory completion the engineer shall be issued with a certificate or validation of training report identifying the training that was undertaken will be issued by the awarding body.
Guided Learning Hours
The durations indicated below are for guidance when existing GSR operatives extend either Scope or Range of work.
ACS Guidance Notes (GN8) confirm, some examples of activities which can contribute to Guided Learning include:
• Classroom-based learning supervised by a Teacher
• Work-based learning supervised by a Teacher or a Gas Safe Registered mentor with experience and competencies relevant to the task
• Live webinar or telephone tutorial with a Teacher in real time E-learning supervised by a Teacher in real time
• All forms of assessment which take place under the Immediate Guidance or Supervision of a Teacher, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate provider of education or training, including where the assessment is competence-based and may be turned into a learning opportunity.
The guided learning hours for existing GSR operative to extend range of certification is;
Please note:
• The durations are indicative and should not be considered as a minimum, maximum or fixed.
• The learning inputs are predominantly based on guided learning within a classroom environment with a teacher present, other complimentary learning input methods including E-learning, project work or experience gained by working with a Gas Safe Registered mentor etc. may be acceptable subject to External Verifier approval.
Upon successful completion of training Engineers will commence their ACS assessments.
Full details are contained in Guidance Notes (GN8) https://erscert.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GN8-Version-7.1-Sept-2022.pdf
Cost depends on range or scope extension and training requirements.
Duration
Duration will depend on the range/scope required
Entry Requirements
Experienced Gas Engineers.
Delivery Method
Training and Assessment.
Training can include classroom based learning, work-based learning, webinars or e-learning.
Assessment
Assessments are carried out using a variety of assessment methods including multiple choice, short written response and scenario questions and observed practical assessment.