In 2009, 120,000 engineers and 58,000 businesses were on the Gas Safe Register. By 2019/20, that had risen to over 131,000 engineers and 77,000 companies.
It’s no surprise that so many people have chosen a career as a gas engineer. Known for being a secure industry with excellent career prospects and earning potential, more and more people turn down university in favour of trades careers.
With a variety of routes, joining the industry may initially seem confusing. But, in reality, becoming a gas engineer is pretty straightforward. Providing you’re willing to put in the effort and dedicate some time, you can become a qualified, gas safe registered engineer.
And Options Skills will help you every step of the way.
What Is The Gas Safe Register?
Replacing CORGI in 2009, the Gas Safe Register is the official gas registration body of gas businesses and engineers in the UK, Isle of Man and Gurnsey.
The Gas Safe Register ensures all gas work undertaken by engineers is done safely, correctly and in line with best standards. It can also apply sanctions in instances of unsafe work or breaches of regulations.
As well as ensuring engineers are gas safe, the register also focuses on promoting gas safety to the general public, from promoting awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to recognise other gas issues to general gas safety around the home.
Why Do I Need To Join The Gas Safe Register?
Gas engineers in the UK must be on the Gas Safe Register to legally complete gas work.
Gas work includes but is not limited to:
- Maintaining, servicing, permanently adjusting, disconnecting, repairing, altering, or renewing a fitting or purging it of air or gas.
- Where the fitting is not readily movable, changing its position.
- Removing the fitting.
(Source: Gas Safe Register)
Who Can Join The Gas Safe Register?
Only those over 18 who hold the appropriate qualifications can join the Gas Safe Register in the UK.
At a minimum, engineers should hold ‘pipework’ qualifications, though most will usually be qualified for a range of gas work. It’s important to remember that holding a Gas Safe ID card doesn’t cover you for any gas work, but only the aspects of gas work for which you have official qualifications.
How Do I Become Qualified?
ACS Qualifications
To be eligible for the Gas Safe Register, you must undertake an appropriate training and assessment scheme, build a suitable portfolio and obtain your CCN1 qualification. Your training programme must meet Gas Safe requirements.
You can undertake the above through our Domestic Gas Training Course designed for new entrants to the gas industry. However, we can also tailor our course to those with experience in the gas or plumbing industry.
Centre-led Training
Beginning with centre-led training, you will join us in one of our Options Skills training centres for a combination of practical and theoretical training.
With the course delivered by experienced tutors, you will learn essential skills and knowledge, ranging from health & safety to gas cooker installation and boiler servicing.
On-Site Portfolio Building
During stage two of your gas training course, you must work on-site alongside a gas safe registered mentor for a minimum of 100 days. If you cannot source your mentor, Options Skills is happy to place you with an engineer in your local area.
You must undertake a range of gas work to create a broad portfolio and showcase your skills and knowledge during this time. Our gas trainers will assess your portfolio throughout stage two, ensuring you’re on the right track and offer advice and support.
Before moving on to the next stage of training, you must pass a summative assessment. This assessment includes three written assessments, one practical assessment and a portfolio evaluation. Upon passing, you will be able to book in for your ACS Initial Assessment.
ACS Initial Assessment
The final stage of your training with Options Skills will be your ACS Initial Assessment. Over 5-10 days, you will complete a practical and verbal examination covering the Domestic Suite of Gas Qualifications.
The Domestic Suite of Qualifications includes Gas Core Safety, Central Heating and Boilers, Gas Fires, Gas Cookers and Flue Gas Analyser. Once you’ve passed, you will be eligible to apply for Gas Safe Registration.
Please note: You must renew your ACS Qualifications every five years.
How Do I Apply To The Gas Safe Register?
Apply Online
You need to create an account on the Gas Safe Register website to start this process. Through this account, you will make your first application for registration and subsequent renewals.
When applying online, you will need your business details, national insurance number and a valid method of payment available.
Apply via paper form
You will need to download the application form to apply via paper form.
You can make payment via cheque returned with the application form or credit/debit card.
More information can be found on the Gas Safe Register.
How Long Does Gas Registration Last?
You’ll be placed on probation when you first join. During probation, you must record and show examples of your work for three months.
Your probation may be extended should work not be satisfactory or match the criteria. However, the Gas Safe Register will support you in such a situation to help your complete your probation.
Gas Safe registration lasts for twelve months. After that, you must renew annually to continue legally working as a gas engineer.
How Much Does Gas Registration Cost?
A new Gas Safe application costs £347 plus VAT. Renewal fees range from £164.40 to £188.40, depending on your application method. You can find a full breakdown of Gas Safe Register fees on the gas safe website.
Any Other Questions?
Should you have any other questions about joining the Gas Safe Register and enrolling on our Domestic Gas Training Course, you can speak to a course advisor on 0800 802 1306.
