Gas Engineer
Qualifications Explained

Before an individual operative can apply to join the Gas Safe Register, they must demonstrate competence. Competence is usually shown through qualifications. These qualifications are known as ACS (Accredited Certification Scheme) Gas Qualifications.

To gain these qualifications, an individual must follow an approved managed learning plan that includes training and instruction in a safe and supervised environment, work experience with a registered gas engineer and final assessment in an accredited gas training centre.

This training is known as gas foundation training and is aimed at people who wish to qualify and join the Gas Safe Register.

Gas engineer qualifications are not evergreen. Engineers must renew their qualifications every 5-years at an approved ACS Training & Assessment Centre. Renewal ensures that every operative is aware of current legislation and best practice.

A gas operative cannot renew Gas Safe Registration if they do not possess existing ACS Qualifications.

ACS Gas Engineer Qualifications are varied and split by gas types, i.e. Natural Gas and LPG. These are then divided by categories, Domestic, Commercial or Catering and by appliance, meaning that an operative must be suitably qualified by gas type, category, and appliance before working on an appliance. The reverse of a Gas Engineers Gas Safe Card will show precisely what appliances an operative is qualified to work on.

The traditional route for gas engineers is to obtain Domestic ACS Gas Qualifications, known as the ‘domestic suite’.

Operatives may choose to gain commercial, catering or LPG qualifications with change-over qualifications. For many people, this decision is based on their work and where they live in the country. For instance, you may want LPG Gas qualifications if you live in a rural area.

• CCN1 – Core Gas Safety (Includes CPA1 – Flue Gas Analysers)
• CENWAT – Central Heating Boilers
• CKR1 – Gas Cookers
• HTR1 – Gas Fires

• CODC1 – Change over core domestic to Core Commercial Catering
• CCCN1 – Core Commercial Gas Safety
• COMCAT1 – Boiling Burners; COMCAT2 – Water Boilers
• COMCAT3 – Deep Fat & Pressure Fryers
• COMCAT4 – Fish & Chip Ranges
• COMCAT5 – Forced Draught Burner Appliances
• COCATA1 – Change over Domestic to Commercial Appliances

• CONGLP1 – Fuel changeover Natural Gas to LPG
• COCNCL1 – Change over Core Commercial Catering Natural Gas to LPG
• CMCLP1 – Core Commercial Mobile Catering; CMCALP1 – Open Top Boiling Rings
• CMCALP2 – Fryers
• CMCALP3 – Water Pressure or Expansion Boilers
• CMCALP4 – Instantaneous Flued Water Heaters

Engineers may also consider adding renewable qualifications and certifications to their skill set in line with the UK’s drive towards greener energy. Though gas boilers will continue to heat much of the nation for many years, now is the time for engineers to begin gaining knowledge and experience in other areas of heating, preparing them for future changes.

• HSD1 – Central Heating & Hot Water Design
• Part L – Heat Efficiency
• LTHWS – Low-Temperature Design
• IMASHPS – Air Source Heat Pump
• Installation and Maintenance
• IMHPS21 – Ground Source Heat Pump Installation and Maintenance
• G3 – Unvented Hot Water Systems
• WRAS -Water Regulations

Find out more: Heat Pump Courses

Unvented Hot Water System training has been designed for plumbing and heating engineers to demonstrate understanding and competency in installing, servicing, and maintaining domestic hot water systems.

Find out more: Unvented Hot Water (G3)

A qualification designed for qualified gas engineers with experience installing wet central heating systems.

Find out more: Ground and Air Source Heat Pump Course

A qualification designed for qualified gas engineers with experience installing wet central heating systems.

Find out more: Ground and Air Source Heat Pump Course

A qualification designed for qualified gas engineers with experience installing wet central heating systems.

Find out more: Low-Temperature Heating Design (LTHWS) 

The part L qualification will allow students to understand and be competent when carrying out the design of heating systems in accordance with Part L of the Building Regulations.

Find out more: Energy Efficiency (Part L)

MCS are an industry-led scheme demonstrating the quality and reliability of products and installation companies in the low-carbon sector used to produce electricity and heat from renewable sources.

Find out more: (MCS) Microgeneration Certification Scheme

WRAS certification is essential for plumbers and engineers looking to join their local water authorities Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme, a plumbing competent person schemes (CPS) or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) registration bodies.

Find our more: Water Regulations (WRAS)