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The ACOP assessment has now been replaced with ACS. This is still the legal requirement for The Gas Registration Scheme. So when your ACOP certificate expires — you will need to be re-assessed under ACS. Many people find it helpful to undertake refresher training before attending the two day CCNI assessment session in Southport College's Centre of Excellence.

A new Training Centre for a new century

Upgraded and re-fitted to meet the new standards, the Gas Assessment Centre at Southport College opened its doors in June 1999 and the staff have welcomed gas professionals from firms of all sizes, self employed gas operatives and plumbers. Backed by the resources of Southport College the centre is able to offer a tailor-made service to individuals and businesses at a competitive price. In response to the popularity of gas courses at Southport College, the College opened a second training centre in 2008, offering further facilities and resources.

Learning has changed

As former employees within the industry, the tutors understand the concerns of gas operatives and plumbers who need to fulfil the national requirements for The Gas Registration Scheme whilst working safely everyday with gas appliances. Candidates will be assessed on the latest gas safety legislation, British standards and changes within the industry.

Who is ACS (Accredited Certification Scheme) for?

The suitability of the Accredited Certification Scheme will depend on your experience or qualifications in the gas industry, but is ideal for:

Gas fitting operatives with a full gas qualification.
Operatives with a relevant qualification such as Plumbing who can provide a portfolio of evidence working alongside a fully qualified gas fitter.
Operatives without a relative qualification who can provide a substantial amount of portfolio evidence proving they have been working alongside a fully qualified gas engineer.

The Accredited Certification Scheme offers:

Initial assessment
Re-certification
Assessment and certification to extend their range of work

Individuals must provide evidence of their qualifications and an authenticated work record. This will be discussed at the first meeting with the Centre Manager. New entrants to the industry are unable to take ACS assessment without the relevant qualifications (see below).

Assessments

CCNI Core Domestic Gas Safety

Course includes the minimum legal requirements of soundness testing, flue testing and recognition of signs of danger. Combustion, gas controls, pressure control, flue systems and relevant legislation and standards. Upon successful completion of this assessment you will be able to take a range of specialist subject assessments.

CENI Central Heating Boilers

Install, exchange, disconnect, service, repair, breakdown and commission domestic gas fired central heating/hot water boilers and circulators up to 60kw.

HTRI Fires and Wall Heaters

Install, exchange, disconnect, service, repair, breakdown and commission domestic open, balanced and fan assisted flue gas fires and wall heaters.

DAHI

Install, service and fault finding on a range of domestic air heaters.

CKRI Cooker Appliances

Install, exchange, disconnect, service, repair, breakdown and commission domestic gas cookers.

WATI Water Heating Appliances

Install, exchange, disconnect, service, repair, breakdown and commission domestic gas instantaneous water heating appliances.

LAUI

Install, service and fault finding on a selection of gas heated tumble dryers.

METI Meters

Install, exchange, disconnect, service, repair, breakdown and commission domestic gas meters.
Refresher training is recommended prior to assessment.
Refresher training and assessments are available days, evenings and Saturday mornings.

CPA 1- Combustion Performance Analysis

Understand and use flue gas analysers’ assessment.

New Entrants to the Industry

Southport College offers NVQ Level 2 in Gas Service and Installation to people who:

are without a qualification in Gas
are entering employment for the first time

You may not have undertaken assessment for a while... there is a 94% pass rate in the ACS assessment.

Find out more

When you make contact with the Assessment Centre, the Manager will offer you a training needs consultation either on the College site or at your premises. We are here to cut through the red tape and the minefield of information and give you a clear view of what you need to continue working in the industry. You will be given assistance with application forms and informed in advance which documentation to bring with you.

Act now

All Gas Registration Scheme registered plumbers /gas fitters will have to take the new assessment when their ACOP runs out. So don't put it off — find out more today.

Contact Mel Crompton for further details, including assessment dates and costs Call 01704 392680 or e-mail CromptoM@southport-college.ac.uk