Postal Applications are no longer accepted. Please ensure you submit your application using the online form. Correspondence (enquires or questions) can be directed by email to info@snijib.org
Why register with the SNIJIB?
The SNIJIB is the only provider in Scotland and Northern Ireland of Plumber Gold & Blue CSCS cards. Being registered and graded with the SNIJIB:
- Is proof that you are an industry recognised tradesperson. A valid SNIJIB/CSCS card is proof of your skills, qualification and of passing an industry recognised health and safety test.
- Enables you to apply for health and safety tests, health and safety study manuals, CSCS grade cards, upgrades, and other services from the SNIJIB.
- Means you will be reminded when your card is due to expire provided we have a current email address.
- Where stipulated on the current SNIJIB grading card, the Water Byelaws and Unvented Hot Water is completed as of the SVQ and Modern & Apprenticeship in Plumbing & Heating Level 3
The Plumbing and Heating Experienced Worker Assessment Route (historically known as ‘Grandfather’ Industry Accreditation)
The SNIJIB, in collaboration with MCS, is offering individuals reimbursement-funding for the BPEC or LCL Heat Pump course where it is mapped as evidence of having completed part of the ‘ET’ unit of the Experienced Worker Assessment Route (only where the ‘ET’ Option Unit is achieved and recorded as part of the SVQ Level 3). This funding will end in December 2025.
Individuals who have completed the Experienced Worker Assessment Route and achieved their SVQ Level 3 with the ‘ET’ Option Unit, can apply for a reimbursement of the heat pump course they completed and achieved up to the value of £900. Funding for these individuals is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
To receive a refund of the BPEC or LCL Heat Pump course individuals must provide evidence:
• They have completed the Experienced Worker Assessment Route.
• They have achieved their SVQ Level 3 with the ‘ET’ Option Unit.
• Have obtained a current SNIJIB Plumbing and Heating Grading Card.
• Receipt of payment and achievement of the BPEC or LCL Heat Pump course for the Experienced Worker Assessment Route (sat after 9 December 2024).
For more information please contact the SNIJIB at info@snijib.org
The History Many individuals with a wealth of knowledge and experience have been working in our industry for +20 years, but without the Industry’s SVQ Level 3 (historically known as ‘Grandfather’ Industry Accreditation). The Construction Leadership Council’s current main priorities are ‘building safety’ and ‘competence’ and has ruled that these individuals now must have a qualification.
The SNIJIB made the industry aware of this revision in 2019 and has since requested evidence of qualifications and service in the industry to gain the SNIJIB/CSCS Grading card.
In March 2024, the SQA launched the Plumbing and Heating Experienced Worker Assessment Route for these individuals to achieve the SVQ Level 3 qualification at recognised colleges and training centres. This is for current experienced industry workers, who require proof of competency to gain the Plumbing and Heating SVQ Level 3 qualification, in order to work in the industry. The assessment is designed to test the practical competence and underpinning knowledge of candidates across the full range of Plumbing and Heating SVQ Level 3 competencies. The assessment method combines the use of witness testimonies, employer endorsement, practical assessment, professional discussion and questions and answers.
These assessments can be carried out by the below SVQ recognised Scottish Colleges. To organise an assessment please get in touch with the Plumbing & Heating Department at your preferred college directly.
Edinburgh College
South Lanarkshire College
Perth College
Glasgow Kelvin College
Borders College
Inverness College
Moray College
WCS Clydebank College
WCS Greenock College
WCS Paisley College
Glasgow Clyde College
Ayrshire College
Dumfries & Galloway College
Fife College
Forth Valley College
Tullos Training
Issued Cards
- Apprentice
- Experienced Worker
- Labourer
- General Operative
- Plumber
- Advanced Plumber
- Technician Plumber
- Gas Service Fitter
- Mechanical Pipe Fitter
- Supervisor
- Manager
- Plumbing Related Occupation
Plumbing Related Occupations
Plumbing Related Occupation cards are designed for those who work closely with our other card holders but work in niche occupations. To apply for a card under this title you must hold a minimum of an SVQ/NQV level 2 qualification in a building services discipline. The most popular are..
- Fire Sprinkler Installer
- Engineering Contractor
- Bathroom Fitter
- Medical Equipment Installer
- Duct Fitter
- Fabrication Welder
- Gas Operative
If you are unsure if you qualify or if your trade is not listed above please feel free to get in touch with a copy of your certificate.
Foreign Qualification
We can only accept foreign qualifications that have been translated by ECCTIS (formerly NARIC) to the Scottish/ UK equivalent.
You can have qualifications translated by contacting ECCTIS on 0330 912 0030 (ECCTIS charge you for this service).
The SNIJIB will review your request for grading when in receipt of:
- Application Form
- Proof of 4 years employment as an apprentice
- Copies of the equivalent qualification the Modern apprenticeship in Domestic Plumbing SVQ/NVQ level 3
Lost Certificates
If you do not have a Level 3 certificate on file with us and cannot find your original copy you may need to request another from your certification body.
SQA: 0845 279 1000
City & Guilds: 0207 294 2468
SNIJIB
(0131)-524-1225
Office Hours – 8am-4pm (3:30pm Friday)
Please provide your national insurance number or SNIJIB card number when contacting the SNIJIB.
