Plumbing and Domestic Heating (6189)

Last Updated: 23 May 2023
City & Guilds domestic heating and plumbing courses cover the essential knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in domestic plumbing and heating. Areas of study include:
  • Domestic hot and cold water systems
  • Central heating systems
  • Sanitation systems
  • Environmental technologies
  • Gas safety
The NVQ Level 2 plumbing and heating qualification is designed for anyone who wants to become a plumber or domestic heating engineer. It provides all the basic domestic heating and plumbing training you need to start work in the industry. 

The NVQ Level 3 plumbing and heating qualification is aimed at anyone who has already completed the Level 2 qualification, or who already has some relevant experience and knowledge. If you choose gas-related units at Level 3 you will achieve the Gas Safe licence to practise on successful completion of the course.

We are issuing digital credential to learners who have completed this qualification.  Please add your learners’ email address during registration. A digital credential cannot be issued without the learner’s email address.
Available to deliver in the following:
  • England
  • Wales – please check QiW website for available funding
  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?
During your study you will cover a range of knowledge and skills across areas including domestic hot and cold water systems, central heating systems, sanitation systems, environmental technologies and matters of gas safety.
What Careers Can This Lead To?
Our qualifications can lead directly into employment, offering learners the chance to develop their skills and knowledge to a high
standard recognised by the industry. In addition, we also have a number of Higher Level qualifications offered through ILM.

What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?
To deliver these qualifications you will need qualified assessors and suitable facilities – The requirements for these can be found in the qualification handbook. Centres currently offering the 6129 and 6089 qualifications will be given automatic approval, other centres will need to fill out a (QAP) qualification approval form

Level 2

Level 2 will suit you if you have some relevant plumbing and heating knowledge and skills, usually from a role where you've been supervised.

There are two pathways available at this level:

  • NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating
  • NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems.

These comprise mandatory units, including:

  • understand and carry out safe working practices in building services engineering
  • understand and apply domestic hot water system installation and maintenance
  • understand and apply domestic above ground drainage system installation and maintenance techniques
  • install and maintain domestic heating systems.

For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of roles within the domestic plumbing and heating sector, including:

  • Heating and ventilation engineer
  • Specialised craftsperson (plumber or heating engineer)
  • Project development manager
  • Senior skilled operative.

Learners can also go on to take the following related qualification:

  • City & Guild Level 3 Diploma in Domestic Natural Gas (6014).
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating (6189-11)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: SmartScreen Learning Assistant

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating

  • Accreditation No: 501/1981/3 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 76 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 596 - 596 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 760 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2028 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £289.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems (6189-21)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2023 Supportive services: SmartScreen

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems

  • Accreditation No: 501/2102/9 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 66 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 522 - 522 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 660 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/07/2026 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £306.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3

Level 3 is ideal if you are working within the plumbing and heating trade and have a great deal of technical skills and knowledge. You work with minimum supervision and have a good record of safety, fault correction and ensuring that work meets the required standard.

There are six pathways available at this level:

  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances)
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Heating
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Heating (Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances)
  • Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances).

These comprise mandatory units, including:

  • understand and carry out electrical work on domestic plumbing and heating systems and components
  • Service and maintain domestic oil firing pressure jet appliances
  • install, commission and handover 'active' solar thermal hot water systems
  • know the requirements to install, commission and handover rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse systems.

For a full list of units, download the qualification handbook from the centre documents section.

What Careers Can This Lead To?

These qualifications can help you to progress in a wide range of roles within the domestic plumbing and heating sector, including:

  • Heating and ventilation engineer
  • Specialised craftsperson (plumber or heating engineer)
  • Project development manager
  • Senior skilled operative.

Learners can also go on to take the following related qualification:

  • City & Guild Level 3 Diploma in Domestic Natural Gas (6014).
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (6189-31)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Biomass Fuel

  • Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Heat Pumps

  • Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Oil Firing Pressure Jet Appliances

  • Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Oil Firing Vapourising Appliances

  • Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Solar Thermal

  • Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Solid Mineral Fuel

  • Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating - Water Recycling

  • Accreditation No: 600/1122/1 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 68 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 549 - 659 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 680 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £263.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances) (EUSGU0021) (6189-32)
Last Registration Date: 31 Jul 2023

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Warm Air Appliances) (EUSGU0021)

  • Accreditation No: 600/1124/5 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 135 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 933 - 933 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1350 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/12/2024 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: TBC, please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances) (EUSGU0022) (6189-33)
Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2026 Supportive services: Learning Assistant

Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances) (EUSGU0022)

  • Accreditation No: 600/1134/8 This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
  • Type: Credit based qualification This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
  • Credits: 146 Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
  • Guided Learning Hours: 1034 - 1034 This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
  • Total Qualification Time: 1460 The total time for the qualification
  • Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
  • Last Certification: 31/08/2029 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
  • Qualification fees in the UK: £281.00 Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs.

Additional information for centres

Smart Screen

SMARTSCREEN IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION

SmartScreen is our online portal for tutor, assessors and learners that provides unit-specific support materials and tutor forums to complement the delivery and learning experience

Visit Smartscreen.co.uk >

Learning Assistant

LEARNING ASSISTANT IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS QUALIFICATION

Learning Assistant is an innovative and cost effective e-portfolio solution that allows colleges and training providers to dramatically improve the delivery of their vocational qualifications.

Learn more about Learning Assistant >

Here you can find all documents related to this suite of qualifications.

By clicking on the section headings below, you can access a variety of documents such as the qualification handbooks and assessment materials, Statements of Purpose, and recognition letters from industry and employers.

Some documents may be password protected. Passwords can be retrieved by logging in to Walled Garden and visiting the Administration section of the relevant qualification catalogue page.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form. 

Additional documents

Centre documents

Level 2

Assessment materials

Assignments

Centre documents

Purpose and recognition

19 plus

Level 3

Assessment materials

Assignments

6189-33 and 43 Gas assessment packs - complete Password Application Form for access

Supporting documents

Pathway assessments

Onsite assessment forms

Centre documents

Purpose and recognition

19 plus

Explore our wider maths & English offer

Our maths & English qualifications underpin our apprenticeships and technical qualifications. They build learners’ confidence with the core skills required for employment, including the capacity to problem solve and use technology effectively. They are also key to triggering conditions of funding.

Find out more

For Learners

Related Qualifications

Browse some of our related qualifications:

> (2000) Access to Building Services

> (6036) Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Plumbing Installations (Diploma)

> (6035) Plumbing Craft

> (8202) Technicals in Building Services Engineering

> (3345) Water Regulations & Unvented Hot Water Systems