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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION: 
Licensed Plumber 
DESIGNATION ID DESIGNATION TITLE
413  Licensed Plumber 
PROFESSIONAL BODY DESIGNATION STATUS
PIRB - Plumbing Industry Registration Board  Reregistered 
SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
SAQA 12141/23  2023-07-27  2024-07-26 


DESCRIPTION:
Good plumbing is not only vital to public health, but is also an integral part of modern day life without the competent plumber disease would be rife, sanitation non-existent and clean, fresh drinking water from a tap only a dream.

Plumbing is a skilled occupation and plumbers install and repair water, drainage, and heating systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They install and repair large water lines, such as those that supply water to buildings, and smaller ones, including ones that supply water to refrigerators. Plumbers also install plumbing fixtures such as baths, showers, sinks, and toilets and appliances such as dishwashers and water heating systems.

Experience plumbers on construction sites may be involved with developing the building plans that show where all the pipes and fixtures will go. Their input helps ensure that the plumbing in a structure meets the building codes, stays within budget, and works well with the location of other features, such as electrical wires.

A Licensed Plumber is a practicing professional who can carry out the plumbing installations and has the authority to issue and sign a Plumbing Certificate of Compliance.

Some vital skills and knowledge needed by a good Licensed plumber are:
  • Reading, drawings, and figures to understand the layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems.
  • Planning and performing calculations for specific and unique projects.
  • Having thorough knowledge of plumbing regulation/codes and safety rules.
  • Providing time and cost estimates of the work to be performed (both labour and materials).
  • Communicating effectively and confidently with consumer, colleagues, sub-contractors, and management.
  • Working with their hands.
  • Using hand and power tools, as well as machines, to measure, cut, bend and thread pipes.
  • Installing, repairing and maintaining domestic, commercial, and industrial plumbing fixtures and systems.
  • Being able to work in confined spaces or at height.
  • Being able to test pipes for leakages using water as well as air pressure gauges. 
    		•
    AWARDING CRITERIA
    For the Professional Designation to be awarded, professionals must comply with the following minimum requirements: 
    Underlying Registered Qualification or Part Qualification:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Plumbing.
    Or
  • Occupational Certificate: Plumber (General) on the OQSF. 
    		•
    Experiential Learning or Experience
    This forms an integrated part of the Further Education and Training Certificate or Vocational Certificate during a learnership, internship or apprenticeship. 
    Competency Assessment
    Successful completion of the Plumber Trade Test in terms of the Manpower Training Act Section 28 or 13. 
    Designation RPL Statement
    This Designation may be awarded through Recognition of Prior Learning. 
    RETAINING CRITERIA
    In order to ensure the currency of professional knowledge and to retain the Professional Designation, the professional must comply with the following minimum requirements: 
    Code of Conduct
    Members must adhere to the Professional Body Codes of Conduct and Ethics. 
    Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
    Members are required to complete at least a minimum of 5 Plumbing Credits (PC) per year. Each PC will be valid for 12 month period from the date that the activity took place after which it lapses.

    Plumbing Credits may be obtained through a variety of relevant activities accredited by the PIRB such as:
  • Yearly subscription to "Plumbing Africa".
  • Writing and publishing a technical article for an official Trade Publication.
  • Completing accredited in-service training courses such as:
    > Heat Pump Installer.
    > Solar Installer award.
    > Kwikot Bench Mark Electric Hot Water Heat Training.
    > Assessor and Moderator ETDP training.
  • Attending:
    > a PIRB Workshop.
    > an IOPSA official regional meeting.
    > an IOPSA or PIRB Annual General Meeting.
  • Mentoring a Learner Plumber in an official Learnership or Apprenticeship.
  • Issuing of PIRB Plumbing Certificates of Compliances (1 PC for 25 certificates). 
    		•
    Fees
    Ensure that the annual membership fee is paid. 


    PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION PROGRESSION PATHWAY
    (The Designation being reported on here is shown in italics.)

    Sequence Designation ID Designation Title
    1413Licensed Plumber
    2414Qualified Plumber
    3415Hot Water System Installer
    4416Solar Installer
    5417Plumbing Training Assessor
    6418Plumbing Inspector


    PROFESSIONAL BODY WEB ADDRESS:
    For more information on this Professional Designation, please visit www.pirb.co.za