Master, Journeyman and Apprentice Plumber

The Master Plumber Certificate is awarded to those who have attained a level of excellence in their chosen profession that may rightly be described as mastery of the art, craft, science and practice of plumbing. Master, Journeyman and Apprentice Certificates formally recognise professionals - through all stages of their careers and from across all areas of skilled trades - in a celebration of career development and excellence in achievement.

The Master, Journeyman and Apprentice Certificates:

Apprentice Certificate

The first of the awards is the Apprentice Certificate. This is an award for people who qualify by study, training, assessment or examination at NVQ Level 2, or equivalent, and thereby also obtain necessary work experience. Successful applicants commit themselves to proceed to NVQ Level 3 as required by the "charge", or undertaking, that they accept on award of the Apprentice Certificate.

Journeyman Certificate

The next step is to reach the Journeyman point on the career pathway. At this position the skill traveller has achieved success at NVQ Level 3, or equivalent, and will be setting out to accumulate further experience. This will include supplementary qualifications and demonstrating an active interest in upholding professional standards. Therefore, the Journeyman's charge incorporates a pledge to continue with career development until ready to apply for the Master Plumber Certificate.

Master Plumber Certificate

The Master Plumber Certificate is a prestigious award, only attained by the highest skilled members of the plumbing and heating industry. Master Plumbers have a minimum of 10 year’s industry experience, are qualified to Level 3 or equivalent, enrolled on the Register of Plumbers or Register of Heating Engineers, hold City and Guilds Licentiateship, are registered as either an Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) and dedicated to lifelong learning via CPD.

Master Plumber Certificate history

The legacy of master tradespeople is one that draws back through the centuries to the original master craftsmen in medieval times. Open to those in CIPHE membership at Member and Fellow level, the Master Plumber Certificate was first introduced in 2001 by a partnership of City & Guilds, Livery Companies and Professional Bodies. The Master Plumber Certificate was soon followed by similar programmes for Carpenters, Joiners and Shopfitters and has now rolled out to include trades from over 15 livery companies including:

• Clockmakers
• Coachmakers
• Constructors
• Furniture Makers
• Glaziers & Painters of Glass
• Horners
• Joiners & Ceilers
• Lightmongers
• Masons
• Merchant Taylors
• Paviors
• Plaisterers
• Plumbers
• Upholders
• Wax Chandlers

Once the milestone of 250 Master Certificates was hit, it was felt that the pathway to "mastery" of a career founded on a specific skill required attention. Thus, two preliminary landmarks – the Apprentice and Journeyman Certificates - were introduced to encourage those who embark on a route to skilled employment to complete the journey.

Apprentice, Journeyman and Master Certificate Awards provide a compatible way for City & Guilds, City of London Livery Companies and Professional Institutions to work in partnership supporting Sector Skills Councils, Further Education establishments and industry to reward those who commit to a pathway of continued learning.

How to apply for a Certificate:

The intention is to support national and public interest by encouraging students, trainees and apprentices to give of their best by recognising their achievements. At the same time, these awards confer status on individuals that has been earned.

Download application forms for:

Apprentice Plumber Certificate

Journeyman Plumber Certificate

Master Plumber Certificate

Further Information

Master, Journeyman and Apprentice Certificates

Master Plumber Certificate - Background to the scheme