As the UK moves towards low-carbon heating solutions, air source heat pumps are fast becoming the go-to solution for homes and small commercial buildings. For qualified plumbers and heating engineers, this shift presents a major opportunity. With the right training, it’s entirely achievable to expand your services and future-proof your career.
How can you train as a heat pump installer? What are the best training options available?
Why Heat Pumps Are a Natural Next Step for Plumbers
Those already working as plumbers or heating engineers already have transferable skills. These include pipework, system layouts, hydraulics, and commissioning principles that they will already be familiar with. It means that to become a heat pump installer, they don't need to undergo extensive training from scratch. Instead, they can focus on understanding heat pump technology, system design, and the specific regulations that govern renewable heating.
Why Accreditation Is Essential
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is how you choose to train. While informal learning or manufacturer-only courses can be useful, they are not enough on their own. To work compliantly, build customer trust, and access grant-funded projects. Being an accredited heat pump installer is key to your success.
The best way to retrain as a heat pump installation specialist is to enrol in an Accredited Air Source Heat Pump Course. These courses meet industry standards and align with the requirements set by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). Therefore, they are the ideal stepping stone for heating engineers and plumbers who want to offer heat pump installation.
What Are the Best Training Options to Become a Certified Heat Pump Installer?
For qualified plumbers, the most effective route to market is to enrol in an accredited course. This type of course delivers the knowledge, skills, and competency required to design, specify, install, commission, and maintain domestic and small commercial air source heat pumps.
A high-quality course combines theory and practical training. Especially if it allows candidates to gain hands-on experience by working on purpose-built live air source heat pump rigs. This helps the candidate improve their self-confidence when faced with specific issues on-site.
However, alongside the practical work, accredited courses cover essential theory, including health and safety, industry regulations, and best practice. This ensures installers understand how to fit a heating system safely, efficiently, and in line with current standards.
Assessment, Certification, and Recognition
Accredited courses often include robust assessment to confirm competence. The exam often involves a practical, observed assignment alongside a multiple-choice and an open-book theory assessment. On successful completion, candidates receive a Level 3 qualification, such as an LCL Awards Level 3 Certificate.
A qualification recognised by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme is a key step for installers. It allows them to work towards MCS registration or operate under an MCS-certified business.
How Long Does It Take?
Accredited air source heat pump installation courses are usually designed to take place over a 3-day intensive format. Therefore, they are ideal for plumbers and heating engineers who want to upskill quickly without taking too much time away from existing jobs.
Taking the Next Step in Your Plumbing Career
As demand for renewable heating continues to grow, heat pumps offer plumbers a clear path to new work and long-term career security. If you’re wondering how to train as a heat pump installer, the answer is simple: choose an accredited air source heat pump installation course. It’s the most recognised, practical, and future-proof route to becoming a certified heat pump installer in the UK.