Top Tips for Preparing for ACS Assessments for Your Business
Whether you are preparing for an initial ACS assessment or the reassessment, these certifications are critical for anyone wanting to work as a gas engineer in the UK. Testing is the best way for regulatory bodies to ensure that the gas engineers working in commercial and residential areas are knowledgeable and can work safely on gas appliances.
When you are running a business and you have gas engineers (or aspiring gas engineers) that are going to be doing ACS assessments, what can you do to help them prepare for one of the most important tests of their careers?
What is the ACS Assessment?
Phil from gas training provider Gastec Training said “The ACS assessment is the test needed to pass and receive your ACS accreditation and gives a gas engineer their Gas Safe Register status..” This license covers all different sections of gas work including commercial heating, LPG, commercial catering, meter installation, commercial laundry and much more.
How Often Must You Perform an ACS Assessment?
When a trainee has reached the end of a recognized training programme, the next step is for them to take their ACS assessment so that they may step into the workforce as fully licensed and recognized gas engineers.
For those who are already working in the field as gas engineers, reassessments must be done every 5 years. Engineers can apply for a reassessment from the time their licenses are 6 months from expiring or within 12 months after their expiration date.
What is the Difference Between a Reassessment and an ACS Initial Assessment?
Initialassessments are done for trainees and workers that are looking to obtain their Gas Safe Register for the first time. The full ACS assessment must also be done by any gas engineer that has let their licenses expire for more than one year. These initial assessments take approximately 5 days to complete and can be finished within 1 week.
Reassessments are shorter and can be completed within 2-3 days without additional refresher training but within 5 days with the extra courses. Reassessments are for gas engineers that are near the end of their licenses 5-year validity and ensures that they are up to date on any changes in gas laws or procedures.
What Are Some Tips for Gas Engineers Prepping for an Assessment?
- Instruct staff to beginpreparing for their ACS assessment 3-6 weeks in advance.
Do not let these assessments take you by surprise. Begin preparing weeks in advance to give yourself the best chance at passing your assessment and receiving your license (or in the case of a reassessment, keep your license).
- Allow time for them to review and prepare at work.
If you are running a business where employees are going for assessments or reassessments, give them time to prepare at work. This will benefit both you and your employees as they will be inclined to continue their preparations at home as well.
- If doing a reassessment, have employees review documentation from their last ACS assessment.
Reviewing any documentation from the last ACS assessment that was completed can help jog the memory of any gas engineer that is heading into their reassessment.
- Review the tasks the ACS assessment will test.
The ACS assessment will test many skills including:
- Tightness test
- Installation faults
- Gas ratings
- Safety test
- Ventilation
- Gas analyzer operations
- Etc.
Be sure to review all skills and knowledge before taking the test.
- Choose a suitable training centre for your ACS assessment.
Taking your AC assessment (or reassessment) can be nerve-racking for some. Find the right training centre for you and book your ACS assessment as soon as it is necessary.
