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How To Become MCS Accredited
Training and Accreditation
Published date: 29 August 2024 / Read time: 4 mins
As the UK continues with its quest to reach net zero by 2050, the demand for installers has never been greater. And, as energy costs continue to soar and more of us look at reducing our bills, the demand for renewable heating installers is surging, particularly for those with air source heat pump expertise.
Here, the renewables team at City Plumbing takes a further look at one of the most renowned certifications available in this industry, highlighting how to go about getting MCS accredited for those already working in this industry.
What Is MCS?
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme, MCS, is an industry-renowned standards organisation created in 2007. The concept of MCS is to hold all installers and indeed companies to the highest standards when it comes to the highest quality practices, decisions and installation decisions for all energy-efficient products.
MCS originally began as a business section in the UK government, yet quickly evolved as one of the leading sources and got-to for all information and data regarding renewable energy products and heating installers and providers.
What Is MCS Accreditation?
You’ll almost always encounter MCS whenever you search for anything related to renewable heating systems and products. This is primarily because when it comes to the installation of solutions such as solar PV and heat pumps, for example, there’s an MCS standard that’s required for these products and their installation practices.
Offering the utmost confidence, those bearing the MCS mark promote a guarantee that products and installations under this accreditation will be completed to the highest of industry standards. This further offers assurance and a level of confidence to both businesses and homeowners when it comes to energy-saving solutions.
Is It Worth Becoming MCS Accredited?
When it comes to installing MCS certified products, only those installers that hold MCS accreditation can complete the job. This measure further ensures that such products are installed to the highest levels of safety.
Furthermore, businesses and homeowners look to those MCS accredited installers knowing that they will be the more professionally competent choice. This is due to the rigorous assessments required by such MCS certification which is assessed by independent certification bodies to ensure quality and compliance.
How Can I Become MCS Accredited?
There are four crucial elements to obtain when becoming MCS Certified, including a commitment to quality work, a commitment to customer care, a demonstration of competency, and a commitment to continual improvement.
1. A Commitment to Quality Work
You'll be assessed against the specific technology you wish to be certified for along with the MCS 001 Standard. Those bodies that support MCS certification will undertake this process and operate with the accreditation network ISO/IEC17065.
There are five approved bodies that offer MCS Accreditation, including Napit Certification Ltd, Oftec, Hetas, Certsure LLP t/a NICEIC, and APHC Certification Ltd.
By contacting one of these bodies, you can make your application and request to become MCS certified. These bodies will then be further able to advise on all the necessary timeframes and fees involved in the process.
2. A Commitment to Customer Care
All MCS contractors are required to demonstrate mandatory membership to a TSI, (Trading Standard Institute) approved code. This means becoming a member of either the RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code) or the HIES (Home Insulation & Energy Systems Quality Assured Contractors Scheme).
Membership in either one of these trading standard institutions helps to show commitment to compliance with the Consumers Code alongside demonstrating trust in working under the MCS umbrella.
3. A Demonstration of Competency
Installers need to demonstrate competency, skills, and experience in their preferred systems to become MCS certified. This can be done through qualifications or attending up-to-date short courses, as well as proven experience. All those qualifications and courses that are accepted by MCS certified bodies are found here.
4. A Commitment to Continual Improvement
All installers looking to complete MSC accreditation are required to complete and demonstrate a Quality Management System (QMS). All documentation that’s needed to show compliance with MCS standards and Consumer Codes will be located here.
This documentation should be maintained, updated accordingly, and kept complete to be effective for future reference.
Access Support and Advice From The Renewables Team At City Plumbing
For further information and guidance on the best training, courses, and certifications for this industry why not speak to the Renewables Team at City Plumbing?
Experts in the latest energy-efficient technologies, we're perfectly placed to help homes and businesses make the smooth transition to renewable technology.
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