Installers ask us all the time: 

Which courses are MCS recognised? Does manufacturer training count? Do I need installation, design or both?

We’ve put the answers in one simple guide (below) and easy look up list (download).

Which qualifications count?

Not every heat pump or system design course is recognised by MCS.

Your Certification Body (CB) can only accept qualifications on the current MCS list.

Do manufacturer courses count?

Manufacturer courses usually count as Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

They build knowledge and skills, but do not replace a qualification required by your CB or Competent Person Scheme.

Who needs MCS qualifications?

Every MCS-certified business appoints a Technical Supervisor who takes responsibility for the technical standard of the work.

For installations, the Technical Supervisor must hold an MCS-listed heat pump installation qualification.

For Design and Installation, Technical Supervisors can add an MCS-listed low temperature qualification to meet design competence requirements.

What does this mean for you?

It depends on how you work:

If you’re self-employed and MCS-certified

You will act as your own Technical Supervisor and your qualifications must cover design and installation.

If you’re an employed installer

You must be competent for the work you carry out. Your employer may require you to complete the installation qualification.

If you work under an MCS umbrella

You must meet the training and competence requirements of the umbrella, eg hold the heat pump installation qualification.

What's in the download?

• MCS-listed heat pump installation qualifications
• MCS-listed low temperature design qualifications
• Legacy heat pump qualifications (expire after 5 years)
• CPD courses that are not MCS-listed
• Course length and delivery method

Download the MCS Qualifications list

Hydronics Unlocked

Whether you're designing under MCS or not, every heating engineer needs strong system skills to adapt designs and solve problems on site.

Hydronics Unlocked is Warmur Academy's system skills builder. Online, on demand with MCS-listed low temperature design qualification included.