To become an MCS certified heat pump contractor, you must meet the requirements set out by the Installer Operating Requirements, the primary document defining competency, including having a designated Technical Supervisor who meets qualification and experience criteria.

Training providers for MCS ‘approved’ heat pump courses are:

• BPEC
• LCL
• NICEIC
• OFTEC

Training requirements include:

• SVQ3 domestic plumbing and heating at SCQF level 7
• Water byelaws/regulations
• Domestic vented and unvented hot water storage

MCS contractors should have personnel (a nominated technical person) with demonstrable training and/or experience of heat pump systems in accordance with the requirements of the MCS standards. Electrical work should also be completed by a qualified electrician.

As per the MCS Installer Operating Requirements, MCS certified contractors are reassessed on a risk‑based cycle, meaning higher‑risk installers will be assessed more frequently.

It’s beneficial to attend manufacturers’ product training which will provide more in-depth knowledge of the equipment including the installation process, design and sizing, instructions/schematics, power requirements, electrical and communication wiring, commissioning forms and process, maintenance requirements and fault finding. Some manufacturers require contractors to attend this training before they allow them to install their products.

For a split system heat pump, the contractor should be qualified for the handling of refrigerants, F-Gas regulations.

Contact your local heat pump trade merchant or manufacturer directly for training contact details. Most heat pumps are now sold through trade merchants or can be purchased directly from the manufacturer.