18
ASSOCIATIONS
Different CPD points for different
levels of plumbers
For plumbers’ work to carry a warranty and to be deemed as professional, all
plumbers must be registered with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board and
must complete a certain number of continuous professional development points
per annum at different levels.
By PIRB
Metropolitans, local authorities, and insurance companies
require that any person working on plumbing jobs within
their jurisdiction must be registered with the SAQA
(South African Qualifications Authority) professional body
for the plumbing sector, namely the Plumbing Industry
Registration Board (PIRB). It is illegal for any person to
work on a plumbing installation if he/she is not a qualified
plumber or not working under the adequate supervision of
a qualified plumber.
The designations or levels that exist within the South African
plumbing industry, as set out by the PIRB, are as follows: learner
plumber, technical assistant practitioner, technical operator
practitioner, qualified plumber, licensed plumber practitioner,
master plumber, and director plumber, which is the top of the tier.
Table 1: The
categories
under which
plumbing
practitioners
are registered
with the PIRB
In the above tiers, each designation plumber is required to obtain
and maintain a certain number of credits in the CPD (continuous
professional development) system to maintain their status.
Each designation has different requirements and CPD credits to
maintain over their respective 12-month cycle (see Table 1).
A registration cycle is a 12-month period that runs concurrently
with the yearly renewal registration period of each individual
plumber with the PIRB.
DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS
Director plumber Obtain 45 CPD points over a 12-month cycle
Re-register every 12 months
Master plumber Obtain 35 CPD points over a 12-month cycle
Re-register every 12 months
Licensed plumber Maintain 25 CPD credits over a 12-month cycle
Re-register every 12 months
Qualified plumber Maintain 25 CPD credits over a 12-month cycle
Re-register every 12 months
Technical operator
practitioner Obtain 10 CPD credits over a 12-month cycle
Re-register every 12 months
Technical assistant
practitioner Obtain 10 CPD credits over a 12-month cycle
Re-register every 12 months
Learner plumber Obtain 10 CPD credits over a 12-month cycle
Re-register every 12 months
August 2018 Volume 24 I Number 6
All PIRB-registered plumbers are required to carry photo ID cards
as proof of their accreditation and registration. Photo ID cards
assist PIRB-registered plumbers to quickly and clearly identify
themselves as holding the appropriate accreditation, ensuring
consumer confidence.
WHAT ACTIVITIES MUST BE CARRIED OUT TO OBTAIN
CPD CREDITS?
There are three main areas of activity that a plumber can
undertake to obtain CPD credits:
Category 1: Developmental activities
These CPD activities are related to structured educational and
developmental meetings, seminars, and training programmes.
Category 2: Work-based activities
Work-based CPD activities are related to any work-related
plumbing activities. These activities may include learner
mentorship programmes and issuing of plumbing certificates
of compliance.
Category 3: Individual activities
As the name implies, individual CPD activities are related to
activities undertaken by each relevant individual. These activities
may include serving on a voluntary association related to the
plumbing and/or building industry, writing a technical article,
and/or part-time lecturing/training.
All activities must be approved and accredited by the PIRB before
CPD credits can be allocated to the relevant activities and be
awarded to the relevant registered plumber. Registered plumbers
need to keep track of CPD credits and keep all evidence relating
to their CPD activities. Evidence must be kept for a minimum of
two years and the PIRB may request proof of this evidence at any
point during this period. When attending registered meetings or
evenings, ensure to sign the attendance register to gain credits.
HOW TO LOG CPD POINTS
Logging CPD points can be done online via http://pirb.co.za/cpd-
submission/ or by downloading the submission form at http://
pirb.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CPD-Form.pdf and
submitting it to [email protected] or faxing 086 692 7230. PA
www.plumbingafrica.co.za