Who is this course suitable for?
This course is suitable for anyone who:
Upcoming training course dates
September 14, 2026
October 12, 2026
November 09, 2026
December 07, 2026
About the Hot Water Systems and Safety Course Previously known as ‘Unvented G3’
The Hot Water Systems and Safety (HWSS) Course (otherwise known as Unvented G3) is a specialist plumbing qualification accredited by the LCL Awards.
Designed to develop the skills of experienced plumbing and heating professionals, this one day course forms part of our wider plumbing training and provides specialist training in the installation, servicing and maintenance of hot water systems.
The HWSS course has been developed to allow you to work in safe compliance with Approved Document G; the 2016 building regulation relating to sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency when carrying out work on hot water systems.
Engineers working across domestic hot and cold water installations may also need knowledge of the requirements governing water supply systems. Our Water Regulations Certificate provides focused training in the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and the requirements applying to plumbing systems and water fittings.
Training includes requirements for the installation of:
The HWSS certificate is recognised by Competent Person Schemes (CPS) approved to offer a self-certification scheme under Approved Document G. This means you’ll not only receive training in the installation of hot water systems (including unvented), you’ll also secure the ability to self-certify the installation as part of your service.
If you’re an experienced plumbing or heating professional looking to provide a specialist, sought-after service, this course could help you reach that goal
How is the Hot Water Systems and Safety (HWSS) Course delivered?
How is the Hot Water Systems and Safety (HWSS) Course assessed?
Assessment for this course is carried out using a variety of methods, including multiple choice, short written response and scenario questions, and observed practical tasks.
If you are unsuccessful, you will be referred and have the opportunity to retake the exam at a later date. If you need to retake the exam, you will receive a free re-sit for each module.
If required, there is also a re-assessment (refresher) route available for anyone returning to renew their qualification.
What are the next steps after earning this qualification?
Once you have earned your qualification, you can continue developing your technical skills across domestic heating and hot water system design. For engineers moving into modern heating technologies, our Low Temperature Heating and Hot Water Systems Level 3 course develops skills in areas including heat loss calculations, emitter sizing, system temperatures, pumps, pipework and domestic hot water sizing.
We can also provide guidance on further training appropriate to your existing qualifications and the areas of plumbing and heating work you want to develop.
This can include connecting you with partner organisations and clients who are in need of qualified installers or maintenance engineers, either on a direct of subcontracting basis.
Frequently asked questions
Through this course, you’ll earn a Hot Water Systems and Safety (HWSS) certificate, which is accredited by the LCL Awards. Staffordshire Training Centre is one of approximately 160 approved centres delivering training and carrying out assessments under the LCL Awards.
The LCL Awards is one of the Building Services Engineering (BSE) sectors foremost awarding organisation and certification bodies. They’re a well-trusted and recognised organisation; read more about the LCL Awards here.
Provided you have a NVQ Diploma (level 2) or equivalent qualification (or higher), once you secure your certificate, you will be able to apply to the following professional bodies:
- a Competent Person Scheme (CPS), through which you can be approved to self-certify installations of hot water systems
- the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), through which you be recognised for the installation of Solar Thermal Hot Water Systems.
If you’re unsure of which scheme might work best for you or what action to take once you earn your certificate, you can always chat to us before you book your place and we can help you work out which approach is best for you.
What experience/qualifications do I need to enrol in the Hot Water Systems and Safety (HWSS) Course?
To successfully enrol in the HWSS Course, you will need to fulfil the following requirements:
- have experience in the installation of cold and hot water systems
- hold a suitable level of professional qualification, either:
- an NVQ (Level 2) in Plumbing & Heating (or higher)
- a certificate of competency in a conventional fuel recognised by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
A basic knowledge of the Water Regulation Approval Scheme is desirable but not required. We do advise those new to this specialism to consider earning their Water Regulations Certificate (if they have not yet done so) before enrolling on the HWSS course.
Learners enrolling in the course should be familiar with the latest version of the Approved Document G, from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. We recommend giving it a read before joining us for your training day.
If you’re unsure whether this course is right for you or not, talk to our team of teachers and engineers. We’ll be happy to offer you all the advice and guidance you may need.
If you were unable to successfully pass the assessment phase of the course, you would be referred and together, we’d work out what approach is best for you.
If a candidate wants to retake their exams, we provide you with the opportunity to re-sit any module exam for free. We’d also work with them to ensure they can further develop their skills and practical experience, giving them the confidence and knowledge to hopefully pass their exams this time round.
If we or the candidate feels they need more significant support or that the course isn’t suitable for them, we would work with the candidate to work out the best outcome for all.
