Beat the ACS reassessment rush!

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Updated 14th January.

During the Covid 19 pandemic, some gas installers have been able to take advantage of a six-month extension to their ACS qualification expiration date where closed training centres and/or shielding issues have meant they couldn’t complete reassessment.

Because of this, it looks likely that there’s going to be a mad rush for ACS reassessments in March 2021 when the extension period comes to and end; in fact, data from the Gas Safe Register suggests that there is a four-fold increase in the number of ACS assessments due, across all industry sectors – domestic, commercial and LPG.

Increased demand, coupled with the need for centres to reduce capacity in order to maintain social distancing, means that some installers may be unable to book a course in time, leaving them at risk of losing their Gas Safe Register status.

The time is passing by quickly, and March is fast approaching. ACS Qualification renewal extended expiry date remains the same – 31st March 2021. According to GSR’s update, COVID-19 Advice and Guidance on 14th January, gas engineers will have to prove they have made every effort to renew their ACS qualification without success and can show that they have tried to book with multiple ACS centres.

GSR explains:

“As a result of the current lockdown (Dec 2020/Jan 2021), we have been advised that in some cases, scheduled assessments have been cancelled and rebooked by the assessment centres, and that the revised dates being offered mean they will not be able to meet the above timescales (renewing their ACS by 31 March 2021).”

“Engineers who find themselves in this position should make every effort to seek and find alternative assessment provision, which will allow them to meet qualification timescales.”

“After 31 March 2021 Gas Safe Register will only consider renewal of Gas Safe registration without current ACS in exceptional circumstances.

“Engineers will be expected to evidence that they have made reasonable attempts to find alternate assessment provision (e.g. provision of evidence of rebooked assessments by original provider and correspondence with at least two alternate providers, seeking alternative assessment arrangements) before requesting their circumstances are taken into consideration for renewal of their Gas Safe registration. “

“Renewal of Gas Safe registration in these circumstances, will be considered on a case by case basis and is not guaranteed.”

Book your ACS reassessment now…

We recommend that all gas installers who are due to complete ACS reassessment before March next year book their place now.

ACS reassessments can be taken up to six months before their expiration date, so even if yours is due to expire after March, it’s worth bearing this in mind and getting in early.

Whose eligible to ACS reassessment extensions?

Engineers whose ACS qualifications expired before 1 October 2020 and were unable to book a reassessment because of coronavirus are eligible for an extension of up to six months.

Anyone whose ACS qualifications expired on or after 1st October has until the end of March 2021.

From March, normal ACS reassessment timeframes will resume.