Plumbing & Heating

Marking Criteria

Each competition test will be assessed and marked independently of the other test. The tests will be assessed and marked in accordance with the general and specific competition rules.

Example Regional Heats

Criterion ID / Description / Max. Marks
A / Task layout and pipework soundness / 8
B / Dimensions / 40
C / Joint Quality / 12
D / Bend Angles / 8
E / Plumb & Level / 6
F / Material Usage & overall presentation / 16
G / Health & Safety / 10
Total Marks / 100.00

Example National Final

Criterion ID / Description / Max. Marks
A / Task to correct layout and soundness of joints / 8
B / Dimensions / 30
C / Joint quality / 18
D / Bend angles / 13
E / Plumb and level / 9
F / Material usage and overall presentation / 12
G / Health and safety / 10
Total Marks / 100.00

To help candidates identify and meet the competencies and standards we expect a guidance document has been produced that can be accessed via the following link:

A panel of judges have been drawn from industry, colleges and training providers. The judges’ decisions will be independently moderated and quality assured before being confirmed.

NB: The top candidates achieving the highest marks in the UK Qualifying heats will be invited to the UK finals in accordance to the WorldSkillsUK Specifications. There is no automatic entrance to the UK final for heat winners. The competition organiser will inform finalists following moderation of marks from the regional competitions.

If a competitor has a complaint on the day it is advised that this be discussed with the lead judge, or the competition organiser. If this is not possible the grievance procedure must be used, the procedure is found in the competitions rules, which is downloadable from

Task Breakdown

The competition comprises of a practical test project (4 hours), including the installation of plumbing pipe work and components

The competitor will have:

  • work area and organise tools
  • A briefing about the task and ask questions
  • Check fittings and materials
  • A competition pack with drawings and specification
  • To keep work are clean and tidy
  • To work in a safe manner (wear safety glasses at all times and appropriate PPE)
  • Time to install pipework, fixings, and components as per drawing / specification
  • To test the installation for soundness using appropriate procedures/ processes to a pressure of 1 bar for 2 minutes. The competitor can test his own work and rectify faults prior to asking for the official test (must be completed in competition time).

N.B When official test is carried out the result will be final and faults will not be able to be rectified at that point.

  • Clear up work area and remove tools at the end of the time allocation