My experience of commercial is weak though as with everything else, including gas, reference to books and normative documents is the norm when in new territory.

Lawyers do it all the time but remember we don’t get paid if we lose a case.

The closed book paper was rattled off in minutes and was supplemented by a slide show with commentary that all but gave the correct answers. In other words they told you information that was not obvious from the video and other pictorial information. The rest is simple deduction. I have given the video C for Caution rating as there are harrowing pictures of plumbing worthy of TGI hall of shame and some of you may find the images distressing (?).

The open book paper presented few problems until the last few questions. A bit of nifty reference and cross reference within the splendid – value for money – BPEC manual pages, provided all the answers. The old story of knowing what to look for and where rules the day as always. You will however need to have read and thoroughly understood the manuals before attending. Not to do so would be folly even with the 80% pass mark.

There have actually been changes to the regulations since the manuals and assessment material were devised. In one case it was originally planned that the correct response to a question was a YES to contravention involved. Not so now in fact. Whoever compiled the assessment book was not an installer ( I hope ) as one photograph was up-side-down. Now correct on new material I understand.

I gather the course / assessment is supported by ILA or Individual Learning Account. If you just work on gas fires and are a bit strapped for cash lately it may help ? Whatever you do apply for this before taking the course and contact BPEC. I will try to obtain more information on ILA. If anyone else has knowledge or experience of ILA please whistle out.

The questions ? Don’t ask.

If anyone is keen to do the course / assessment but struggling to find a suitable venue it might be an idea to canvas for like-minded people and present a list to a central approved facility. They are in business like us and would I am certain put a course on at any time.