Which JIB PMES Card Do You Need?
Here are the JIB PMES cards you can apply for. Please note that you need the right qualification or an equivalent to apply for a JIB PMES card.
Plumber Blue Card
The JIB-PMES Blue Plumber Card is for qualified plumbers who can work independently on construction sites. It is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed with an in-date health and safety test.
To be eligible, you need a Level 2 NVQ/SVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating or equivalent. This must be a work-based qualification, as classroom-only courses are not accepted. Recognised qualifications include City & Guilds, EAL, BPEC, and LCL NVQs, along with completed apprenticeships.
Plumber - Gold Card
The JIB-PMES Gold Plumber Card is for fully qualified and experienced plumbers, often working at an advanced level or with greater responsibility on-site. It is widely recognised as proof of high-level competence in the plumbing and heating industry.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and requires a valid Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment for both application and renewal.
To be eligible, you must hold a Level 3 NVQ/SVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating or equivalent. Accepted qualifications include City & Guilds, EAL, and BPEC Level 3 NVQs, as well as advanced apprenticeships.
Heating Fitter - Blue Card
The JIB-PMES Heating Fitter Blue Card is aimed at qualified heating fitters with the skills and training to work on domestic or commercial heating systems at construction sites. It demonstrates competence and is commonly required for site work across the UK.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed with a valid Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment, which is required for all applicants.
To be eligible, you must hold a Level 2 NVQ/SVQ Diploma in Heating & Ventilating or Domestic Heating (or equivalent). Accepted qualifications include City & Guilds, BPEC, and EAL Level 2 NVQs, as well as recognised craft certificates and apprenticeships. Classroom-only qualifications are not accepted.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed with a valid Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment, which is required for all applicants.
To be eligible, you must hold a Level 2 NVQ/SVQ Diploma in Heating & Ventilating or Domestic Heating (or equivalent). Accepted qualifications include City & Guilds, BPEC, and EAL Level 2 NVQs, as well as recognised craft certificates and apprenticeships. Classroom-only qualifications are not accepted.
Heating Fitter - Gold Card
The JIB-PMES Heating Fitter Gold Card is aimed at fully qualified and experienced heating fitters who can work independently on complex heating and ventilation systems. It demonstrates a high level of skill, knowledge, and industry competence, and is widely required for advanced roles on construction sites.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed with a valid Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment, which is mandatory for all applicants.
To be eligible, you must hold a Level 3 NVQ/SVQ Diploma in Heating & Ventilating or Domestic Heating (or equivalent). Accepted qualifications include City & Guilds Advanced Craft certificates, Level 3 NVQs (such as 6008, 6018, 6088), and BPEC or EAL Level 3 Diplomas, as well as recognised apprenticeships.
Mechanical Pipe Fitter - Blue Card
The JIB-PMES Mechanical Pipefitter Blue Card is aimed at qualified pipefitters who have the skills and experience to work on installation and maintenance of mechanical pipework systems on construction sites. It shows that the holder can work competently, often with minimal supervision.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed with a valid Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment, which is required for all applicants.
To be eligible, you must hold a Level 2 NVQ/SVQ Diploma or equivalent in pipefitting or a related discipline such as heating and ventilating, refrigeration, or marine engineering. Accepted qualifications include City & Guilds, EAL, ECITB, and other Level 2 NVQs, as well as recognised craft certificates and apprenticeships.
Mechanical Pipefitter - Gold Card
The JIB-PMES Mechanical Pipefitter Gold Card is aimed at fully qualified and experienced pipefitters who can work independently on complex mechanical pipework systems. It demonstrates a high level of skill, training, and industry competence, often required for advanced roles on construction sites.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed with a valid Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment, unless exempt due to recent qualification completion.
To be eligible, you must hold a Level 3 NVQ/SVQ Diploma or equivalent in pipefitting or a related discipline such as heating and ventilating or refrigeration. Accepted qualifications include City & Guilds Advanced Craft certificates, Level 3 NVQs, and ECITB diplomas, as well as recognised apprenticeships.
Gas Service Engineer - Blue Card
The JIB-PMES Gas Service Engineer Blue Card is aimed at qualified gas engineers who carry out installation, servicing, and maintenance of gas appliances and systems on-site. It is required for those working legally with gas and demonstrates recognised industry competence.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed with a valid Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment. Applicants must also hold current Gas Safe registration, which is a legal requirement for gas work.
To be eligible, you must hold a Level 2 NVQ/SVQ Diploma or equivalent in gas installation and maintenance. Accepted qualifications include City & Guilds gas certificates, Level 2 NVQs, and related gas service qualifications, covering areas such as domestic gas, heating, and maintenance.
Gas Service Engineer - Gold Card
The JIB-PMES Gas Service Engineer Gold Card is aimed at fully qualified and experienced gas engineers who carry out advanced installation, servicing, and maintenance work. It demonstrates a high level of competence and is typically required for those working independently on gas systems.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed with a valid Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment. Applicants must also hold current Gas Safe registration, as this is a legal requirement for working with gas.
To be eligible, you must hold a Level 3 NVQ/SVQ Diploma or equivalent in gas-related disciplines such as gas installation, maintenance, or utilisation. Accepted qualifications include City & Guilds Level 3 NVQs, gas engineering diplomas, and recognised apprenticeships.
Gas Operative - Blue Card
The JIB-PMES Gas Operative Blue Card is aimed at gas operatives working on gas supply systems and appliances who are legally registered to carry out gas work. It is typically suited to those who are qualified through industry routes but may not yet hold a full NVQ Level 2 or 3.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed with a valid Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment, which is required for all applicants.
To be eligible, applicants must hold current Gas Safe registration and valid ACS certificates. Accepted routes include completing a gas industry Managed Learning Programme (such as BPEC or similar) alongside ACS, or holding ACS certification alone.
Labourer / Plumber’s Mate - Green Card
The JIB-PMES Labourer (Green) Card is aimed at entry-level workers, such as labourers, plumber’s mates, and general operatives supporting mechanical or plumbing work on-site. It is ideal for those starting out in the industry who are not yet qualified in a specific trade.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed with a valid Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment.
To be eligible, applicants must pass the JIB-PMES/Operatives Health and Safety test and hold a recognised health and safety qualification, such as the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment or a CITB Health & Safety Awareness course. Some applicants may also qualify with a relevant PMES technical certificate.
PMES Low Carbon Heating Technician - Gold Card
The JIB-PMES Low Carbon Heating Technician Gold Card is aimed at qualified renewable heating engineers, such as those working with heat pumps, solar thermal, and low-carbon systems. It proves competence in installing and maintaining modern, energy-efficient heating systems across residential and commercial sites.
The card is valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed to continue working on-site. Applicants must also meet the required Health, Safety & Environmental Assessment criteria, although recent apprenticeship completions may provide temporary exemption.
To be eligible, you must have completed the Level 3 Low Carbon Heating Technician Apprenticeship (IfATE/Skills England). This is the main accepted qualification and confirms advanced skills in renewable heating systems. Equivalent overseas qualifications may be accepted with a verified industry skills statement.