Building Safety Regulator Publishes Long-Awaited Mandatory Technical Competence Requirements

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has published the long-awaited Mandatory Competence Framework and accompanying Mandatory Technical Competence (MTC) requirements, marking an important milestone in the continued drive to strengthen competence across the building services sector.

Following several delays, the publication provides much-needed clarity for Competent Person Scheme operators, industry bodies, awarding organisations, manufacturers, employers and installers, establishing a consistent framework for demonstrating and maintaining competence across regulated installation work.

For the plumbing, heating and renewable technologies sector, the documents recognise that competence extends beyond qualifications alone, bringing together technical knowledge, practical skills, workplace experience, professional behaviours and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Supporting a Competent Workforce

The new MTC requirements outline three recognised routes through which individuals can demonstrate competence, reflecting the different pathways into the industry while maintaining consistent expectations for occupational competence.

In summary, the three routes are:

• Route One – For individuals who have achieved a recognised Level 3 occupational qualification or apprenticeship that demonstrates workplace competence.
• Route Two – For those holding a recognised Level 2 occupational qualification or apprenticeship, combined with additional regulated qualifications, recognised training or personal competence certification to meet the full MTC requirements.
• Route Three – For experienced technicians who demonstrate their competence through an evidence-based assessment by a Competent Person Scheme operator, alongside an appropriate regulated qualification or recognised certificate of personal competence.

The documents also reinforce the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), recognising that competence must be maintained throughout an installer’s career as technologies, standards and legislation continue to evolve.

Raising Standards Across the Industry

The publication supports the wider objectives of the Building Safety Act 2022 by helping to establish a consistent approach to competence within Government-authorised Competent Person Schemes.

For consumers, this provides greater confidence that registered businesses are employing competent individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and experience required to undertake work safely and in accordance with current regulations and industry standards.

For employers, it reinforces the importance of investing in workforce development and ensuring installers remain competent as products, technologies and regulatory requirements continue to develop.

A Welcome Step Forward

Commenting on the publication, Kev Clark, Head of Technical Operations, said:

“The publication of the Mandatory Competence Framework and the accompanying Mandatory Technical Competence requirements is an important milestone for our industry. Recognising different routes to competence reflects the diverse ways people enter and develop within our sector, while ensuring everyone is assessed against a consistent standard.

Competence has always been about far more than simply achieving a qualification. It is about developing and maintaining the knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours needed to work safely, confidently and professionally throughout a career.

These documents provide greater clarity for employers, installers, Competent Person Scheme operators, awarding organisations and training providers alike. They also reinforce the importance of ongoing professional development as our industry continues to embrace new technologies and support the transition to low-carbon heating and hot water systems.

At BPEC, we remain committed to working collaboratively across the sector to ensure qualifications, assessment and certification continue to support a competent, confident and future-ready workforce.”

Looking Ahead

The publication of the Mandatory Technical Competence requirements represents another significant step in the industry’s competence journey.

BPEC will continue to review the detailed requirements alongside industry partners and continue to ensure its qualifications, certification and assessment products remain aligned with the evolving competence landscape. As the industry adapts to new technologies and changing regulatory expectations, BPEC remains committed to supporting learners, centres, employers and installers in developing and maintaining the skills needed for a safe, professional and future-ready workforce.