Plumbing qualifications and registrations in South Africa, explained
Red Seal, PIRB, IPA and WACC are different things. Here is what each one is, so you know what to ask before you hire anyone.
Red Seal: a qualification
A Red Seal is the common name for the national trade certificate a plumber receives after passing a trade test. The National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) recommends it, and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) issues it. It shows that a person passed the plumbing trade test. It is a qualification, not a membership. Trade certificates issued before October 2013 came from earlier bodies, including the Department of Labour. The QCTO took over the job in 2013 and now verifies those older certificates too. Read more on the QCTO website.
PIRB: a registration board
The Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) keeps a register of plumbers. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognises it as a professional body, and lists it as non-statutory, which means an Act of Parliament did not create it. See the SAQA entry for PIRB or the PIRB website.
IPA: an association
The Inclusive Plumbers Association (IPA) was established in 2019 by a group of plumbers, and plumbers join it voluntarily. We are affiliated with the IPA. Read about the IPA.
WACC: certificates of compliance
WACC (Warranty and Compliance Certification) is the platform IPA members use to issue certificates of compliance. We are registered to issue WACC certificates. Read about WACC.
SAQA: the qualifications authority
SAQA looks after the national qualifications framework. It recognises professional bodies but does not run them.
What SANS 10254 says about geyser certificates
SANS 10254 is the national standard for installing, maintaining, replacing and repairing fixed electric storage water heaters (geysers). The 2017 edition (Edition 4.1) defined the “professional body for plumbers” as the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (clause 3.3) and required a certificate of compliance from that body when an installation was finished (clause 4.1.1.4).
In the 2022 edition (Edition 4.2), both clauses are marked as deleted by amendment no. 2. In February 2022 the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) wrote to stakeholders that the clauses would be removed. Its letter described the concern that naming a non-statutory body in a standard referenced in legislation could compel plumbers to register with it.
The 2022 edition still says installations must comply with the relevant national legislation. Insurers, municipalities and geyser manufacturers may set their own requirements, so ask them what they need before the work starts. This is not legal advice.
What to ask any plumber
Ask which of these they hold, and ask to see proof. Do not assume that one means another. Gotcha Plumbing holds Red Seal trade certificates, is affiliated with the IPA and is registered to issue WACC certificates of compliance.
This page explains terms in plain language. It is not legal advice.
Common questions
What is a Red Seal?
A Red Seal is the common name for the national trade certificate a plumber receives after passing a trade test. Today it is issued by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). Older trade certificates were issued by the Department of Labour and other bodies, and the QCTO now verifies those too.
Is PIRB a government body?
No. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognises PIRB as a professional body, and lists it as non-statutory. That means it was not created by an Act of Parliament.
Does the geyser standard still require a PIRB certificate?
The 2022 edition of SANS 10254 deleted the clause that required a certificate of compliance from PIRB. Your insurer, municipality or geyser manufacturer may still ask for a certificate, so check with them first.
What should I ask a plumber?
Ask which qualifications, registrations or memberships they hold, and ask to see proof. A qualification, a registration and a membership are different things.
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