Why must I write a PIRB assessment?

The assessment allows the PIRB to ascertain your knowledge and understanding of the respective plumbing South African National Standards and regulations. Once you have passed the assessment you will be allowed to issue the PIRB certificate of compliance. The PIRB reserves the right to call you up for an assessment at any time if the PIRB finds that you do not have the necessary knowledge and understanding of the respective plumbing South African National Standards and regulations. 

 

What will form part of the PIRB assessment?

Unlike your trade test, the PIRB Licensed and Specialisation assessments are written-based. The 60-minute assessment will center around your understanding and knowledge of the respective plumbing standards and regulations.   

 

Where can I purchase the SANS codes?

The South African National Standards (SANS) codes can be obtained/purchased from the South African Bureau of Standards or SABS. 

 

Where are the written PIRB assessments done?

The PIRB written assessment is done online in the comfort of your home or office. A physical assessment can be undertaken, but this must be done at the PIRB office in Centurion, Pretoria.    

 

I failed my assessment. Can I access my assessment to see where I went wrong?

Due to possible fraudulent activity, you cannot have access to your assessment.  You can contact the PIRB to discuss the outcome and the areas that you can improve on. If you feel that you have been unfairly treated and or assessed, you are welcome and encouraged to complete and submit a Disagreement with an Assessment form. The prescribed procedure for disagreement of an assessment will be followed which is made known when you apply for the assessment.

 

I cannot afford the SANS Codes from the SABS. Where else can I get them?

All South African National Standards are subjected to copy-right by SABS. PIRB will endeavor to engage with SABS to make the codes available for free or at a reduced cost, however, the PIRB cannot guarantee this.

 

I spoke to another PIRB registered plumber and he/she never had to write an assessment. Why must I?

The PIRB assessment always formed part of the PIRB registration, however, it was only formally introduced as part of the initial registration process in recent years. At some point, all PIRB registered plumbers will be required to undertake the assessment.