With at least three years of hands-on plumbing experience in South Africa, you can fast-track your path to becoming a fully qualified Red Seal plumber through Nomanzi Trade College’s expert ARPL and trade test preparation.
Transform Your Plumbing Experience into a Red Seal Qualification
Have you been working as a plumbing technician or assistant for at least three years in South Africa, and do you dream of becoming a qualified plumber? The good news is you likely qualify to write your trade exam.
At Nomanzi Trade College, we can turn your aspirations into a reality. We can help you prepare for your Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) and Section 26D Red Seal plumbing trade tests.
The Need-To-Know
- The plumbing trade preparation course and test price is R12,500 in Pretoria and R14500 in Cape Town.
- Gap training requirements and extra costs will be communicated after the pre-assessment is conducted.
- The ARPL test and preparation training for plumbers require ten workdays.
- Your final test is conducted over two workdays.
- You must pass all modules to qualify.
- You receive two further attempts to pass failed modules.
- Classes start upon individual application.
- Students who pass their trade test may use the Nomanzi Trade College feedback report to register with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB).
Plumbing Red Seal Examination
Plumbing candidates must complete these tasks successfully during the Red Seal trade test:
Cut, bend, and assemble copper piping
Install a basin, shower, and water closet (flush toilet)
Install a below-ground drainage system
Install a GMS gutter and shoe
Install a high-pressure geyser according to SANS10254 standards
Install a push through geyser
Make and install a GMS chimney flashing and vent pipe flashing, box gutters, and downpipes
Mark out and cut sheet metal for the various test requirements
During the preparation time, we will do the following:
Assesses your skills, techniques, and knowledge of specific plumbing installations
Facilitate the ARPL test
We iron out any installation uncertainty and skill gaps and prepare you for the trade test in a fully equipped plumbing workshop
Based on the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) practical examination modules you will perform step-by-step installations according to national safety standards and plumbing regulations
Install a high-pressure geyser according to SANS10254 standards
Install a push through geyser
Make and install a GMS chimney flashing and vent pipe flashing, box gutters, and downpipes
Mark out and cut sheet metal for the various test requirements
Frequently asked questions
Need assistance? Get in touch and one of our friendly staff will gladly assist.
What qualifications and experience are required to register for a trade test?
Without formal artisan training, you can register for the electrical- or plumbing trade test. To register for a trade test, you must:
- Have three years of proven work experience as an electrician or plumber in South Africa.
- Complete the compulsory Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) test, included in the preparation course.
When are applications open for me to register for the training course and trade test?
You can apply for your trade preparation training and trade test from early January to mid-December.
On which days and at what times can I attend classes?
Classes start every week on a Monday. Subject to availability, eligible candidates can start on the first available Monday. Our office team will confirm start dates with you.
Cape Town classes: Monday to Friday from 07:30-12:00 and 12:00-16:00.
Pretoria classes: Monday to Thursday from 7:30-13:00 and Friday from 7:30 to 12:00.
What is the cost and when must I pay for the preparation course and trade test?
The plumbing preparation course and trade test price is R12,500 per course in Pretoria and R14,500 in Cape Town. The electrical preparation course and trade test price is R12,500 per course in Pretoria and R19,500 in Cape Town. After we receive your application and supporting documents, we will process your registration and schedule a pre-assessment to determine your gap training requirements. If additional costs apply, this will be communicated to the candidate with an invoice for the total package: gap training, the preparation course, and the trade test.
Course fees are payable before the first day of training. When you receive the invoice, you can pay via EFT, direct bank deposit, debit, or credit card.
Payment arrangements are available. Please contact us to discuss this.
Do I receive any training material?
Yes, you receive a printed manual on the first day of your trade test preparation training. We provide fully equipped workshops for the electrical and plumbing trade tests.
In which language(s) will I receive training and do the trade test?
Your preparation training and trade test are facilitated in English.
What about health, safety, and PPE?
We meet all Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) requirements and provide protective gloves. You must bring your own safety shoes, overalls, and jacket.
Do you provide accommodation and transport?
No, you are responsible for your own accommodation and transport. Safe parking is available.
Will I get meals while attending the course?
We do not serve food; however, you may bring your own refreshments. Fast food outlets are available within walking distance. During breaks, you will receive complimentary coffee and tea, and you are welcome to use the on-site dining area.
Why must I attend the trade test preparation course?
During the trade test preparation, we follow a step-by-step installation process in a fully equipped workshop while you receive individual attention from qualified artisans. This will help you to:
- Assess your skills and knowledge of specific installations and identify individual uncertainties based on real work scenarios.
- Fill your practical skill gaps to meet specific industry and trade test standards.
- Focus on the practical examination modules of the National Artisan
- Moderation Body (NAMB) curriculum.
- Practice and prepare for your trade test in a QCTO-accredited trade test centre.
- Build your confidence, productivity, problem-solving, and workplace safety awareness in a friendly environment.
What is the duration of the trade test preparation courses?
For both plumbing and electrical students, the preparation course and ARPL test take ten to fifteen workdays, depending on the outcome of the pre-assessment. The final trade test takes two workdays. You will thus need a total of twelve to fifteen workdays to complete your Section 26D Red Seal trade test certificate.
What are the requirements to pass the electrical or plumbing trade test?
The trade test is a two-day external final summative assessment to test how well you can perform the electrical or plumbing tasks as listed by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). You must pass all modules of the trade test to get your Section 26D Red Seal trade certificate. Should you fail a module during your first attempt you get two more attempts at intervals of 30 days.
When will I receive my Section 26D Red Seal trade certificate?
After you pass your trade test, the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) first verifies your results. Normally, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) issues your trade certificate within three to eighteen months.
Are the trade test assessors registered and qualified?
Yes, the trade test assessors are qualified and registered National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) assessors.
Is Nomanzi Trade College an accredited trade test centre?
Yes. Our National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) accreditation numbers are AC000225NAMB (Cape Town) and AC000339NAMB (Pretoria).
Who verifies my work experience?
Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) verifies your work experience and issues the serial number for your trade test.
Who moderates my trade test results?
The National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) moderates and verifies your trade test results.
Who issues the trade certificates?
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) issues the trade certificate.
Ready to Get Started?
With years of hands-on experience already under your belt, you’re closer than you think to official qualification. Take the next step towards becoming a certified Red Seal plumber today!