OFTEC Heat Pump exam-day guide
OFTEC Heat Pump · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring current, valid photo ID (e.g. passport or photocard driving licence). Confirm with the provider which forms of ID they accept and whether the name must match your registration exactly.
Booking confirmation and candidate number
Carry your appointment confirmation and any candidate/reference number issued to you. Confirm with the provider whether printed copies are required or a digital version is acceptable.
PPE for the practical assessment
Safety footwear, eye protection, gloves, and any flame-retardant or site-appropriate clothing the assessment centre requires. Confirm the centre's specific PPE list with the provider before the day.
Your own hand tools
If the assessment expects you to work with your own tool kit, bring a complete, calibrated-where-relevant set. Confirm with the provider whether tools are supplied or you must bring them.
Test instruments
Where permitted, bring your own electrical test instrument, manifold gauges, thermometer, and leak detector. Confirm with the provider what instrumentation is provided versus required, and whether calibration certificates are checked.
Manufacturer instructions and reference data
Bring any permitted reference material such as manufacturer installation manuals or refrigerant data. Confirm with the provider exactly what reference material is allowed in the assessment room.
Knowledge of the assessment format
Re-read the provider's candidate guidance so you know the order of the practical tasks, the written/multiple-choice component, and the pass criteria. Confirm any details you are unsure of directly with the provider.
Travel and arrival plan
Plan your route and arrive with time to spare for registration and briefing. Confirm the centre's arrival time and any site access or parking arrangements with the provider.
Refreshment and medication
Bring water and any personal medication you may need. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the assessment areas and what break arrangements apply.
Safe working practices refresher
Review isolation and lock-off procedure, safe electrical isolation and proving dead, refrigerant handling and recovery, pressure testing, and brazing/heat-work precautions before the day.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook and confirm the assessment format, permitted reference material, PPE list, and tool/instrument requirements with the provider. Resolve any open questions now rather than on the day.
Do a final revision pass over the core practical competencies: safe isolation and proving dead, refrigerant recovery and charging, pressure and leak testing, commissioning checks, and system fault-finding logic.
Check your tools and instruments are complete and serviceable; charge or replace batteries and confirm any calibration certificates are current.
Pack your bag against the checklist: ID, booking confirmation, PPE, tools, instruments, permitted reference material, water, and medication.
Confirm travel arrangements, route, parking, and arrival time. Get a full night's sleep and avoid last-minute cramming of unfamiliar material.
Eat properly, arrive early, and allow time for registration and the pre-assessment briefing. Leave non-permitted items such as phones in line with the centre's instructions.
Listen carefully to the assessor's briefing, ask for clarification on instructions only (not on technical answers), and work methodically and safely. Verbalise your safety checks where appropriate and follow isolation and lock-off procedure every time.
Manage your time across the practical tasks and written component; if a task is taking too long, complete it safely rather than rushing. Read each written question fully before answering.
If equipment fails or a task cannot proceed, stop and tell the assessor immediately rather than improvising; follow the centre's procedure for reporting issues.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID matching your registration details; you may be refused entry without it. Confirm the accepted ID types with the provider.
Follow all site safety rules and the assessor's instructions at all times, including PPE requirements, isolation and lock-off procedure, and safe handling and recovery of refrigerants.
Only use reference material, notes, phones, or other devices that the provider expressly permits. Confirm the permitted-items list with the provider before the day.
Breaks are normally taken at the assessor's direction and may be limited during timed practical tasks; confirm the break policy with the provider.
Scoring is against the provider's published assessment criteria, and some tasks may require every critical safety step to be demonstrated correctly to pass. Confirm the exact pass criteria and any re-assessment policy with the provider.
If you have a disability, injury, or other access need, raise it with the provider in advance so reasonable adjustments can be arranged; do not assume adjustments can be made on the day.
Do not discuss or share assessment content with other candidates during or after the assessment beyond what the provider permits.
If you are unwell or unable to attend, contact the provider as early as possible to discuss their absence and rebooking policy.