UGANDA BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL EXAMINATIONS

BOARD

PREAMBLE (Overview)

NATIONAL CERTIFICTAE IN PLUMBING (NCPL)

DIAGRAMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE OCCUPATIONS

INDUSTRIAL
PIPE FITTER

WATER
SUPPLY RESIDENTIAL
PLUMBER PLUMBER

NCPL

SERVICE AND
SANITARY REPAIR
PLUMBER PLUMBER

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 IDENTIFIED OCCUPATIONS AND THEIR EXPECTED OUTCOMES
S/n Occupation Expected outcome
1 Industrial pipe fitter Installation and maintenance of
supply pipes, fixtures for gas, steam
and fuel systems.
2. Water supply plumber Installation and maintenance of
water supply pipes, fixtures,
irrigation and swimming pool
systems in estates.
3. Residential plumber Assemble, install, maintain, and
pressure test all pipes, fittings, and
fixtures of domestic heating, water,
drainage, sprinkler, and gas systems
according to specifications and
plumbing codes.
4. Sanitary plumber Installation of sewer lines/drains,
cleaning, maintenance and repair of
residential and commercial drain
and sanitary systems.
5. Service and repair plumber Servicing and repairing pipes; water,
drainage and sewage fixtures.

OCCUPATION DETAILS:

OCCUPATION 1: INDUSTRIAL PIPE FITTER

Learning outcome:

By the end of this module, the trainee should be able to:

 Install and maintain industrial supply pipe systems for gas, steam, beverages and
petroleum.

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  Set and excavate trenches according to specifications.
 Use the water level for determining the level of the trench bases to prescribed
gradients.
 Lay and joint the pipes.
 Test the pipes using smoke and water tests.
Duty Task Competence
Interpret drawings and Study drawings and  Retrieve guide of industrial pipe fitting
blueprints blue prints symbols
 Spread the blue print on a flat surface
 Read the schedules that accompany the
blue print
 Identify symbols for the major
plumbing fixtures, gas lines, sewer
connections or piping for radiant
heating.
Determine quantities, Generate bills of  Survey the site where pipes are to be
specifications, sizes and quantities laid.
costs of materials  Take measurements
 Identify materials required
 Carryout market survey
 Cost the materials
 Procure/receive materials
Laying and fitting pipes for Route design and  Survey the structure in relation to the
industrial purposes such as approval blueprint
gas, fuel and steam supply  Clear the site
lines.  Take measurements
 Mark cardinal points

Trenching/chiseling  Tools identification

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  Excavation/wall chasing
 Verify depth in relation to the
blueprint
 Ascertain the gradient
 Timbering to trenches where
necessary
 Hoarding
Laying and fitting  Carryout sizing of the materials
of pipe work  Join the materials using appropriate
methods eg brazing, welding (arc and
TIG), screwing/coupling or adhesives.
 Test the installation for leakages
 Insert warning tape
 Anchor and backfill the installation
Perform scheduled and Troubleshooting  Diagnose the fault
unscheduled service, system layouts  Isolate the supply
maintenance and repair of  Dismantle the component part
systems.  Repair/replace accordingly
 Reassemble the component part
 Turn on the supply
 Test the layout for proper functioning

Upholds and promotes Ensure safety of  Train workers
safety standards. workers and the  Monitor and evaluate all activities on
general public site
 Restrict access to dangerous areas
 Install firefighting equipment
 Use safety gear, charts, notices, flyers
 Record accidents

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 

SUMMARY OF THE MODULES:

OCCUPATION INDUSTRIAL PIPE FITTER

Module: Plumbing Technology

Competences:
The trainee,
 Sensitizes workmates, managers and the public on ways of limiting accidents.
 Fights fire using water jets, sand and fire extinguishers.
 Administers first aid to accident victims.
 Suggests the general safety precautions to be observed on sites and in workshops.
 Applies the safety precautions while on job and observes the potential risks at a
workplace.
 Selects and uses the correct pipe jointing materials.
 Installs boilers, boiler mountings and safety valves.
 Estimates the quantity of materials in reference to the work at hand.
 Costs materials as per standing rate and makes bills of quantities.
 Advises the client correctly on suitable materials for the work at hand.
 Makes safety notices and displays them in convenient places.
 Puts on protective gears while on job.

MODULE Training
MODULE
CODE duration

TCPL PLUMBING TECHNOLOGY

 Causes of accidents in workplaces
 Personal safety
Safety, Health  Accidents prevention
Sub-module 1:
and Hygiene  Firefighting methods and equipment used
 Introduction to safety, health and
environment (SHE) culture

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  Toxic substances, their
handling and disposal (
toxic gases, toxic
liquids, toxic metals)

 General safety precautions

Safe Job  Assessment of potential risks
Sub-module 2:
Analysis (SJA)  Application of SJA

 Types of tools and equipment (hand and

powered tools)
 Application and classification of tools and
Plumbing Tools equipment
Sub-module 3:
and Equipment  General safety of tools and equipment
 Care and maintenance of tools and
equipment

 Non-ferrous metals: types, properties and

application in plumbing
 Ferrous metals: types, properties and their
application in plumbing
Materials used  Plastics: types in use, properties and their
Sub-module 4: in Plumbing application in plumbing (PVC pipes for
Work water, PVC pipes for waste and soil, PPR,
PN6, tanks, cisterns and PN10)
 Jointing materials (adhesives, yarns, thread
tapes)

 Types of taps, valves, cocks, ball valves

and their working principles and respective
positions
Sub-module 5: Pipe Fittings
 Servicing of taps and valves
 Adhesive jointing of plastic pipes

Hot Water
Sub-module 6:  Boilers and boiler mountings safety valves
Systems
 Methods of heating water:
o electric heating
o gas heating
Sub-module 7: Water Heaters o solid fuel
 Mixing valves
 Common faults in hot water supply

 Roles played by each personnel in the

building team
Sub-module 8: Building Team  Materials and labour estimates
 Bills of quantities (B.O.Q)

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MODULE: PLUMBING SCIENCE
Competences:
The trainee,
 Analyses matter and differentiates between the states of matter.
 Identifies the properties of solids, liquids and gases and their application.
 Measures and controls temperature of plumbing fittings.
 Uses various types of thermometers to read the scale of temperature.
 Applies siphonic action to influence the flow of liquids through tubes.
 Differentiates between siphonage and siphon.
 Differentiates cohesion from adhesion.
 Applies cohesion and adhesion during the jointing of pipes and other accessories.
 Calculates heat quantity.
 Applies the principle of heat transfer in heating water.
 Measures the amount of heat required to change temperature of an object.
 Performs heat loss calculation on structures.
 Ignites controlled combustion using different types of fuel.
 Applies heat treatment methods to bend pipe fittings.
 Identifies and selects material with high and low thermal conductivity.
 Applies insulation knowledge in controlling temperature.
 Describes Boyles law and Charles law.
 Applies Boyles law and Charles law in plumbing work.
 Determines the factors affecting the flow of liquids in a pipeline in fittings expressed
as equivalent of pipe length.
 Identifies different types of hydraulic rams.
 Identifies factors to be considered for the choice of a ram.
 Selects the right type of pump based on the environment.
 Maintains pumps.
MODULE MODULE: Training
CODE duration

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TCPL PLUMBING SCIENCE
Sub-module 1: Matter  States of matter (solid, liquid, and gases)
 Examples of substances of solids, liquids and
gases
 Properties of solids, liquids and gases
Sub-module 2: Temperature  Measurements of temperature and types of
thermometers
 Determination of upper, lower, fixed
points and scale of temperature
 Conversion of temperature to other scales
Sub-module 3: Siphonage  Siphonic action
 Capillarity
 Cohesion and adhesion
Sub-module 4: Heat  Quantity of heat
 Heat transfer
 Specific heat capacity
 Coefficient of thermal expansion and bi-
metallic strip
 Latent and sensible heat
 Heat loss calculations:
U-Values
K-Values
 Combustion and oxidation
 Flames
 Thermal insulation, conductivity

Sub-module 5: Gas Laws  Boyles law and Charles law

 Application of each law in plumbing work
Sub-module 6: Pressure  Atmospheric pressure
 Measurements of pressure
Sub-module 7: Hydraulic  Types of rams
Rams  Factors to be considered for the
choice of a ram
Sub-module 8: Pumps  Types of pumps and their operation
 Selection of suitable water pumps
 Pump maintenance

MODULE: WORKSHOP PRACTICE

Competences:

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The trainee,
 Uses tools correctly.
 Cares and stores tools well.
 Carries out cold and hot bending.
 Fits pipes to shape and dimension.
 Tests pipes for leakages.
 Interprets working drawings and instructions.
 Marks and cuts pipes according to the dimension.
 Detects and rectifies leakages.
 Uses clips to support exposed pipes (observe the rules).
 Describes gas welding and its welding process.
 Identifies, selects and describes the materials used in gas welding.
 Differentiates between acetylene and oxy gas cylinders.
 Prepares pipe surfaces ready for joining.
 Adjusts acetylene and oxy gases to correct pressures and ratio.
 Joins pipes by gas welding.
 Selects correct welding material for the type of welding.
 Prepares welding surface.
 Maintains the welding arc.
 Installs electric, gas and solar water heaters.
 Tests water heaters and boilers.
 Lays and joints the pipes.
 Tests the pipes using smoke and water tests.
MODULE MODULE Training
CODE duration
TCPL WORKSHOP PRACTICE
Sub-module 1: Bench Work  Bench work tools – categories:
o Measuring and marking
o Cutting, sawing, filing, drilling, riveting
and countersunk, threading
 Care of tools and equipment
Sub-module 2: Pipe Processing  Marking and cutting
 Cold bending (machine bending e.g.
hydraulic bending machine)

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  Hot bending pipes using forming table with
fixed pins or jigs and formation of sockets
on PVC pipes (pipes not to exceed 25mm).
 Pipe fitting to shape and
dimensions (using
fittings, unions, tees,
elbows, etc.)
 Leakage testing (visual and testing machine)
 Hot pipe bending (the pipe should not exceed
25mm)

Sub-module 3: Maintenance of  Servicing of taps and valves

Appliances and  Replacing siphons
 Repairing leakages
Fittings
Sub-module 4: Gas Welding  Welding equipment
 Gas welding materials
 Safety gears used during welding operations
 Possible causes of welding workshop
accidents and damages
Sub-module 5: Pipe Processing  Cold and hot pipe
bending, threading,
jointing and
formation of sockets
on pipes from 25mm-
38mm

Sub-module 6: Arc Welding Arc welding on steel pipes, GI sheets and angles

Sub-module 7: Water Heaters  Installation of water heaters and boilers

and Boilers  Testing of water heaters and boilers

OCCUPATION 2: WATER SUPPLY PLUMBER

Learning outcome:
At the end of this module, the trainee should be able to:
 Install and maintain water supply pipe systems for estates, irrigation and swimming
pools.
 Treat water before being supplied to clients.

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  Distribute water to clients
Duty Task Competence
Interpret drawings, Study drawings and  Retrieve guide of commercial
blueprints to determine the blue prints plumbing symbols
locations of units.  Spread the blue print on a flat
surface
 Read the schedules that accompany
the blue print
 Identify symbols for the major water
mains/sub-mains, swimming pool
and irrigation system fixtures, sewer
connections or piping for radiant
heating.
Determine quantities, Generate bills of  Carryout site survey
specifications, sizes and quantities  Take measurements
costs of materials.  Identify materials to be used
 Carryout market survey
 Cost the materials
 Procure/receive materials
Lay mains and sub mains Route design and  Survey the site in relation to the
for water supply approval blueprint
 Clear the site
 Take measurements
 Mark key points along the trajectory
Trenching/chiseling  Tools identification
 Excavation/wall chasing
 Verify trench depth in relation to the
blueprint
 Ascertain the gradient

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  Timbering to trenches where
necessary
 Hoarding
Laying and fitting  Perform sizing of the materials
of pipe work and  Join the materials using appropriate
ducts methods eg brazing, welding (arc
and TIG), screwing/coupling etc
 Test the installation for leakages
 Insert warning tape along the line
 Anchor and backfill the installation
 Clean the site after work

Install new plumbing Fixing appliances  Sort appliances and their

works for swimming pools, and HVAC system attachments
irrigation and HVAC fixtures  Fit appliances according to design
systems in commercial and  Test the installation for leakages and
industrial settings functionality
according to blueprints and
codes.
Perform scheduled and Troubleshooting  Diagnose the fault
unscheduled preventive water main/sub-  Isolate the water supply
service, maintenance, main, swimming  Dismantle the affected component
inspection and site surveys pool and irrigation  Repair/replace it accordingly
as needed by customers. system layouts  Reassemble the component
 Turn on the water supply
 Test the layout for proper
functioning
Treat and distribute water Treating water  Draw water to the settling pond
to customers.  Pump water to the treatment plant

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  Water is taken through the five
stages of treatment i.e chemical
coagulation, flocculation,
sedimentation, filtration and
disinfection.
 Pump water to reservoir
Distributing water  Supply treated water to clients
 Monitor water meters, gauges and
operating conditions.
 Document and track data from
gauges and meter readings
 Manage a system of machines to
transfer/treat water or waste water
 Collect and test sewage and water
samples.


OCCUPATION 3: RESIDENTIAL PLUMBER

Learning outcome: By the end of this module, the trainee should be able to:
 Assemble and pressure test all pipes and fittings for domestic water and drainage
 Install and maintain domestic plumbing fixtures and drainage systems according to
specifications and plumbing codes.
Duty Task Competence
Interpret and review Studying  Retrieve guide of residential plumbing
blueprints and building drawings and symbols
codes and specifications to blue prints  Spread the blue print on a flat surface
determine work details and
procedures.

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  Read the schedules that accompany the
blue print
 Identify symbols for the major domestic
plumbing fixtures, gas lines, sewer/drain
connections or piping for radiant heating.
Determine quantities, Generate bills  Survey the building
specifications, sizes and of quantities  Take measurements
costs of materials.  Identify materials and appliances
required
 Carryout market survey
 Cost the materials
 Procure/receive materials
Lays domestic pipe work for Route design  Survey the building in relation to the
both water supply and and approval blueprint
drainage.  Clear the site
 Take measurements
 Mark the cardinal points
Laying and  Carryout trenching/chiseling
fitting of  Size the materials
domestic pipe  Join the materials using appropriate
work methods e.g fusing using PPR machine,
screwing and couplings, soldering
 Test for flow and fall
 Plaster wall and backfill the trench
Installs domestic appliances Fixing  Sort appliances and their attachments
for cold and hot water appliances  Fit appliances
systems.  Test the installation for leakages
Harvest rain water from Fixing gutters  Select tools and materials
roofs. and down pipes  Establish gradient/fall
 Size the materials

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  Fix gutters and down pipes
 Test for water flow and leakage
Determine sources of Troubleshooting  Diagnose the fault
plumbing malfunctions and domestic  Isolate the supply
complete repairs as indicated systems  Dismantle the affected component
or according to work orders.  Repair/replace
 Reassemble the component part
 Turn on the supply
 Test the domestic layout for proper
functioning
Upholds and promotes safety 
standards.

OCCUPATION 4: SANITARY PLUMBER

Learning outcome: By the end of this module, the trainee should be able to:
 Install sewer lines/drains and sanitary appliances.
 Clean, maintain and repair both residential and commercial sanitary systems.
Duty Task Competence
Interpret drawings, Studying  Retrieve guide of sanitary plumbing
blueprints to determine the drawings and symbols
locations of units. blue prints  Spread the blue print on a flat surface
 Read the schedules that accompany the
blue print

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  Identify symbols for the major sanitary
plumbing fixtures and sewer/drain
connections.
Determine quantities, Generate bills  Make site survey
specifications, sizes and of quantities  Take measurements to ascertain total
costs of materials. length
 Identify the materials to be used
 Carryout market survey to ascertain the
prices
 Cost the materials
 Procure/receive materials
Lay sewer lines/drains and Route design  Survey the structure/site in relation to the
sewage treatment systems. and approval blueprint
 Clear the site
 Take measurements
 Mark cardinal points along the trajectory
Excavation of  Trenching/chiseling/pit excavation
trenches; bio  Ascertain depth and gradient
digester, septic  Timbering to trenches
tank and  Hoarding
cesspool pits
Laying and  Size the materials
fitting of sewer  Join the materials using appropriate
lines/drains method e.g solvent cement and
screwing/coupling e.t.c
 Test the installation for leakages and flow
 Insert warning tape along the sewer pipe
line
 Anchor and backfill the installation

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 Install sanitary appliances Fitting of  Sort the materials and tools
and sewage treatment sanitary  Fix the sanitary fixtures
fixtures. appliances and  Test for leakages and functionality
sewage
treatment
fixtures
Determine sources of Troubleshooting  Diagnose the fault
sanitary malfunctions and sanitary systems  Isolate the supply
complete repairs as indicated  Dismantle the component part
or according to work orders.  Repair/replace
 Reassemble the component part
 Turn on the supply
 Test the layout for proper functioning
Upholds and promotes safety
standards.

OCCUPATVION 5: SERVICE AND REPAIR PLUMBER

Learning outcome: By the end of this module, the trainee should be able to:
 Service and repair water pipes and appliances.
 Maintain and repair drainage and sewage fixtures.
Duty Task Competence
Determine quantities, Generate bills  Make site survey
specifications, sizes and of quantities  Take measurements
costs of materials.  Identify materials
 Carryout market survey
 Cost the materials required
 Procure/receive materials

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Determine sources of Troubleshoot  Diagnose the fault
plumbing malfunctions and defective  Isolate the supply to the defective part
complete repairs as indicated plumbing  Dismantle the component
or according to work orders. systems  Repair/replace the component
 Reassemble the component
 Turn on the supply
 Test the layout for proper functioning
Uphold and promote safety
standards.

Sub-module: Plumbing science

Competences:

Details Training
duration

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