JIB-PMES - Joint Industry Board for PMES
The Joint Industry Board for Plumbing Mechanical Engineering Services (JIB-PMES) operates the registration card scheme used by plumbers, gas engineers, heating fitters and mechanical pipefitters across England and Wales. The familiar JIB-PMES CSCS card is how you demonstrate that you are suitably qualified on most construction sites.
What JIB-PMES does
JIB-PMES maintains a register of qualified PMES operatives, and administers the National Working Rule Agreement (pay rates, working conditions, holidays).
Who needs it
If you work on construction sites in England and Wales, you need a JIB-PMES CSCS card. It's the standard credential to demonstrate that you've passed the Health, Safety & Environment test and hold the qualifications required for your trade.
Card system
- Green - Labourer
- Red - Apprentice, Trainee, Work Placement or Experienced Worker (provisional)
- Blue - Trained operative at NVQ Level 2 or equivalent (Plumber, Gas Operative, Mechanical Pipefitter, Heating Fitter, etc.)
- Gold – NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) qualified operative (Plumber, Gas Operative, Mechanical Pipefitter, Heating Fitter, etc.)
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Black - PMES Manager (Evidence of 1 year's management experience and an appropriate Level 4 or higher PMES and/or Managerial related N/SVQ or equivalent qualification or gold cars plus higher level H&S training)
Grading
Grading sits on top of card colour: Basic → Advanced (2+ years' experience, able to work unsupervised, technical knowledge) → Technician (superior technical and supervisory skill to Advanced, able to lay out and price contract work).
ProTech's perspective
Your JIB-PMES card is non-negotiable for site-based plumbing and heating work. Once you have your qualifications, applying for the right card is straightforward. If you're looking to upgrade to a black card, we offer qualifications and assessments to get you to that level and keep you there.