LEV tester qualifications: P601, P602 and P604 explained

The short answer

Your LEV examiner must be competent to do the work. HSE describes competence as knowledge, skills and practical experience combined. Its guidance mentions training courses as examples, but HSE does not require suppliers to hold those particular qualifications.

P601 is the BOHS qualification for thorough examination and testing of local exhaust ventilation systems. It is a common benchmark for testers, rather than a legal requirement. Ask about relevant training and previous work, then request references. HSE says someone with extensive experience may be competent without formal qualifications.

The BOHS LEV qualifications

BOHS offers courses covering basic measurements, examination, design and commissioning. The levels below are those in the BOHS qualifications framework. Each course has its own assessment requirements, which candidates must pass within 12 months.

P603 covers personal protective equipment (PPE), including its selection, use and maintenance. It is not an LEV testing module.

P601 in more detail

P601 aims to give candidates the knowledge and skills to examine and test LEV performance. BOHS places it at level 4 in its own framework. The typical four-day course includes at least 18 hours of teaching and six hours of independent study.

Candidates must be familiar with HSG258, the HSE guide to controlling airborne contaminants at work. BOHS recommends P600 or equivalent first for people without the prior knowledge needed for P601. P600 introduces system components and both visual and measured testing techniques.

The five P601 modules cover workplace control principles, ventilation performance, safety during testing, practical work, and reporting and documentation. Safety during the examination is part of the course, alongside assessing the ventilation itself.

Passing requires four assessment parts within 12 months. These are a practical assessment during the course, a written theory examination, a written practical examination and two workplace report submissions. Those two reports are part of the qualification, so course attendance alone does not complete the assessment.

BOHS says P601 suits anyone responsible for testing and maintaining LEV systems. Its audience includes the designated LEV lead within a company.

BOHS also offers the international IP601 qualification for thorough examination and testing. BOHS describes IP601 as comparable to level 4 in England's Regulated Qualifications Framework and level 5 in the European Qualifications Framework.

P602: LEV design

P602 covers basic design principles and performance evaluation of LEV systems. BOHS places it at level 4 in its own framework. The typical four-day course includes at least 24 learning hours.

It is assessed by a written theory examination and two case studies, which candidates must pass within 12 months. BOHS considers P601 or equivalent learning desirable before P602.

P602 is not the thorough examination and testing qualification. That is P601.

P604: commissioning and management

P604 covers performance evaluation, commissioning and management of LEV systems. BOHS places it at level 5 in its own framework. The typical five-day course includes at least 32 learning hours.

It is assessed by a written examination and a commissioning report, which candidates must pass within 12 months. P604 requires a pass in P601 before attendance.

What happened to ILEVE

The Institute of Local Exhaust Ventilation Engineers (ILEVE) has been dormant since April 2024. CIBSE says this followed a strategic review and consultation with members. It introduced the Workplace Exhaust Ventilation Group to extend its work on workplace ventilation.

HSE's links page describes ILEVE as "mothballed". Some older HSE and CIBSE material still describes ILEVE membership and competency cards. The older CIBSE leaflet linked grades to assessed disciplines and experience. It described cards as being issued yearly, with continuing professional development needed to maintain status.

Whether existing cards or grades are still issued or renewed after April 2024 is not known. Do not use an ILEVE card as a current booking requirement. Ask instead for evidence of the tester's qualifications, experience and previous work, as HSE advises.

A qualification is not the same as competence

HSE's FAQ says: "A training course by itself will not make a person competent". It defines competence through the knowledge, skills and experience needed to do an effective, reliable job. A course is only one part of that evidence.

HSG258 paragraph 26 relates competence to the particular job a person is employed to do. They need sufficient training, knowledge and experience for that work. Paragraph 28 says complex work needs recognised, appropriate qualifications and much greater knowledge. It also requires demonstrated success in applying that knowledge to varied problems.

For testing, HSE expects an examiner to understand the legal requirements and recognise damaged parts during inspection. They must also recognise poor performance from measurements and the assessment methods used. Ask how their experience relates to the work you need.

For a firm, UKAS accreditation provides another form of evidence. HSG258 says accreditation for LEV commissioning or thorough examination and testing shows UKAS has audited the body's technical competence. Check which work the accreditation covers when discussing your requirements.

What to ask an LEV tester

HSE advises describing the work you need and getting more than one quote. Use its questions to check the person's background and how they will assess your extraction.

1. Write a short description of the job and give it to each prospective tester. Ask about relevant qualifications, training and previous work.
2. Ask which types of LEV system they have worked with. Request references or testimonials showing their experience.
3. Ask whether the information you have is enough to assess the system. HSE says a good examiner can tell you this beforehand.
4. Ask how they will demonstrate adequate control. HSE advises using the commissioning report or equivalent information and the relevant assessment techniques.
5. Read the examination report when it arrives. Ask the examiner to explain anything unclear, and act on the recommendations.