Joining APICS
Who can join APICS?
Anyone involved in the Chimney Sweep industry is welcome to attend our meetings.
Anyone can attend up to three meetings before we would expect you to join The Association of Professional and Independent Chimney Sweeps, or to stop attending.
Only full members can speak and vote at the APICS AGM.
A Joining Fee is required and yearly subscriptions will be pro-rata until the full yearly subscription is due.
Apply to become a member of APICS
Benefits of joining APICS
- Regular meetings to keep you up to date with legislation, regulations and new technology and equipment.
- We intermediate if there is a problem between you and a customer
- Photo ID given
- Once HETAS approved you will be able to work with local authorities
- You can advertised you are a qualified chimney sweep
- We promote you to bring you more work
Apply to become a member of APICS
What Qualifications are needed?
Registered Chimney Sweeps:
If you have already been assessed and accepted by another chimney sweep organisation such as The Guild or NACS you can join APICS, but will still be required to go through the assessment process.
If you are an HETAS Registered Chimney SWEEP your sweep number will be required (not installers). You will then be required to go through the APICS Application process.
New To Chimney Sweeping:
- Introductory course to Chimney Sweeping (if no working experience)
- APICS assessment in chimney sweeping competency
- APICS membership - awaiting HETAS registration
- HETAS registration - HETAS Solid Fuel Awareness Course Certificate
- APICS Full Membership - Photo ID issued
Apply to become a member of APICS
Assessment
You will be required to complete an application form, and produce a current CV with two references. You will also need to provide evidence that you hold valid public liability insurance and proof of passing the HETAS Awareness Course.
Your assessment will be conducted by three committee members, one of whom will carry out the assessment, and two who will interview you.
Assessment will be carried out in your area and you will be expected to demonstrate your expertise on at least four different types of flue/appliance.
Your van will need to be inspected to ensure that it complies with APICS Equipment List; you will be supplied with this list.
You will be vetted by two Committee Members whenever possible. Your completed application form, and any other paperwork, will then be assessed at a management meeting, and a decision made concerning your suitability.
Any member who lives in close proximity (30 miles radius) to you will not be involved in the assessment interview.
If you fail the assessment process twice, your application to join APICS will regrettable be rejected. Committee members involved in the first assessment would not officiate at the second assessment.
NACS or Guild Members (current or otherwise) who wish to join and have been assessed by their associations and hold the required HETAS registration will still need to go through the same application process as new chimney sweeps, and may be required to complete part or all of the assessment procedures. This will be at the discretion of APICS and an assessment fee of £400.00 will be charged accordingly.
A photo ID card will be issued to you once you have been accepted into The Association of Professional and Independent Chimney Sweeps.
In the event of a complaint, accident of where APICS sees fit, we reserve the right to reassess any member at any time at the members own expense.
Apply to become a member of APICS
