It covers what Legionella is and how infection happens, legal obligations, how to carry out a risk assessment, hot and cold water systems (and sometimes solar hot water or spa/hot-tub systems), disinfection and treatment methods, and record-keeping.

It gives practical instruction on assessing risks and recommending control measures, not just theory.

You must already hold a Water Regulations qualification (i.e. be qualified in or familiar with water regulations) to enrol. More generally, plumbing and maintenance professionals, especially those working on domestic or small-scale hot/cold water systems, are typical candidates.

Strictly speaking, you don’t legally need to hold a specific “Legionella course certificate” to perform plumbing or water-system work.

However, if you are, or become, the “responsible person”, or offer to carry out risk assessments, you need to be competent.

Without certified training, it’s extremely difficult to demonstrate that competence to regulators or clients.

• Extends your scope of services: you can offer risk assessments and disinfection — an extra skill set beyond standard plumbing.
• Improves compliance: you’ll understand the key regulations and guidance (e.g. ACoP L8 / HSG274), which helps you design and maintain water systems properly.
• Reduces liability and risk: being trained makes you better placed to avoid design/maintenance mistakes that might lead to Legionella growth and liability for outbreaks.
• Offers credibility with clients — landlords, property managers, housing associations, or commercial customers may prefer a plumber who is “Legionella-trained.”

Yes — disinfection and treatment methods are part of the course content.

The course teaches how to disinfect domestic water systems appropriately, which is a useful practical skill to offer to clients.

It’s aligned with the guidance of the HSE, including ACoP L8 and HSG274 (or equivalent standards/regulations for water system safety in the UK).

You’ll learn how to carry out and document a “suitable and sufficient” risk assessment (as required by law for those responsible for water systems) and set up a control scheme.

Yes. The course is aimed at domestic water systems (not just commercial).

Given many domestic properties (especially those with storage tanks, older pipework, seldom-used outlets, etc.) may have Legionella risk, having this knowledge adds value.

Possibly. While the training isn’t legally mandatory, complying with regulations and guidance (ACoP L8 / HSG274) is. If you don’t follow that guidance or can’t prove competence, you (or your client) could be at risk of legal or civil repercussions.

Not investing in formal training may also make it hard to demonstrate due diligence or professional standards to clients, landlords, or auditors.