BFPA Level 1 Hydraulics Qualification (HQ1)

The BFPA are developing a three-tier programme of competence based qualifications that will combine the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure a level of assessed competency when maintaining and managing either hydraulic or electro-pneumatic systems.

The Level 1 qualifications have been designed as a progression route from our Level 1 vocational courses. Their aim is to cement the knowledge acquired through the vocational courses and demonstrate that candidates can apply that understanding to a series of practical one to one competence based assessments to achieve the BFPA Level 1 Hydraulics training course.

Practical Assessments cover:

• Recognising component parts of a selected machine and their function
• Checking accumulator pre-charge pressure and establishing the required level
• Carrying out hose maintenance on a hydraulic circuit
• Following established procedures replace a hydraulic valve seal kit or a filter element and associated seal kit

To achieve the Level 1 Hydraulics qualification in addition to the above candidates will be expected to take part in a written examination covering topics such as the basic layout and function of a typical hydraulic circuit, hydraulic pumps, fluid oil reservoirs, pressure flow and direction control, hydraulic actuators and contamination control.