Get your plumbing licence.
Plumbing in NSW needs a licence whatever the job is worth, and the rules are strict. If you have the paid years behind you, we help you get your qualifications recognised and apply.
- What NSW asks for
- A Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920) and two years’ paid experience to contract, or a Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420) to work supervised
What the licence lets you do.
Without a contractor licence, a plumber can only work under someone else’s supervision. With your own, you quote the job, sign it off and keep the margin.
- Contract plumbing work in your own name, on homes, shops and factories.
- Supervise apprentices, and sign off the work of tradesperson certificate holders.
- Add draining and gasfitting as separate categories when you qualify for them.
- Price the job, hire your own team and build a business with your name on it.
Your name on the sign.
It stays on your screen. Nothing is sent or saved.
Who qualifies.
Building Commission NSW issues plumbing licences one category at a time. To contract, it looks for a higher qualification and proof of paid work in the trade.
A Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920) for the plumbing category. Draining and gasfitting each ask for the Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420) plus extra units.
At least two years of paid work as an employee, confirmed by referees. Without an apprenticeship, the years only count from the date your Certificate III was issued.
A licence for each category you work in: plumbing, water plumbing, draining, gasfitting.
A National Police Check issued in the four months before you apply.
Worth knowing: The Certificate III alone can get you a tradesperson certificate, to work supervised.
Other states and territories set their own rules. Tell us where you work, and we’ll check them for you.
Ask about your stateYour documents.
Tick off what you already have. We’ll help you with the rest.
0 of 10 ready
From your first call to your licence.
How it usually goes. Your case may skip a step, or need one we’ll explain at the start.
Free eligibility check
Tell us about your plumbing work and how you were paid. We’ll tell you which certificate or licence is realistic now, and what it costs.
Your evidence pack
We help you gather payslips and referee statements, and check your paid years against the rules before you apply.
Assessment by an RTO
A registered training organisation assesses you for the Certificate III or IV, plus any draining or gas units. Some units may need practical tasks, and gaps may need training.
Your licence application
We prepare your application to Building Commission NSW for each category you need, with the referee statements in place.
Licensed
Once it’s approved, you can contract plumbing work in your own name, in the categories on your licence.
Questions people ask us.
Something else on your mind?
Ask us on WhatsAppDo I need a licence for small jobs?
Yes. In NSW, plumbing, draining and gasfitting need a licence or certificate whatever the job costs, on homes, shops and factories alike. The $5,000 limit that other trades work to doesn’t apply here.
Can recognition of prior learning get me a contractor licence?
It can get you the qualifications. It can’t replace the two years of paid work as an employee that NSW asks for. If you didn’t do an apprenticeship, those years start from the date of your Certificate III.
Are plumbing, draining and gasfitting one licence?
No. Each is its own category, and you need a licence for every one you work in. You can apply for several at once. Draining and gasfitting each need extra units on top of the Certificate III.
I trained as a plumber overseas. Can I work in NSW?
NSW doesn’t accept overseas qualifications for a licence. There’s a separate path for overseas-trained plumbers, starting with a skills assessment by a provider approved by Trades Recognition Australia. Tell us your history and we’ll explain your options.
How long does it take, and what does it cost?
Your work history decides which route fits, so we look at that first. The free check ends with the full cost and a realistic timeframe for your case.
I plumb in another state. Can you help?
Yes. Every state requires plumbers to be licensed, and each has its own rules. Tell us where you work and we’ll check what that state needs from you.
Check your plumbing experience for free.
Tell us what you’ve built and for how long. We’ll tell you where you stand, what’s missing, and what it costs.