How to Get a Plumbing Licence in Australia

If you want to work as a plumber in Australia, you’ll need a plumbing licence. Even if you’ve got hands-on experience or have completed training, you can’t legally do plumbing work without a licence (and let’s be honest, it’s unlikely anyone would risk hiring you without it).

Getting a plumbing licence in Australia involves onsite training, passing your certificates and submitting your application to the licensing board. Whether your goal is to work on your own, subcontract or start your own plumbing business, getting licensed is the first step. It shows you're trained, up to date with industry standards, and legally protected if anything goes wrong on the job.

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1. What’s the difference between a plumbing licence and plumbing certification in Australia?
2. How long does it take to get a plumbing licence in Australia?
   
3. How to apply for a plumbing licence in each Australian state or territory
   
4. Do you need a plumbing licence to run a business in Australia?
   
5. Is it easy to get a plumbing licence in Australia?
6. What are the risks of working without a plumbing licence?

1. What’s the difference between a plumbing licence and plumbing certificates in Australia?

In Australia, plumbing certificates are earned through a mix of theoretical work and onsite training and are the first steps to gaining your licence. A plumbing licence is issued by your state authority and gives you legal permission to perform plumbing work unsupervised and run your own plumbing business. 

Plumbing Certification

There are three certificates available before applying for your plumbing licence. These are:

• Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) — While this is optional, it shows your dedication to your career early on and helps you begin your apprentice with a solid understandings of basic plumbing principles. 
• Certificate III in Plumbing —This is required to become a registered plumber and shows you have completed your apprenticeship. Once you receive this certificate, you can begin work as a plumber under supervision. 
• Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services —This is required in most states to become a licensed plumber or plumbing contractor.

These certificates are issued by your Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and show you've understood the course material and are ready to work as a plumber. 

Plumbing Licence

Once you’ve completed the necessary certificates and gained on-the-job experience, you’ll need to apply for a licence through your state or territory’s licensing board. This licence gives you the legal right to:

• Carry out plumbing work independently.
• Supervise apprentices and registered plumbers.
• Issue compliance certificates.
• Run your own plumbing business.

You need certifications from your RTO and a valid licence to work legally as a plumber in Australia.

2. How long does it take to get a plumbing licence in Australia?

Becoming a qualified plumber generally takes around 4 years. Here's how long each part commonly takes:

• Step 1: Complete a Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship). This will take between 3-6 months. 
• Step 2: Begin a Certificate III in Plumbing as part of a 4-year apprenticeship with a licensed plumber or plumbing business.
• Step 3: Once you finish your apprenticeship and Cert III, you can apply to become a Registered Plumber in your state or territory. This application and approval process varies by state but typically takes between a few weeks and a few months.
• Step 4: Complete a Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services if you want to become a Licensed Plumber, supervise others, or run your own business. It will take between 6-12 months. 

Need help finding a plumbing apprenticeship? Check out:

• Australian Apprenticeships
  

For more on becoming a plumber in Australia, check out:

• How to Become a Plumber in Australia

3. How to apply for a plumbing licence in each Australian state or territory

Each state or territory manages plumbing licences slightly differently, but the process generally looks like this:

Step-by-step licensing process:

1. Finish your Certificate III in Plumbing via an apprenticeship.
2. Get registered as a plumber in your state.
3. Complete Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services.
4. Apply for a plumbing licence with your state or territory authority.
5. Submit proof of practical experience, qualifications, and in some cases pass exams.
6. Get your plumbing licence — congratulations, you can now work independently, supervise, and issue compliance certificates!

4. Do you need a plumbing licence to run a business in Australia?

Yes. If you want to quote on jobs, issue compliance certificates, or supervise staff, you need a licensed plumber’s licence, not just a Certificate III or registration. Running a plumbing business without a licence is illegal and will likely result in fines or serious legal action.

5. Is it easy to get a plumbing licence in Australia?

It takes hard work, time and dedication to get licensed as a plumber. But it’s achievable with the right mindset and support. Before starting the process to get your plumbing licence, consider the following benefits and challenges: 

Common challenges:

• Time commitment – The apprenticeship and training process can take 4+ years.
• Finding an employer – Getting a plumbing apprenticeship with a licensed plumber or plumbing business can be competitive.
• Balancing work and study – Apprentices juggle on-site learning with classroom training and assessments.
• Staying compliant – Plumbing is highly regulated, and keeping up with local codes and compliance requirements is part of the job.

Benefits of getting licensed:

• Job security – Licensed plumbers are always in demand across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
• Good earning potential – Qualified and licensed plumbers often earn well above the national average.
• Independence – A full licence opens the door to running your own business, quoting for jobs, and supervising others.
• Clear career path – Once you’re qualified, you can specialise in areas like gasfitting, roofing, drainage, or fire protection.

6. What are the risks of working without a plumbing licence?

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