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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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.
There are three certificates available before applying for your plumbing licence. These are:
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.
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:
You need certifications from your RTO and a valid licence to work legally as a plumber in Australia.
Becoming a qualified plumber generally takes around 4 years. Here's how long each part commonly takes:
Need help finding a plumbing apprenticeship? Check out:
For more on becoming a plumber in Australia, check out:
Each state or territory manages plumbing licences slightly differently, but the process generally looks like this:
| State/Territory | Licensing Board / Application Link |
|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | NSW Fair Trading – Plumbing, Draining & Gasfitting |
| Victoria (VIC) | Victorian Building Authority – Plumbing Licences |
| Queensland (QLD) | Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) |
| Western Australia (WA) | WA Plumbers Licensing Board |
| South Australia (SA) | Consumer and Business Services – Plumbers Licensing |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Consumer, Building and Occupational Services Tasmania |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | ACT Government – Access Canberra (Plumbers Licensing) |
| Northern Territory (NT) | NT Government – Building Practitioners Board |
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.
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:
Working without a plumbing licence carries significant risks for both individuals and businesses. Unlicensed plumbers may:
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