Without a licence, you're not legally recognised as a plumber in New Zealand, no matter how long you've been on the tools. Getting licensed is what gives you the right to operate, whether you’re planning to contract, become an employee, or grow a plumbing business. It proves you’ve got the skills to get the job done, know how to follow NZ industry standards, and are covered if something goes wrong.
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- How do you get a plumbing licence in New Zealand?
- Do you need a plumbing licence to run a plumbing business?
- How long does it take to get licensed as a plumber?
- What are the risks of working without a plumbing licence?
1. How do you get a plumbing licence in New Zealand?
Plumbing licenses in New Zealand are overseen by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). To get a plumbing licence in New Zealand you’ll need to prove both your practical skills and theoretical knowledge before you can legally work unsupervised.
Step 1: Enrol in the right qualification
Step 2: Register with the PGDB
- As an apprentice, you'll register under the Restricted class and work under supervision.
- Once you’ve completed your training and assessments, you can apply for registration in one of the official classes:
- Tradesperson (Licensed Plumber): Here, you can work independently but still needs a certifying plumber to sign off work.
- Certifying Plumber : You can now supervise, certify work, and run a plumbing business!
Step 3: Get your practising licence
Step 4: Stay compliant
- Don't be silly! If you do something out of your scope and something goes wrong, you'll lose your licence and be liable.
- Only carry out the type of work you’re licensed for.
- Keep up with training and regulations.
- Renew your licence every year through the portal here.
2. Do you need a plumbing licence to run a plumbing business?
Yes, if you want to operate a plumbing business in New Zealand, you need the right licence. Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2023, only licensed people can legally carry out or supervise plumbing work.
To run a business, you must hold a Certifying Plumber licence. This is the highest level of licence and gives you the authority to:
- Supervise other plumbers
- Certify and sign off work
- Quote for and contract plumbing jobs
- Take legal responsibility for compliance and safety
Running a business without this licence is an offence. Both individuals and companies can face hefty fines if they employ or allow unlicensed people to do plumbing work.
3. How long does it take to get licensed as a plumber?
It takes about 3-5 years to get become a Licensed Plumber, and around 5-7 years to become a Certifying Plumber, able to supervise and run a business.
Step-by-step
- (Optional) Complete a pre-trade course – 6–12 months to build the basics and help secure an apprenticeship.
- Sign an apprenticeship and register as a trainee. You will begin the New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing (Level 4). This will take roughly:
- Plumbing only: about 36 months.
- Plumbing + Drainlaying: about 42 months.
- Plumbing + Gasfitting: about 48 months.
- Plumbing + Gasfitting + Drainlaying: about 60 months (5 years).
- To finish your apprentice you will need to complete block courses and on-the-job training, log hours and work under a licensed supervisor.
- Sit the Tradesperson exam. This required for registration as a Licensed Plumber.
- Register with the PGDB and obtain a practising licence. At this stage you are a Licensed Plumber!
- Work as a Licensed Plumber for at least 24 months, maintain your practising licence each year.
- Sit the Certifying exam . You will then apply to upgrade to Certifying Plumber status!
- Finally, don't forget to maintain your practising licence. This renews annually (the licensing cycle is 1 April to 31 March.
4. What are the risks of working without a plumbing licence in NZ?
Working as a plumber without the proper licence is against the law. The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2023 sets out strict penalties to protect public health and safety:
- Doing restricted work without a licence is an offence. Anyone caught installing or supervising sanitary plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying without authorisation can face fines of up to $10,000 for individuals or $250,000 for companies.
- Employers need the right licence too. Running a plumbing business without an employer licence, or failing to comply with its conditions, can lead to fines of $50,000 personally or $250,000 as a business.
- Pretending to be licensed is also illegal. It’s an offence to suggest you’re registered or to use someone else’s licence to carry out work.
In short, without the right licence, you risk heavy fines, reputational damage, and even having your business shut down.