Trade licensing
Plumbing Licence: qualification and requirements
Plumbing, drainage and gas fitting are licensed in every state and territory. Regulators set strict rules on supervised experience and often require an exam or further assessment on top of the Certificate III in Plumbing.
CPC32420CPC40920
What a plumbing licence generally covers
- Water supply and sanitary plumbing
- Drainage
- Gas fitting (separate endorsement)
- Roof plumbing
The exact scope of work, job-value thresholds and licence classes differ in each state and territory.
Qualifications commonly used
CPC32420Certificate IIICertificate III in Plumbing
The trade qualification for plumbers covering water, sanitary, drainage, roofing and gas work. Plumbing is tightly regulated, so RTOs apply strict evidence rules.
CPC40920Certificate IVCertificate IV in Plumbing and Services
For licensed plumbers moving into contracting, design or supervision.
Where to apply
| State | Licensing authority | |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Building Commission NSW / NSW Fair Trading | Official site ↗ |
| VIC | Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly VBA) | Official site ↗ |
| QLD | Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) | Official site ↗ |
| WA | Building and Energy (WA Government) | Official site ↗ |
| SA | Consumer and Business Services (CBS) | Official site ↗ |
| TAS | Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) | Official site ↗ |
| ACT | Access Canberra | Official site ↗ |
| NT | NT Building Practitioners Board | Official site ↗ |
Requirements change. Confirm the current rules with the regulator before applying. We help with the qualification only; we do not issue licences or guarantee a licence outcome.
Plumbing Licence FAQs
What qualification do I need for a plumbing licence?
Regulators most commonly list CPC32420 or CPC40920 as the technical qualification. Some states accept alternatives or add extra units, so confirm with the regulator in the state where you will work.
Can I get that qualification through RPL?
If you have solid, verifiable experience in the trade, yes. A partner RTO assesses your evidence against each unit. Some regulators set additional rules about how the qualification was gained, which we will flag during your skills check.
Does the qualification guarantee a licence?
No. The qualification is one requirement. The regulator also assesses your experience, identity and other criteria and makes the decision.
Is my licence valid in other states?
Many trade licences are covered by mutual recognition or automatic mutual recognition between states, but there are exceptions. Check with the regulator in the state you are moving to.
Find out what your experience is worth
The skills check is free, takes about a minute and puts you under no obligation.