Plumbing exams

Who needs to complete a BPC exam?

For each class of plumbing work, you are required to complete a BPC exam. There are exams at both registration and licence level.

For each class and level that you intend to apply for, you must be able to:

• Look up and interpret the permitted assessment reference materials.
• Perform common tasks in a safe and compliant manner.

Types of exams

There are 2 broad types of exams: theory and practical.

If you are required to complete both a theory and a practical exam, you must successfully complete the theory exam first.

Theory exams

• Based on the prescribed units of competency.
• Require you to look up and interpret the relevant reference materials, perform calculations, and read and interpret drawings.
• Contain a mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions - some exams require you to mark-up drawings and plans.

Practical exams

• Perform common practical plumbing tasks relevant to each class.
• As you complete each task, check and test (where applicable) your task before calling your examiner over.

Registration exams

Apprentice registration exams – main classes

If you are completing a relevant apprenticeship in Victoria, you will typically undertake your registration exam upon completion of your course.

If you did not complete your apprenticeship in Victoria, submit your application and the BPC will schedule your exam(s).

The following outlines the exams you will complete by apprenticeship:

Non-apprentice registration exams – main and restricted classes

If you have not completed the prescribed Australian apprenticeship for the class(es) you are applying for, you will need to successfully complete a theory exam then a practical exam:

• Main classes
  typically consist of 3 to 4 common practical tasks
• Restricted classes
  typically consist of 1 to 2 common practical tasks.

Type B Gasfitting exams

Provisional registration

You will attend an interview with representatives from the BPC and Energy Safe Victoria (ESV). This is a discussion about your experience and will confirm:

• that your nominated supervisor is suitable to be your mentor
• any restrictions that are site or appliance type specific.

Registration

You will need to successfully complete a theory exam and then attend another interview with representatives from the BPC and ESV. This is to confirm your experience based on information you provide in your logbook.

Registration exams – specialised classes

Specialised classes require both a theory and practical exam.

Licence exams

Each class requires the successful completion of one or more licence theory exams.

Before you apply for a licence, you must:

• Be registered (or be eligible to be registered) in the relevant class(es)
• Complete the prescribed licence units relevant to the class(es).

Exam scheduling and location

Where did you complete your training?

Victorian TAFE or Master Plumbers Victoria

Your BPC exams will normally be scheduled upon completion of your course by your training provider at their exam centre.

Elsewhere

You need to submit an application. Once we establish that you satisfy the eligibility requirements, we will schedule your exam(s). Typically, we will notify you of your exam dates and location in writing with two weeks’ notice. Your exam booking will be confirmed once you have paid your exam fee to the BPC.

If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, you must notify the BPC within 3 working days. Your exam will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

You should only apply for each class and level when you are ready to sit exams.

What you must bring to your exam

On the day, bring:

• Relevant copies of the permitted assessment materials
• Current photo identification (eg. Driver’s licence, passport etc).

If you are undertaking a practical exam, ensure you:

• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
• Bring relevant tools that are in good working order
• Bring relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

After you sit an exam

Exam results

Your exam results will typically be emailed to you within 2 to 4 weeks.

If you did your exam at a Victorian TAFE or Master Plumbers Victoria, please allow extra time for your exams to be posted to the BPC.

What happens if you don’t pass?

You will be notified in writing that you have not passed and be advised of the next steps you need to undertake.

Theory exam

You can only re-sit a theory exam if you meet both of the following conditions:

• You have already completed the prescribed education requirements
• Your exam result was 50% or greater.

If you don’t meet both of the above criteria, your application will be refused and you need to reapply. When you reapply, you are required to provide written evidence that you have undertaken steps to address your knowledge gaps by one of the following methods:

• Completed the prescribed education requirements
• Undertaken additional coaching or mentoring from a plumbing practitioner licensed in the class(es) applied for.

We will provide you with a formal notification outlining what you must provide as evidence.

Practical exam

If you have completed the prescribed training, you may re-attempt. Please note, you will pay an exam fee for each attempt.

Useful links

• Apply for a plumbing registration or licence
• Prescribed units
• Permitted assessment materials
• BPC plumbing fees