Apply for a plumbing licence

A licensed plumber is expected to have additional knowledge and experience compared to a plumber who holds registration.

Before you apply, ensure that you understand your obligations as a licensed plumber and which registration or licence you need.

You may apply for a licence in one class, multiple classes or all classes you are registered in.

To become licensed in a class of plumbing, you must satisfy the following for each class you intend to apply for:

• Hold registration (or be eligible to hold registration)
• Hold the required additional practical experience (varies by class)
• Hold the prescribed units for licence you are applying for (see prescribed units)
• Successfully complete the relevant licence exam.
• Hold insurance (see plumbing insurance requirements).

Licence eligibility requirements

To find out the specific eligibility requirements for one or more classes of plumbing work, click the relevant class link(s) in the three sections below:

Main classes

Information on the pathways for each main class are outlined in the links below:

• Drainage
• Gasfitting
• Irrigation (non-agricultural)
• Mechanical services
• Roofing (stormwater)
• Sanitary
• Water supply
• Fire protection
• Refrigerated air conditioning
• Type B gasfitting

Restricted classes

Information on the pathways for each restricted class are outlined in the links below:

• Mechanical Services – restricted to single head split systems
• Mechanical Services – restricted to duct fixing
• Mechanical Services – restricted to solid fuel heaters
• Roofing (stormwater) – restricted to class 10a buildings
• Fire protection – restricted to the routine servicing of fire hose reels work
• Fire Protection – restricted to the routine servicing of unpumped hydrants and valves work
• Refrigerated air-conditioning – restricted to split system heat pump water heaters

Specialised classes

Information on the pathways for each specialised class are outlined in the links below:

• Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV)
• Backflow prevention
• Type A - appliance conversion
• Type A - appliance servicing
• Type B - gasfitting advanced

Licence application forms

Choose an application form below for the classes of plumbing work that you are seeking to become licensed in.

By choosing the correct pathway and application form, it ensures that we receive all required information and can process your application quicker.

Please save and complete the application on your computer (do not handwrite as it will take longer to process).

Submit your application

Please email your completed licence application (with all required attachments) to plumbingreg@bpc.vic.gov.au.

Applications submitted via email should be in PDF format (all pages in a single document) and not an image file.

To avoid delays, please complete the application correctly and attach all necessary documentation.

Application fees

You are required to pay an application fee at the time of submitting your application. The application fee is non-refundable.

If you are eligible for licence, you will be required to pay a licence fee before we can grant your application. This fee is in addition to your application fee.

If you already hold a licence as a plumbing practitioner and are adding an additional class to your exisitng accreditation, you will only need to pay the application fee. No further licence fee will be required.

Visit the plumbing fees webpage for more information.

After you apply

We will review your application to determine if you meet the requirements for licence in the classes that you have sought. We may ask you for further information via email about the information contained in your application. To avoid delays, please complete the application correctly and attach all necessary documentation.

If you haven’t completed the required Licence Exams, we will ask you to pay your licence exam fee and then schedule a time for you to sit them. For information on exam fees visit the plumbing fees web page.

Evidence of insurance

If we are satisfied that you have met all requirements to be granted licence in one or more classes, we will email you to request that you provide proof that you hold a Certificate of Currency for insurance.

It must state that it complies with all requirements of the relevant Victorian Insurance Ministerial Orders, including this gazette order.

For further information regarding insurance, please refer to plumbing insurance requirements.

If you already hold the required insurance, you may provide your Certificate of Currency when you submit your application.

If your application is approved

You will receive a decision letter from us via email. This letter will advise the classes of licence you have been approved to hold and any conditions imposed (if applicable).

You will receive a copy of your practitioner card in the post within 3 to 4 weeks. Your details will also be updated in the practitioner register.

If your application is refused

We will notify you in writing and outline the reasons why your application was unsuccessful.

You may reapply at a later date. In your subsequent application, you will need to demonstrate that you have addressed the gaps that caused your previous application to be refused.

You have the right to appeal the decision by applying to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) if you disagree with our decision. To apply for a review of the decision, phone VCAT on (03) 9628 9755.

Useful links

• Apply for a plumbing registration
• Prescribed units
• Plumbing exams
• Permitted assessment materials
• Plumbing fees