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Building- Construction -Electrical Licence - Qualify Me Sydney Trades Qualification

How to Get a Plumbing Licence in NSW

Are you wondering how to receive plumbing licensing in NSW, Australia?

If you are, then you should know there's a combination of training, certifications, and apprenticeships to take to become a plumber. If you want to work with gas fittings, plumbing, and drainage, you will have to learn new skills to understand how plumbing works.

Becoming a licensed plumber in NSW is different from other states in Australia, so you must take specific courses meant for this area.

Continue reading to find out the necessary steps to take to gain plumbing licensing in NSW.

What Are the Qualifications to Receive Your Plumbing Licence in NSW

If you hope to get a plumbing license in NSW, you must first get a certificate III in Plumbing qualification. The training course also consists of specific subjects and electives that help the student to become trained in a particular trade. In addition, individuals will also get real-life experience working as an apprentice with a supervisor on the various aspects of plumbing.

What Are the Different Kinds of Plumbing Licences

Applicants for a plumbing licence in NSW can choose from a range of different specialisations. The following are examples of specialist jobs: RBL plumbing, gas fitting, and draining. Below are the main types of plumbing licenses you

 Licensed Plumbing Supervisor 

A person with this license can supervise and perform the plumbing work listed on the certificate. As a supervisor, you will have to determine the cost of plumbing problems, obtain materials necessary to complete the job and make stretches for plumbing layouts. With this license, individuals can only hire others to work for them, not companies. 

Endorsed Licensed Contractor 

Those who obtain an endorsed contractor licence have the right to hire individual plumbers. Therefore, it is necessary to meet the qualifications, experience, and skills associated with obtaining this license. 

Someone with a plumbing licence working as a contractor will work with new construction and remodel old plumbing. You will also handle plumbing dealing with a water supply and septic systems. A licensed, endorsed contractor can also perform qualified supervisory work. 

Tradesperson Certificate

With a tradespeople certificate, a person can perform work such as plumbing, drainage, and gas fitting. You can also install, repair, and maintain water and sewer lines as a plumber with a tradesperson certificate. In addition, installing pipes for sprinkler systems or assembling ductwork and plumbing parts may be a part of the job.

However, they cannot sign off on work without supervision. Therefore, someone with a supervisor's or contractor's licence will be required to supervise and sign off any individual's work.

What Steps Should I Take if I Want to Specialise in a Particular Area of Plumbing

If there's a specific area of plumbing you would like to specialise in, then it will require you to take certain plumbing qualifications. Below are the requirements for some plumbing license specialisation.

Plumbing, Gas Fitting, and Drainage

As a licensed plumber who is certified to work in these three areas, you will work with the water plumbing supply system, sewage, wastewater management, and sanitary plumbing. You will need a plumbing certificate III or work under a supervisor plumber during an apprenticeship to specialise.

Water Plumbing

A licensed plumber who specialises in water plumbing works with water supply systems. They also work with pipes and fittings connecting to water mains and sewage or wastewater systems. You will need a plumbing certificate III or gain experience from an apprenticeship to specialise in water plumbing.

Water Plumbing for Fire Protection Systems

Someone who has a plumbing license and specialises in fire protection systems may also work within the fire service. Often people who work within the fire service work with the plumbing and drainage systems.

For example, you will need to know how to work with the fire sprinkler system and be able to connect to the water mains. For you to specialise within this area, you will need a certificate III in fire protection or gain experience in an apprenticeship.

Water Plumbing in Urban Irrigation

Someone with plumbing licensing in NSW will work on the irrigation systems within the urban environments. You will install water lines to homes and businesses, inspect water systems, and fix plumbing issues. To specialise in this area, you will need to receive a certificate ll in urban irrigation.

You can also take the route of specialising within the areas of drainage and gas fitting work. For example, someone with licensing plumbing who specialises in drainage will remove and clean the wastewater from a house or business.

A licensed plumber who specialises in gas fitting will install, extend, and repair gas systems. If you would like to specialise in drainage work or gas fitting work, you will need to receive a certificate III take the suitable courses for it, and gain experience through an apprenticeship.

How Do I Apply for the Plumbing Licensing in NSW

After you undertake your required plumbing qualifications, such as CPC40920 - Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services, you may obtain your plumbing licence by completing an application and paying their fees to Service NSW. Below are the details and forms necessary for those who wish to obtain a plumbing licence in NSW:

  • The application form and checklist
  • Current and previous plumbing licenses details
  • Originals of any certifications and qualifications, for example, any apprenticeships you have completed
  • Work experience and employment details 
  • Details of criminal offences or insolvency
  • Proof of identity or passport picture

You should also keep in mind the fees and payment when trying to receive a plumbing licence. The amount you pay depends on how long you would want to be a licence for.   

Receiving a plumbing licence is the best thing you can do to turn yourself from an employee into a business person. Read more here if you would like to read how tradesman coach Dale has helped someone else turn into a skilled business person.

What About Migrant Plumbers and RPL in Plumbing

If you're migrating to Australia wishing to gain a plumbing license, you will need to receive a Plumber skills assessment and Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR). You will need the plumbing skills assessment for your visa application and the OTSR to obtain your provisional license. 

Keep in mind you can only work under supervision with a provisional licence. You must find a Plumber employer after receiving your provisional license so you can work for them as a Plumber for 12 months. After this step, you can start on your Plumber GAP Training program.

Also, there are different requirements for each state and territory in Australia to take to receive your plumbing license. Therefore, you should contact the NSW Office of Fair Trading to apply for your Plumber provisional license.

The next step is to gain your RPL in plumbing, which we at Qualify Me can help you with. You don't know what an RPL is? It stands for Recognition of Prior Learning, and our course enables you to turn your prior skills in plumbing into becoming nationally accredited by Australia. 

It is excellent for those from another country who want to utilise their plumbing skills within the NSW area. We take the time to look at your prior experiences and qualifications to help prevent you from having to retake training you may have already received. 

After you receive your RPL in plumbing, you will be able to apply for your NSW plumbing license. Of course, we have a blog post on how an RPL can elevate your career. Come read out how here.

How Much Can I Make With My Plumbing Licensing in NSW

We know you are wondering how much you can make as a plumber within the NSW area. According to Indeed, someone with a plumbing licensing can make $42 an hour at least. This figure increases sharply if you are a sole trader who sub contracts or own your own plumbing business.

As you can see, earning a skilled trade can be a better investment than attending college to earn a degree. However, when you attend college, you will have to spend four years or more to receive a degree. Also, you will rank in a large amount of college debt that you will have to spend most of your life paying back.

When you receive a trade skill, you spend less amount of money and time than on a college degree. So, if you prefer not to attend college and would still like to work in a profession that requires skill, then consider a trade. Just think about how much you can make with an RPL in plumbing!

Now You Know How to Receive Your Plumbing Licensing in NSW

Since you know how to gain your plumbing licensing in NSW, there's only one thing to do now. It's time to get the ball rolling and take the necessary steps to become a licensed plumber in Australia.

If you need help with your plumbing licensing in Victoria, then contact Qualify Me today!

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5 comments on “How to Get a Plumbing Licence in NSW”

  1. The guide addresses the importance of shell condition when evaluating the cost and readiness of a space. Additionally, the article outlines the process for migrant plumbers and the role of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in obtaining a license. The inclusion of potential earnings and the comparison to traditional college degrees adds valuable context to the career path. Overall, this guide provides essential insights for individuals considering a career in plumbing and seeking to thrive in the industry.

  2. This blog is not only valuable for plumbing professionals but also for property owners and managers who want to make informed decisions regarding their plumbing systems. It underscores the importance of hiring experienced professionals who understand these differences, ensuring that plumbing systems function optimally in both residential and commercial spaces.

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