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How to become a plumber in Australia

Plumbers install and maintain the water, gas, drainage and roof drainage systems in buildings.

The work

What the job involves

  • Install and test water and drainage systems
  • Fit fixtures, appliances and hot water systems
  • Locate and repair faults and leaks
  • Install roof drainage, flashings and guttering
  • Work to plumbing standards and inspection requirements

Where the work happens

Residential, commercial and industrial sites, indoors and outdoors, often in confined spaces or at height.

Licensing and registration

Plumbing is a licensed trade in every state and territory. In Victoria, plumbing licensing and registration is administered by the Victorian Building Authority. Check the current requirements with the authority in the state where you intend to work.

Typical qualification pathway

The qualifications usually used to enter this work

  • One entry qualification is Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420), a nationally recognised qualification on the national register. The registered training organisations approved to deliver and issue it are listed on training.gov.au.

  • One entry qualification is Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620), a nationally recognised qualification on the national register. The registered training organisations approved to deliver and issue it are listed on training.gov.au.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-10

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