New South Wales • Plumber

Plumber Licence Requirements in New South Wales

Everything you need to know about plumber licensing in New South Wales — qualifications, costs, the licensing body, available licence types, and penalties for unlicensed work. Updated for the 2025–2026 financial year.

Licensing Body

Plumber licences in New South Wales are issued and regulated by:

NSW Fair Trading

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Do You Need a Licence?

Yes — a licence is required

You must hold a valid licence to carry out plumber work in New South Wales. This is regulated by NSW Fair Trading. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Plumbing Contractor Licence

Authorises the holder to contract to do plumbing and drainage work

Plumber, Drainer & Gasfitter Licence

Combined licence for plumbing, drainage, and gas fitting work

Tradesperson Certificate — Plumber

Allows the holder to carry out plumbing work under a contractor licence holder

Requirements

To obtain a plumber licence in New South Wales, you need:

  • Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • Supervisor Certificate or equivalent experience
  • Home Building Compensation Fund cover for residential work over $20,000
  • Public liability insurance

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $388 for 1-year contractor licence
Renewal Fee $388 per year or $959 for 3 years
Renewal Period 1 or 3 years

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Carrying out unlicensed plumbing work in NSW can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations, plus potential imprisonment.

Exemptions

A licence is not required for the following work in New South Wales:

  • Replacing a tap washer, jumper valve, or shower head
  • Clearing a blocked drain with a hand plunger
  • Connecting or disconnecting a washing machine or dishwasher to existing fixtures
  • Minor maintenance not involving the alteration of water supply or drainage

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a plumber in New South Wales?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out plumber work in New South Wales. The licensing body is NSW Fair Trading. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a plumber licence cost in New South Wales?
The application fee for a plumber licence in New South Wales is $388 for 1-year contractor licence. Renewal costs $388 per year or $959 for 3 years and must be renewed every 1 or 3 years. Additional costs may include public liability insurance and any required assessments.
What qualifications do I need to become a licensed plumber in New South Wales?
To obtain a plumber licence in New South Wales, you typically need: Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; Supervisor Certificate or equivalent experience. Check with NSW Fair Trading for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed plumber work in New South Wales?
Carrying out unlicensed plumbing work in NSW can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations, plus potential imprisonment.
Can I use my New South Wales plumber licence in other states?
New South Wales plumber licences are not automatically valid in other states. However, Australia's Mutual Recognition Act allows you to apply for an equivalent licence in another state through a streamlined process. You'll still need to lodge an application and may need to meet additional local requirements.

Compare Plumber Requirements in Other States

Licence requirements vary between states. Compare plumber requirements across Australia:

Queensland (QLD)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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