South Australia • Plumber

Plumber Licence Requirements in South Australia

Everything you need to know about plumber licensing in South Australia — 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 South Australia are issued and regulated by:

Consumer and Business Services SA

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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 South Australia. This is regulated by Consumer and Business Services SA. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Plumbing Contractor Licence

Contract to carry out plumbing work

Plumbing Worker Registration

Carry out plumbing work under a licensed contractor

Restricted Plumbing Licence

Limited plumbing work such as roof plumbing or irrigation

Requirements

To obtain a plumber licence in South Australia, you need:

  • Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • Contractor: 2 years post-qualification experience
  • Public liability insurance (minimum $5 million)
  • Professional indemnity insurance for contractors

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $370 for plumbing worker registration
Renewal Fee $370 annually
Renewal Period 1 year

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed plumbing work in SA can result in fines up to $50,000 for individuals. Consumer and Business Services can also order rectification and pursue disciplinary action.

Exemptions

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

  • Replacing a tap washer, jumper valve, or shower head
  • Clearing a blocked drain with a plunger
  • Connecting a dishwasher or washing machine to existing outlets
  • Minor adjustments to garden irrigation not connected to mains

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a plumber in South Australia?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out plumber work in South Australia. The licensing body is Consumer and Business Services SA. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a plumber licence cost in South Australia?
The application fee for a plumber licence in South Australia is $370 for plumbing worker registration. Renewal costs $370 annually and must be renewed every 1 year. Additional costs may include public liability insurance and any required assessments.
What qualifications do I need to become a licensed plumber in South Australia?
To obtain a plumber licence in South Australia, you typically need: Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; Contractor: 2 years post-qualification experience. Check with Consumer and Business Services SA for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed plumber work in South Australia?
Unlicensed plumbing work in SA can result in fines up to $50,000 for individuals. Consumer and Business Services can also order rectification and pursue disciplinary action.
Can I use my South Australia plumber licence in other states?
South Australia 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)
New South Wales (NSW)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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