Western Australia • Plumber

Plumber Licence Requirements in Western Australia

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

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS)

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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 Western Australia. This is regulated by Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Plumbing Contractor Licence

Authorises contracting for plumbing work including water supply, sanitary, and drainage

Tradesperson Plumber Licence

Allows carrying out plumbing work under a contractor

Plumbing Permit Holder

Temporary permit for specific plumbing projects

Requirements

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

  • Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • Contractor licence requires additional business and supervisory experience
  • Public liability insurance
  • Compliance with WA plumbing regulations

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $341 for tradesperson licence
Renewal Fee $341 annually
Renewal Period 1 year

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed plumbing work in WA carries fines up to $50,000 for individuals. DMIRS can also issue rectification notices and stop-work orders.

Exemptions

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

  • Replacing a tap washer or shower head (like-for-like)
  • Clearing blocked drains with a hand plunger
  • Connecting a washing machine to existing taps and waste
  • Adjusting a ball valve in a toilet cistern

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a plumber in Western Australia?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out plumber work in Western Australia. The licensing body is Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a plumber licence cost in Western Australia?
The application fee for a plumber licence in Western Australia is $341 for tradesperson licence. Renewal costs $341 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 Western Australia?
To obtain a plumber licence in Western Australia, you typically need: Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; Contractor licence requires additional business and supervisory experience. Check with Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed plumber work in Western Australia?
Unlicensed plumbing work in WA carries fines up to $50,000 for individuals. DMIRS can also issue rectification notices and stop-work orders.
Can I use my Western Australia plumber licence in other states?
Western 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)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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