A registered plumber is typically considered to have less knowledge and experience compared to a licensed plumber. To apply for a license, one must first be registered in the relevant class. If a license is granted, it is crucial to maintain the necessary insurance coverage. This insurance is designed to protect consumers in cases where plumbing work is found to be subpar.
Once licensed, plumbers receive a VBA Licensed Plumber Card, which they are required to carry at all times when performing plumbing work. When requested, plumbers must be able to produce this card.
Eligibility requirements for plumbing license
Depending on whether you want a license in a main, specialized, or restricted class, the eligibility requirements will change:
Main classes
For each class you want to apply for a license for, you have to fulfill the requirements listed below:
Maintain active VBA registration for that class.
possess two more years of pertinent work experience,
completed the required class-specific licensure unit(s) of competency (if needed) successfully
And
- possess a valid VBA plumbing license in another class 2.
- have completed the standard license units successfully.
- own (or be qualified to maintain) the necessary insurance
- complete the required VBA exam with success.
Specialized classes
For each class you want to apply for a license for, you have to fulfill the requirements listed below:
- Possess a valid VBA license for the applicable parent class.
- possess (or be qualified to keep) registering for the specialized course of VBA,
- completing the required class-specific licensure unit(s) of competency (if needed) successfully
And
- own (or be qualified to possess) the necessary insurance
- complete the required VBA license test successfully (if needed).
Restricted classes
For each class you want to apply for a license for, you have to fulfill the requirements listed below:
- Possess a valid VBA registration for at least 12 months in the restricted class (or pertinent full class).
- completed the required class-specific licensure unit(s) of competency (if required) successfully
And
- possess a valid VBA plumbing license in another class, or have successfully completed the standard license units.
- Own (or be qualified to maintain) the necessary insurance
- and complete the required VBA license test successfully (if needed).
VBA license exams
Did you complete, or are you already completing, the necessary training at one of the following institutions for the class you plan to apply for?
- A Master plumber, Victoria
- Fire Institute of Training (FIT) Victorian TAFE in Victoria
Yes: The relevant VBA test or exams will usually be completed as part of your degree.
No: Once your application has been received, we will schedule you for the upcoming exam (usually giving you ten business days’ notice). For most classes, the license exam consists of a written theory test. Refer to Plumbing fees for exam prices.
Common licence units
If you are applying for a license for the first time, you must prove that you have completed the standard license units.
These units serve as the “Core” learning for all classes in Certificate IV in Plumbing Services and are designated as such. Different departments are needed depending on which version of the Certificate IV course you complete (or partially complete).
Please note that you are not required to update your units if you already have a license. The VBA regards a valid ESV electrical contractor license as equivalent to the necessary standard plumbing licensure units.
How to apply for plumbing license
The license application form (PDF, 1013.55 KB). You ought to save documents to your computer. Open them in Acrobat Reader, fill them out with the necessary information (remember to write it by hand; it will take longer for us to process), print them out, and sign them.
A certified photocopy or certified digital copy of your official academic transcript, also known as a “Record of Results” or “Statement of Attainment,” from your training institution, demonstrating that you have completed the Common Licence units and the prescribed class-specific units for the class(es) you are applying for.
A Certificate of Currency from your insurer proves that you are covered by insurance.
- The license fee and the application fee (see Fees)
And
A recent passport photo if you last applied for the VBA more than three (3) years ago.
You are not allowed to provide the VBA with any written or verbal information about your application that you know, or should reasonably know, is untrue.
After you apply
If your application is lacking or we require more information from you, we may:
- I’ll call you to find out more information.
- Send your application back
- and invite you to an exam and an interview.
How to submit via email:
You should email your application and all supporting materials in one PDF file.
The following file formats are not compatible with VBA:
- JPG
- PNG
- Links to online storage services for digital content (like Google Drive, DropBox, etc.)
Application outcome
“We will actively notify you as soon as we reach a final decision on your application.”
If your application is successful
You will be:
- Licensed for up to 12 months
- Sent a VBA plumbing license ID card (or updated card if you are already approved)
- Your VBA Find a Plumbing Practitioner listing will be updated
If you are unsuccessful
We will provide a written explanation detailing the reasons for rejecting your application. You are welcome to submit a new application at a later time; however, it is essential that you demonstrate the resolution of the issues that led to the initial rejection of your subsequent application.
You can contest the ruling by applying to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Call (03) 9628 9755 to apply for a review of the decision.
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