Plumbers and drainers' licensing
Apply to be a licensed plumber or drainer
You must be licensed for plumbing and draining work.
Types of licences
There are two types of licenses for plumbers and drainers (not including sub categories):
- a sanitary plumber/water plumber licence or
- an advanced sanitary drainer’s licence.
Eligibility
The Mandatory Qualifications Schedule sets out the qualifications required for the different types of licenses. These include tertiary qualifications and work experience.
Applications
Please complete the forms that apply to your situation.
For individuals:
- CL1 – Construction practitioner licence – individual plus one of the following
- Statement of practical experience – Sanitary plumber/water plumber licence
- Statement of practical experience – Advanced sanitary drainer’s licence
If you are licensed elsewhere in Australia or New Zealand:
For companies and partnerships, including changes and renewal:
Changes and replacements
Please complete the forms that apply to your situation, unless for companies and partnerships.
- CL4 - Construction practitioner licence - Change of details & or replace licence card
- CL7 - Construction practitioner licence - Update nominees
Renewal and refusal
Licences are typically for three years, but can be shorter. You need to renew your licence before its expiry. You can renew your licence online, including paying the required fee by credit card over a secure Internet connection, via the Canberra Connect forms and payments.
The Construction Occupations Registrar can refuse and may impose or remove conditions on a licence at the time of licensing.



