Overseas applicants
Tradesperson's Licence
Plumbers who have obtained plumbing qualifications from a country other than Australia or New Zealand, may be eligible for a tradesperson's licence if they:
- hold a qualification recognised by the Australia New Zealand Reciprocity Association (ANZRA) at "registration/journeyman" level; and
- can demonstrate that they have at least four years practical experience in water supply, sanitary, and/or drainage plumbing work.
Applicants with qualifications that are not recognised at "registration/journeyman" level by ANZRA, but can demonstrate that they have at least four years practical experience, will then be required to pass a theoretical and practical assessment in plumbing work.* On passing that assessment the applicant will then be issued with a tradesperson's licence, subject to them successfully completing an approved familiarisation program** - for carrying out plumbing work in Western Australia - within six months of the licence issue date.
* The cost of the basic hand skills assessment is $450.00 at the applicant's expense.
** The cost of the Course in Migrant Plumbing is approximately $600.00 at the applicant's expense.
Plumbing Contractor's Licence
A person arriving from overseas may also be eligible for a plumbing contractor's licence. However, as a local plumbing contractor's licence is underpinned by sound knowledge of relevant local legislation and also by knowledge of Australian Standards, it is rare that an overseas applicant will be immediately eligible for a plumbing contractor's licence.
In order to be eligible for a plumbing contractor's licence an applicant must:
- hold a qualification recognised by ANZRA at the "independent certifier" level; and
- demonstrate that they have at least six years practical experience in water supply, sanitary, and/or drainage plumbing work.
Applicants with qualifications that are recognised at "independent certifier" level by ANZRA will then be required to hold a tradesperson's licence for at least three months, or successfully complete an approved familiarisation program - for carrying out plumbing work in Western Australia.
Applicants with qualifications that are not recognised at "independent certifier" level by ANZRA will need to hold a tradesperson's licence and then undertake 'advanced craft' training and obtain a statement of competency as a water supply plumber, sanitary plumber, and/or drainer.
Further details about competency requirements can be obtained from the Board's Licensing Officer on (08) 9476 1377.