Apply for certifying

Certifying registration

The certifying level is the highest class of registration.

It demonstrates you have the advanced competencies required to test and certify your own work and be responsible for the work of the people you supervise.

To be eligible for certifying registration, you must meet one of the below pathways to registration.

NZ experience pathway

To be eligible for the NZ experience pathway you need to have:

Passed the relevant certifying examination (2012- present)
Held an active plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying practising licence for 24 months* (contact registration@pgdb.co.nz to check you have met this requirement)
If you sat the certifying examination prior to 2012, please contact the Board as additional information is required

*The 24 month requirement is one of the minimum standard for registration. A plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer must hold an active plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer licence for a period of 24 months (730 days). The 24 month requirement does not start from the date you sit and pass your plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying examination or obtain registration, it starts from the date you are issued with a plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer practising licence.

Overseas qualification pathway

You may be eligible for certifying plumber, gasfitter, or drainlayer registration in New Zealand if you:

have a formal overseas plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying qualification that is equivalent to or greater than the New Zealand Certificate (level 4) qualification.
have a minimum of six years plumbing or gasfitting, or four years drainlaying full-time work experience.

Steps to get registered in New Zealand

The below flowchart shows the pathway to certifying registration (green).

The Overseas Qualification Pathway Information Guide outlines the steps you need to take to get registered in New Zealand.

How to get your overseas qualifications assessed?

You will need to submit an Overseas Qualification Pathway Application and evidence to show your work experience and qualifications.

The purpose of this application is to:

assess that your overseas qualification and work experience
choose your level of registration (plumber, gasfitter, drainlayer registration or certifying registration).
meet the Board’s fit and proper person requirements for registration in New Zealand.

If your application is successful, you can apply for a provisional licence which will allow you to carry out work for up to 12 months while you prepare to sit the registration exam.

The Overseas Qualification Application Information Guide outlines the steps for getting your overseas qualification assessed.

Submitting your application

If you have any questions or are ready to submit your application, please email us at: RFR@pgdb.co.nz.

Certifying plumber to certifying drainlayer pathway

To get registered through this pathway you will need to:

hold a current certifying plumber licence
have more than four years of full-time drainlaying experience
successfully complete the Certifying Plumber to Certifying Drainlayer Application.

As part of this application, you need to show that you have the required experience and knowledge of a certifying drainlayer. You will need to successfully complete an interview with one of our Board assessors.

The Pathway Information Guide outlines the steps you need to take to get registered under this pathway.

Submitting your application

If you have any questions or are ready to submit your application, please email us at: RFR@pgdb.co.nz.

What forms do I need to submit to the Board to get registration?

You will need to submit the following forms when applying for registration:

Completed Certifying registration application form
A Ministry of Justice criminal record check

Email your completed forms and your supporting evidence as separate PDFs to registration@pgdb.co.nz.