Plumbers, Gasfitters
and Drainlayers Board
Apply for restricted
Restricted registration
Restricted registration allows you to work in the industry when you have completed the National Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting or Drainlaying in New Zealand (Level 4), but haven’t passed your theory examination.
The Restricted class recognises that you have some formal training and allows you to register and get licenced as a Restricted practitioner in your trade.
You will be required to work under supervision.
Before 1 April 2025, Restricted Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers were called Journeyman Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers.
Am I eligible for Restricted registration?
To be eligible for Restricted registration in your trade, you must have completed the National Certificate in plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying (Level 4) but have yet to pass relevant plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer registration examination.
If you have an older version of this qualification please contact the Board to discuss your options.
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 Restricted registration application form (NOTE: use '2025' form for registration for the new licensing year starting 1 April 2025)
- A certified copy of your National Certificate (Level 4)
- A Ministry of Justice criminal record check
Email your completed forms and your supporting evidence as separate PDFs to registration@pgdb.co.nz.
What is a certified copy?
A certified copy of a document is one that has been officially declared to be correct. This can be done by taking the original document and a good quality photocopy of it to either:
- a lawyer, or
- Justice of the Peace or
- Court Registrar.
They will check the photocopy against the original, and then sign the photocopy to say they certify it as a true and correct copy of the original. This service is usually free of charge.