Plumbers, Gasfitters
and Drainlayers Board
Apply for plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer
Plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer registration
Plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer registration shows that you have the core competencies needed to work in your trade.
Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers are required to work under the supervision of an NZ-based certifying person. Your supervisor is ultimately responsible for ensuring your work is done competently.
New Zealand qualification pathway
To be eligible for the New Zealand qualification pathway, you need to have:
- NZQA issued National Certificate/NZ Certificate (at Level 4) (1998-present)
- Passed relevant plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying exam (2005-present)
If you have an older NZ qualification suc as the Trade Certificate please get in touch with us at registration@pgdb.co.nz for your options.
How to submit your application:
You can apply for registration through the trade login, or by emailing a completed application form to registration@pgdb.co.nz.
You will also need to submit the following documents with your application:
- An up to date (dated within the past month) Ministry of Justice (MOJ) criminal record check
- A copy of your National/New Zealand Certificate (Level 4) or an official copy of your NZQA Record of Achievement showing your Level 4 qualification.
New Zealand experience pathway
You may be eligible for the New Zealand experience pathway if you have seven years of full-time experience in New Zealand as a plumber, gasfitter, or drainlayer but do not have a formal qualification.
To get registered through this pathway you will need to:
- successfully complete the New Zealand experience application and interview
- sit and pass the relevant registration exam
- apply for plumber, gasfitter, or drainlayer registration.
The New Zealand Experience Pathway Information Guide outlines the steps you need to take to get registered under the pathway.
Submitting your application
As part of this application, you need to show that you have the required experience and knowledge for registration in your trade. You will need to successfully complete an interview with one of our Board assessors.
You need to email a completed New Zealand Experience Application and the evidence listed on the form to RFR@pgdb.co.nz.
Get Australian registration recognised in New Zealand
Under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA), people who are registered or licensed to practise an occupation in Australia can transfer to the equivalent occupation in New Zealand, and vice versa if the relevant requirements are met.
Overseas qualification pathway
You may be eligible for 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 four years plumbing or gasfitting, or two years drainlaying full-time work experience.
Steps to get registered in New Zealand
The below flowchart shows the pathway to plumber, gasfitter, drainlayer registration (blue).
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.
What forms do I need to submit to the Board to get registration?
You can apply for registration through the trade login, or by emailing a completed application form to registration@pgdb.co.nz.
You will also need to submit the following documents with your application:
An up-to-date (dated within the past month) Ministry of Justice (MOJ) criminal record check.
A copy of your National/New Zealand Certificate (Level 4) or an official copy of your NZQA Record of Achievement showing your Level 4 qualification.