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Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board

Plumber, Gasfitter, Drainlayer

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:

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
  • have seven years of plumber, gasfitter, or drainlayer authorisation history with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
  • do not have the formal level 4 qualification in plumbing, gasfitting, or drainlaying.

Steps to apply under the New Zealand experience pathway

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.

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.

How to get your overseas qualifications assessed

Flowchart of the overseas qualification pathway to registration

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.

Get Australian registration recognised

Forms and guides

Apply for plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer registration through Trade Login, or email your completed application form to registration@pgdb.co.nz.

Apply through Trade Login (opens in a new tab)