Regulations made under the Plumbers Licensing Act 1995 set out the licensing requirements for a provisional tradesperson’s licence.

Who needs a provisional tradesperson’s licence

The provisional tradesperson’s licence enables a plumber from a country other than Australia or New Zealand to undertake plumbing work in Western Australia for up to a year while completing Australian context gap training.  It is expected that the holder of a provisional tradesperson’s licence will complete a Certificate III in Plumbing or a Certificate in Migrant Plumbing to become eligible for a full tradesperson’s licence.

A person with a provisional tradesperson’s licence is authorised to carry out plumbing work under the supervision of a licensed plumbing contractor or the holder of a tradesperson’s licence. 

Eligibility for a provisional tradesperson’s licence

To be eligible for a provisional tradesperson’s licence you must hold an Offshore Technical Skills Record that relates to the units of competency within Certificate III in Plumbing.

Offshore Technical Skills Record

To obtain an OTSR, plumbers trained overseas are required to complete an assessment to demonstrate their competencies in skill areas taken from the Certificate III in Plumbing. The OTSR lists the holder’s technical skills as demonstrated in the competency assessment. Importantly, it also identifies any skills gaps that must be addressed through further training. A list of OTSR assessment service providers may be found on the Trades Recognition Australia website.

Australian context gap training

After the Board has granted a provisional tradesperson’s licence, the licence holder will need to complete Australian context gap training to be eligible to apply for a tradesperson’s licence.

To address the Australian context knowledge gaps, overseas trained plumbers are required to complete the Certificate III in Plumbing or Certificate in Migrant Plumbing . 

After obtaining a Certificate III in Plumbing or Certificate in Migrant Plumbing   the provisional tradesperson may apply for a tradesperson’s licence.  

Applying for a provisional tradesperson’s licence

Apply for a provisional tradesperson’s licence by submitting:

• a completed Form 104 – application form;
• 100 points of identification;
• two passport style photographs;
• a current Australian National Police Clearance;
• a copy of your Offshore Technical Skills Record; and
• the application fee and licence fee shown on the application form.

After you have submitted your complete application

Licensing officers will assess your application on behalf of the Plumber’s Licensing Board.  Subject to the details of your application and the Board’s assessment guidelines an officer acting under delegation or the Board itself will determine your application.  You will be advised of the licensing decision.

More information

Download Form 104 – provisional tradesperson’s licence application form, which includes guidance on making your application.  Further information on obtaining a provisional tradesperson’s licence is also available by calling Licensing Services on 1300 489 099 or at bcinfo@dmirs.wa.gov.au.