On 2 November 2026, the Queensland Government introduced licensing changes to modernise the plumbing licensing framework.
These changes have streamlined licensing pathways to an occupational licence, helping to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, lower costs and support workforce capacity by making it easier for qualified and experienced tradespeople to enter or return to the industry.
The streamlined licensing pathways mean:
- Eligible Australian apprentices will be able to obtain an occupational plumber licence on completing their apprenticeship and Certificate III in Plumbing (including Appendix A units), removing the requirement to hold a provisional licence.
- Former occupational licensees can return to the trade more easily within 10 years, without the need for reassessment or gap training.
- Current provisional licensees who meet one of the above criteria can make a request to upgrade to an occupational licence.
Find your pathway to an occupational licence using the pathway tool below.
Plumbing pathway tool
Click the tab that applies to you.
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Returning licensee
Entering the industry
You held a QBCC occupational plumbers, drainers or restricted licence within the past 10 years. You have completed an Australian plumbing apprenticeship and meet the current technical requirements. Eligibility
Eligibility
Eligible, unless occupational licence cancelled due to disciplinary action. Conditions on former licence will apply to new one. Eligible for an occupational plumbers licence without demonstrating experience*. Next steps
Next steps
Submit your application form
For:
Submit your application form
For:
*Note: 12 months drainage experience must be shown to be eligible for an occupational drainers licence. Experience may include apprenticeship experience
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Provisional plumbers licence following apprenticeship
Provisional licence held by former occupational licence holder
You have a current provisional licence and have completed an Australian plumbing and drainage apprenticeship. You hold a current provisional licence and have held a QBCC occupational plumbers, drainers or restricted licence within the past 10 years. Eligibility
Eligibility
Eligible for an occupational plumbers licence if full technical qualifications are met.*
Exclusions: You are not eligible to upgrade if your provisional licence was attained under a Mutual Recognition process.
If you hold the required technical requirements you may apply for an occupational licence. (see advice for unlicensed individuals)
Eligible, unless former licence was cancelled for disciplinary action.
Conditions on former licence will apply to new one.
Next steps
Next steps
Submit your Request to Upgrade form
If your occupational licence is approved, your provisional licence will be cancelled.
We will contact you if a refund is payable to you for the unused portion of your provisional licence.
Submit your Request to Upgrade form
If your occupational licence is approved, your provisional licence will be cancelled.
We will contact you if a refund is payable to you for the unused portion of your provisional licence.
*Note: 12 months drainage experience must be shown to be eligible for an occupational drainers licence. Experience may include apprenticeship experience
Note: For all plumbing licensing options, refer to the Technical Qualifications.
