This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of an experienced plumbing service operator with advanced technical skills and/or responsibility for project design and supervision; or a hydraulic consultant responsible for designing hydraulic components and systems that meet client requirements and help in effective water management in domestic, commercial and industry contexts.
Occupational titles could include:
- Plumbing contractor
- Hydraulic designer
The plumbing industry strongly affirms that training and assessment leading to recognition of skills must be undertaken in a real or closely simulated workplace environment and this qualification requires all units of competency to be delivered and assessed in this context.
Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required before entering a construction work site. Achievement of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.
This is a licenced occupation in some jurisdictions. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements may vary between states and territories. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.
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Financial help
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Access and interpret regulatory requirements for the plumbing and services industry | Core |
| Carry out work-based risk control processes | Core |
| Design and size consumer gas installations | Core |
| Design and size heated and cold-water services and systems | Core |
| Design and size sanitary drainage systems | Core |
| Design and size sanitary plumbing systems | Core |
| Design and size stormwater drainage systems | Core |
| Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures | Core |
| Estimate and cost work | Core |
| Read and interpret plans and specifications | Core |
| Apply sustainable building design principles to water management systems | Elective |
| Carry out WHS requirements | Elective |
| Commission air and water systems | Elective |
| Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices | Elective |
| Commission and maintain hot and heated water temperature control devices | Elective |
| Commission domestic and residential fire suppression sprinkler systems | Elective |
| Design and size domestic treatment plant disposal systems | Elective |
| Design and size roof drainage systems | Elective |
| Design compressed air systems | Elective |
| Design residential fire sprinkler systems | Elective |
| Design vacuum drainage systems | Elective |
| Design, size and lay out heating and cooling systems | Elective |
| Disconnect - reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage (LV) installation wiring | Elective |
| Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances | Elective |
| Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices | Elective |
| Install backflow prevention devices | Elective |
| Install on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants and disposal systems | Elective |
| Install residential life safety sprinkler systems | Elective |
| Install, commission and service Type B gas appliances | Elective |
| Manage work health and safety in the building and construction workplace | Elective |
| Plan finances for new business ventures | Elective |
| Produce 2-D architectural drawings using design software | Elective |
| Resolve business disputes | Elective |
| Service Type A gas appliances | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Plumber (General)
ANZSCO 334111
Plumbers (General) install and repair water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
ANZSCO 334112
Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumbers install, maintain and repair piping, ducting and equipment for heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings or vessels.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Drainer
ANZSCO 334113
Drainers install, maintain and design below-ground drainage systems and associated sewerage or effluent disposal systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Gasfitter
ANZSCO 334114
Gasfitters install, maintain and repair gas mains, piping systems downstream of billing meters, and appliances and ancillary equipment associated with the use of fuel gases, including liquefied petroleum gas systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Roof Plumber
ANZSCO 334115
Roof Plumbers install, maintain and repair flashings, metallic roof and wall claddings and rainwater products such as gutters and downpipes.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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ALPHA TRAINING & RECOGNITION PTY LTD (RTO code 45282)
Contact this provider
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AUSTEC COLLEGE (RTO code 45705)
Contact this provider
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Australia Learning Institute Pty Ltd (RTO code 41429)
Contact this provider
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AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF HIGHER STUDIES (RTO code 90924)
Contact this provider
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BUILDERS ACADEMY OF AUSTRALIA (RTO code 21583)
Contact this provider
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Career Skills Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 45254)
Contact this provider
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CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY (RTO code 0373)
Contact this provider
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CONSTRUCTION COLLEGE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 45235)
Contact this provider
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EDWARD BUSINESS COLLEGE PTY LTD (RTO code 45818)
Contact this provider
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National Skills Pty Ltd (RTO code 45438)
Contact this provider
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Skills Recognition International (RTO code 32373)
Contact this provider
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SuniTAFE (RTO code 4693)
Contact this provider
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TAE Institute (RTO code 40639)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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VC Education (RTO code 32234)
Contact this provider
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Victoria University (RTO code 3113)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.