Plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers, here’s what you need to know about the levels of registration classes in New Zealand.
Levels of registration classes explained
Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying
In New Zealand, plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work is restricted and can only be carried out by tradespeople who are registered to legally work in the trade. Under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board of New Zealand sets out the minimum standards for registration, and is responsible for ensuring each person demonstrates the knowledge, skills and capabilities to carry out regulated work.
There are three levels of registration classes – journeyman, tradesperson and certifying. Here’s what you need to know and how to qualify for each.
Journeyman
- Who is this class for? Tradespeople who have completed their qualifications but not yet passed their theory exams
- What’s involved in registration? You must successfully complete one of the following in your trade: a National Certificate, ‘Result Pass’ of 3rd stage block course or a practice trade certificate.
- What type of work can you do? As a registered journeyman, you can carry out work under the supervision of a certifying tradesperson as well as test work in your trade.
Tradesperson
- Who is this class for? Tradespeople who have already demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to install, test, commission, assess and maintain trade systems.
- What’s involved in registration? To be registered as a tradesperson, you need to have obtained the national qualification and passed the examination in your trade.
- What type of work can you do? As a registered tradesperson, you can carry out work under the supervision of a certifying tradesperson. You may also supervise others underneath your registration class and test work in your trade.
Certifying
- Who is this class for? This is the highest level of registration available. You must demonstrate the advanced skills and knowledge required to test and certify your own work and the work of anyone you’re supervising. Only certifying tradespeople can verify work for official purposes.
- What’s involved in registration? You must have had your trade license for at least 24 months and have passed the certifying examination in your trade.
You find out more about the certifying exam here.
Getting registered – things to note
Keep in mind, registration isn’t free. There are varying fees associated with each class of registration and all classes require annual renewal. As of April 2017, all tradespeople and certifying classes must complete an approved continuing professional development course within the year before renewal.
Campbell Plumbing and Gasfitting are Certifying Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers. We service West Auckland, Norwest, North Shore, Auckland Central, and South Auckland.