Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set

Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set - PLUMLICSS1

VOCATIONAL

Advance your plumbing career with a qualification designed to take you from registration to licensing.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Part-time 10 weeks
Fees:

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Next intake:
See Apply for details
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

This skill set is designed for registered plumbers to build advanced technical skills and progress towards plumbing licensing in Victoria.

To become a licensed plumber, you must meet the prescribed requirements for each licence class you are applying for*. The Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set delivers the mandatory units prescribed by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) that build the competencies you need to obtain a plumbing license in Victoria.

It provides the fundamental knowledge for all classes of plumbing, covering essential areas like interpreting regulatory requirements, risk management, estimating costs, and understanding legal compliance for new business ventures.

Whether you're planning to specialise or broaden your scope of practice, this course provides the essential foundation to progress towards licensing. Delivered with a strong emphasis on compliance, quality and real-world application, it equips you with the confidence and capability to take the next step in your trade.

*Applicants seeking licensing should confirm current requirements directly with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).

Why study the Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set at RMIT?

Progress towards your plumbing licence

Gain professional recognition within Victoria's plumbing industry by completing the required units of competency.

Industry relevant

Delivered by trainers with current industry and regulatory expertise, this qualification is aligned to current legislation, regulations and relevant Australian Standards.

Hands-on learning

Learn through a combination of theory and practice, with a focus on applied and hands-on assessment in real or simulated workplace environments.

Details

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Learning and teaching

Over 10 weeks, you'll attend bi-weekly face-to-face classroom sessions. Learning is reinforced through knowledge checks, written assessments and applied tasks aligned to licensing expectations.

Assessment methods

Assessment is integrated throughout the course to evaluate your competency against unit requirements and key performance criteria.

Assessments are conducted during scheduled classes and, where required, in simulated environments. You will complete a range of assessment tasks, including practical demonstrations, observation checklists, role plays, simulated assignments, reports, in-class exams and knowledge quizzes to demonstrate both practical skills and underpinning knowledge.

Mature age applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment prior to enrolment to ensure they meet minimum program requirements. Where LLN results indicate potential support needs, the Program Manager will consult with the applicant to determine suitability for enrolment and identify any required support strategies.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

At RMIT, you will engage in industry-informed learning that reflects current regulatory standards and professional expectations.

Experienced trainers with current industry expertise provide practical guidance and academic support throughout the course to ensure you develop the technical capability and regulatory knowledge expected of licensed plumbers.

Practical training is delivered in real or simulated workplace environments and incorporates industry documentation, relevant legislation, building codes and digital tools such as CAD software.

This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.

In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.

There are 8 contact hours weekly, delivered in 2 x 4-hour sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Here is an indicative breakdown:

  • Total nominal hours: 169 hours
  • Supervised timetabled classes: 80 hours
  • Teacher-directed unsupervised study (including set readings, online assessments and independent study): 55 hours

This nationally recognised skill set is made up of a set of 5 single units of competencies.

These units align with the licensing outcomes for the following areas of plumbing work:

  • Water supply
  • Sanitary
  • Drainage
  • Roofing (stormwater)
  • Gasfitting

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set
Program code: S0195
National curriculum code: PLUMLICSS1
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set
City Campus
Part-time 10 Weeks
S0195
Location
City Campus
Duration
Part-time 10 Weeks
Plan code
S0195
CRICOS
View plan

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

When you successfully complete this skill set, you may pursue the following employment and licensing outcomes:

  • Licensed plumber: You'll be eligible to apply for registration and/or licensing with the BPC in one or more classes of plumbing work (subject to additional requirements such as Certificate III completion and experience).
  • Self-employed/contracting plumber: You'll have the ability to establish and manage a plumbing business, quoting, supervising, and certifying work in accordance with regulatory standards.
  • Supervisory or leading hand roles: You'll develop enhanced knowledge of compliance, business operations, and project management positions graduates for leadership or coordination roles within plumbing enterprises.
  • Small business operator: You'll be equipped with foundational business management and regulatory skills to operate a compliant and sustainable plumbing business.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

You must have successfully completed Certificate III in Plumbing or equivalent.

OR

Be a licensed plumbing practitioner seeking to complete the common licence units to meet the Building Plumbing Commission (BPC) licensing requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways and further study

A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.

Pathways into the Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set

There are no formal pathways into this skill set; however, successful completion of the Certificate III in Plumbing is a requirement for entry.

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Vocational study

Certificate III in Plumbing

CPC32420
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 4 years

Further study

When you successfully complete this skillset, you might like to consider further studies at RMIT such as a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options or browse our courses.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Find out more about Credit and RPL at RMIT

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2026 government subsidised place (without concession): AU$900*
  • 2026 full-fee place: AU$3,000*

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$373 maximum fee* for 2026.
    *Note: *SSAF will be charged per nominal hour at a rate of $0.52 per hour.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.

Note: SSAF will be charged per nominal hour at a rate of $0.52 per hour in 2026.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

There is no fee assistance available for this skill set.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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Scholarships

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RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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