Want to take your plumbing skills across state lines?
The Mutual Recognition Act 1992 makes it easier for licensed plumbers to work in different parts of Australia without starting from scratch. But before you pack your toolbox, here’s what you need to know!
What is Mutual Recognition?
Mutual recognition allows you to apply for an equivalent plumbing licence in another state without redoing your entire qualification. There are two main pathways:
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Mutual Recognition (MR): Apply for a licence in a new state based on your existing one.
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Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR): If eligible, work in another state without applying for a new licence!
Each state has its own rules, so let’s break it down.
What State Are You Applying for a Licence In?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the requirements in different states:
Queensland (QBCC - Queensland Building and Construction Commission)
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Who can apply? Any plumber with an equivalent interstate licence.
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What you need:
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Proof of identity and existing plumbing licence.
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Completed application form.
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You might need a competency assessment.
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Cost: Approx. $420
New South Wales (NSW Fair Trading)
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Who can apply? Licensed plumbers from any other Australian state.
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What you need:
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Copy of your licence and work experience details.
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A skills assessment if your licence doesn’t fully match up with NSW standards.
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Cost: Approx. $326
Victoria (VBA - Victorian Building Authority)
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Who can apply? Plumbers with a valid interstate licence.
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What you need:
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Proof of licence and work history.
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Might need a short competency assessment.
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Cost: Approx. $300
South Australia (Consumer and Business Services - CBS)
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Who can apply? Plumbers with an equivalent interstate licence.
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What you need:
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Proof of identity and work experience.
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An additional assessment may be required.
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Cost: Approx. $225
Western Australia (DMIRS - Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety)
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Who can apply? Plumbers with an interstate licence.
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What you need:
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Work history and proof of licence.
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A competency test for complex plumbing work.
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Cost: Approx. $300
Tasmania (CBOS - Consumer, Building and Occupational Services)
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Who can apply? Plumbers with an interstate licence.
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What you need:
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Proof of licence and competency.
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Some Tasmanian-specific training may be required.
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Cost: Approx. $250
Australian Capital Territory (Access Canberra)
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Who can apply? Licensed plumbers from other states.
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What you need:
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Proof of licence, ID, and work experience.
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A short ACT plumbing regulations course may be required.
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Cost: Approx. $350
Northern Territory (NT Building Practitioners Board)
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Who can apply? Plumbers with an interstate licence.
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What you need:
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Work history and proof of licence.
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A NT-specific regulations assessment may be required.
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Cost: Approx. $280
Can You Use Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR)?
AMR lets you work in another state without applying for a new licence! However, eligibility depends on your primary place of residence or work. AMR is ideal for short-term work, but for permanent relocations, you’ll need to apply under the standard Mutual Recognition (MR) process.
How to Apply for Mutual Recognition
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Check Your Licence: Make sure it’s equivalent to the state you're applying to.
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Gather Your Docs: Prepare proof of identity, your current licence, and work history.
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Submit Your Application: Apply through the relevant state’s regulatory website.
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Complete Extra Steps: Some states may require additional assessments or training.
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Wait for Approval: Processing times can vary, usually taking a few weeks.
Final Tips
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Know the differences: Each state has slightly different plumbing codes, so familiarize yourself with them before applying.
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Be ready for extra tests: Some states may require additional assessments.
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Check processing times: It could take a few weeks or months to be approved.
Need help? Contact us for expert guidance on getting your plumbing licence recognised hassle-free!
