The VBA has introduced a 6-month provisional plumbing registration.

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has been required to postpone plumbing registration examinations (Journeyman exams) for apprentices who have completed their plumbing apprenticeships.
 

This is due to the physical distancing requirements associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the resulting temporary closure of exam facilities at many TAFEs and RTOs.

Usually, qualified and experienced apprentices must complete the Journeyman exam before they can gain registration. If they complete their apprenticeship and carry out plumbing work without being registered, they would be doing so unlawfully.

To ensure affected apprentices aren’t unfairly prevented from gaining registration, the VBA has introduced a 6-month provisional plumbing registration. Plumbing apprentices are eligible for this provisional registration if they have completed their apprenticeship and the Certificate III in Plumbing and are unable to undertake the Journeyman exam due to its postponement.

Any completing apprentice who gains provisional registration will lawfully be able to continue working under a licensed plumber for a period of 6 months. Apprentices granted a provisional registration will be managed by the VBA and prioritised to complete the registration exam once exam facilities are available again. The exam must be completed within 6 months of the date of the provisional registration.

We encourage any affected apprentices who meet the criteria for provisional registration to submit an application. The application fee and provisional registration fee have been waived.

For information on how to apply, and to start an application, visit Apply for plumbing registration on the VBA website.

If you require any further information, please contact the VBA Customer Service Team at customerservice (at) vba.vic.gov.au.