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Apply for a specialised or restricted class

Specialised classes

If you are already licensed or registered in a main class of plumbing and you want to apply for a specialised class, the requirements and application process is outlined below.

process chart: Step 1 - have registration or licence in teh parent category; Step 2 - Successfully complete apprenticeship; Step 3 - Submit application; Step 4 - VBA notifies decision in writing

Are you ready to apply?

You are ready to apply if you meet all the following conditions:

  • You already hold registration or licence in the relevant parent class (see below).
  • You are familiar with the Australian standards and guidelines relating to each class you intend to apply for.
  • You have successfully completed the prescribed Units of Competency.
  • You feel confident that you would pass the VBA exam for each class that you wish to apply for.

How to apply

Please complete and submit:

  • if you are registered in the parent class, complete the Registration application form (PDF, 886.66 KB)
    or if you are licensed in the parent class, complete the Licence application form (PDF, 1020.58 KB).
    Forms should be saved to your computer. Open them in Acrobat Reader, type in the requested details (do not handwrite; it will take longer for us to process) and then print and sign.
  • certified photocopies of your qualification documents issued by your training provider, showing you successfully completed the prescribed units. This will be one of the following:
    • Record of Results (your transcript listing the units you completed)
    • Statement of Attainment
  • a certified photocopy of your proof of identify documentation
  • two passport photos
  • the relevant fee (see Fees).

Parent classes

To register in a specialised class, you must also hold registration or licence in the relevant parent class.

Specialised class you wish to apply for

Parent class you must already be registered or licensed in

Restricted classes

There are a small number of restricted classes that allow suitably qualified and experienced practitioners to carry out a limited range of plumbing work.

(For information on the new restricted classes for the routine servicing of fire protection equipment see Fire Protection - restricted classes).

Process chart: Step 1 - Submit application; Step 2 - Successfully complete VBA Exam (Registration exam); Step 3 - VBA notifies decision in writing

Ready to apply

You are ready to apply for a restricted class if you meet all the following conditions:

  • You are familiar with the Australian standards and guidelines relating to the restricted class you intend to apply for.
  • You have successfully completed the recommended education pathway (or have equivalent knowledge and skills to a person who has completed the recommended education pathway) for the restricted class you intend to apply for.
  • You meet the work minimum experience requirements for that class.
  • You feel confident that you would pass the VBA exam for that class.

How to apply

You must submit:

  • the following three forms:
  • certified photocopies of your qualification documents issued by your training provider, showing you successfully completed the prescribed units. This will be one of the following:
    • Record of Results (your transcript listing the units you completed)
    • Statement of Attainment
  • a certified photocopy of your proof of identify documentation
  • two passport photos
  • the relevant fee (see Fees).

Experience statements and technical referee reports

Mechanical Services – restricted to single head split systems work

Mechanical Services – restricted to single head split systems work statement (PDF, 392.9 KB)

Mechanical Services – restricted to single head split systems work referee report (PDF, 392.09 KB)

Mechanical Services – restricted to duct fixing work

 Forms are coming soon – please apply and the VBA will advise what additional information is required upon receipt of your application.

Roofing (stormwater) – restricted to class 10A building work

 Forms are coming soon – please apply and the VBA will advise what additional information is required upon receipt of your application.

Submit your application

By mail:

Victorian Building Authority
GPO Box 536
MELBOURNE VIC 3001

In person:

Victorian Building Authority
Goods Shed North
733 Bourke Street
DOCKLANDS VIC 3008

Or via email:

Applications submitted via email should be in Portable Document File Format (.pdf) and not in Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpeg) or Portable Network Graphic (.png) formats.

You must not make any written or oral statement to the VBA in relation to an application for registration (or for the renewal of registration) that you know, or should reasonably know, is false.

What happens after you apply

After you submit your application, we will review it. If your application is incomplete or we need further information from you, we may:

  • call you to provide additional information
  • invite you into an interview
  • return your application to you.

If you need to undertake an exam, we will contact you to schedule the exam and advise the exam fee. For exam costs see Plumbing fees.

Application outcome

Once the decision regarding the application is made, we will notify you of the outcome in writing.

If your application is successful

You will be registered for up to three years and your details will be added to the VBA Find a practitioner plumbing register.

We will also send you a new or updated plumber ID card.

If you are unsuccessful

We will notify you in writing and outline the reasons why your application was unsuccessful.

You may reapply at a later date. In your subsequent application, you will need to demonstrate that you have addressed the gaps that caused your previous application to be refused.

You have the right to appeal the decision by applying to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). To apply for a review of the decision, go to the VCAT website or contact VCAT by telephone on (03) 9628 9755.