Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set
Overview
These units are essential for establishing a robust foundation for professional practice and are mandated by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) for all aspiring licensed plumbers. This comprehensive skillset encompasses critical areas such as business planning, legal and regulatory compliance, estimating and costing, workplace safety, and advanced technical knowledge vital for running efficient and compliant plumbing operations.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Intake at capacity
We've reached capacity in this course for the July 2025 intake at our Croydon campus. The next available intake is August for Hawthorn or Wantirna. If you'd like to know more get in touch with us today.
Swinburne Open Day 2025
Get on your way on Sunday 27 July with course info, guided tours, and over 300 activities. Plus, you’ll go in the draw to win $1000 for yourself – and $1000 for a cause you care about.
Your industry experience
Achieving the Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set is a crucial step for anyone aiming to become a licensed plumber with the VBA.
Skills you’ll learn
- Business planning
- Workplace safety
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Risk management
Your career opportunities
- General Plumber
- Plumbing Inspector
- Project Manager
- Plumbing Consultant
- Entrepreneur: Business startup
Admissions
Completion of Certificate III in Plumbing (Apprenticeship)
OR
Current VBA plumbing licence Registration.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Certificate III in Plumbing
Course structure
Successful completion of PLUMBLICSS1 Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set requires the successful completion of five units made up of:
Four core units and one elective unit.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
Core unit |
BSBESB402 |
|
Carry out work-based risk control processes
Core unit |
CPCPCM4011 |
|
Read and interpret plans and specifications
Core unit |
CPCCBC4012 |
|
Access and interpret regulatory requirements for the plumbing and services industry
Core unit |
CPCPCM4015 |
| Elective units | |
|
Estimate and cost work
Elective unit |
CPCPCM4012 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$2,410
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$900
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
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Study this course for free in 2025
You could have your tuition fees covered in 2025 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE initiative.
Free TAFE is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.
There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.