Plumbing Licence in Mechanical Services Skill Set
Overview
This Skill Set covers the core principles of mechanical services, including the design, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems. You'll learn how to ensure these systems run efficiently and meet industry standards. Upon completion, you'll be well-prepared to take on a range of mechanical services challenges in the plumbing industry.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Want help applying for midyear 2025?
Get tailored, on-the-spot support with your application at drop-in application week (Mon 30 June–Fri 4 July) – whether you’re enrolling fresh or switching courses.
Your industry experience
These units are essential for building a strong foundation for professional practice and are mandated by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) for all aspiring licensed plumbers.
Skills you’ll learn
- Mechanical systems design and installation
- Mechanical systems maintenance
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Workplace safety
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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Plumbing Licence for Common Units Skill Set
Course structure
Successful completion of PLUMBLICSS4 Plumbing Licence in Mechanical Services Skill Set requires the successful completion of five units made up of:
One core unit
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Design, size and lay out heating and cooling systems
Core unit |
CPCPMS4011 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$2,290
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$860
Yearly fee* ($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.
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.
-
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!
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
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.