Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services

This course is designed for registered plumbers and final-year apprentices looking to extend their technical skills and knowledge.

You’ll be prepared to gain your plumbing licence with the Victoria Building Authority (external link) (VBA), subject to passing the VBA exam.

Through classroom teaching and work-based tasks, you’ll be equipped to manage and design plumbing projects.

This course includes studies in:

drainage systems – roof, sanitary and stormwater water supply gas installations mechanical services reading plans and specifications estimating work costs.

You’ll graduate with a nationally-recognised qualification, ready to operate as a contractor plumber or to start your own plumbing business.

To be awarded CPC40912 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services, a student must successfully complete a total of fifteen (15) units of competency.

The Polytechnic offers the following stream:

• Plumbing and services - Operations stream.

Plumbing and services - Operations stream:

• twelve (12) core units, comprising of:
• four (4) common core units, and;
• eight (8) Plumbing and services - Operations stream core units;
• three (3) electives, of which:

• up to three (3) units may be selected from the list of elective units in the Plumbing and services – Operations stream;
• two (2) of the three (3) units may be selected from a Certificate IV qualification in another endorsed training package or from the core or elective units of another stream within the Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services, ensuring both the integrity of the AQF alignment and the industry context of the qualification are maintained;
• one (1) of the three (3) units may be drawn from Certificate III or Diploma Plumbing and Services qualifications, and;
• no more than three (3) units may be selected from the list of elective units common to all streams.

Electives must be industry relevant as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

Core units

Common

• BSBOHS403B - Identify hazards and assess OHS risks
• CPCCBC4012B - Read and interpret plans and specifications
• CPCPCM4011A - Carry out work-based risk control processes
• CPCPCM4012A - Estimate and cost work

Plumbing and services - Operations stream

• BSBSMB401 - Establish legal and risk management requirements of small business
• CPCPDR4011B - Design and size sanitary drainage systems
• CPCPDR4012B - Design and size stormwater drainage systems
• CPCPDR4013B - Design and size domestic treatment plant disposal systems
• CPCPGS4011C - Design and size consumer gas installations
• CPCPRF4011B - Design and size roof drainage systems
• CPCPSN4011B - Design and size sanitary plumbing systems
• CPCPWT4011B - Design and size heated and cold water services and systems

ELECTIVE UNITS

Plumbing and services - Operations stream

• CPCCBC4021A - Minimise waste on the building and construction site
• CPCPMS4011B - Design, size and lay out heating and cooling systems
• CPCPWT4022A - Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices

Other streams

• CPCPCM4013A - Produce 2D architectural drawings using CAD software

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed the Certificate III in Plumbing or equivalent.Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification provides an outcome for specialist plumbing services tradespersons and operators seeking to deepen their technical skills.