Plumbing, gas fitting and electrical contractors' licences
Individuals, including partners in a business, and companies must be licensed as plumbing, gas fitting or electrical (PGE) contractors if they run a business that carries out or organises PGE work.
Plumbing includes work on:
- water or sanitary plumbing, and drainage
- backflow prevention devices.
Gas fitting includes work on gas pipes or equipment that are downstream of:
- the licensed gas supplier’s meter
- a gas storage tank or cylinder.
Electrical includes installing or working on different electrical systems. The type of electrical licence will depend on qualifications.
A contractor’s licence authorises someone to run the business. You will also need to register as a plumber, gas fitter or electrician if you do the physical trade work.
Interstate and overseas licences
Who can apply
Sole traders, partners in a business and companies (including their directors) can apply unless they have legal restrictions on their work or business, such as bankruptcy, financial receivership or a suspended trade or business licence.
You or your company can't apply if you were a director of a company that was wound up to pay creditors in the last five years - including if you were a director six months before winding up started.
Exemptions
Business partners who don't organise or do the work no longer need to hold a contractor's licence and can apply for an exemption - eg administrative partner.
Apply for an exemption - new applicants
Surrender your licence - for partners who already hold a licence and would like to apply for an exemption
What you'll need
Experience and qualifications
Check you have the right experience and qualifications to apply for a contractor’s licence. Companies will need to show that a director also meets the business criteria.
Qualifications electrical work contractors (PDF 254KB)
Qualifications for plumbers and gasfitters (PDF 156KB)
Business criteria for contractors, companies and individuals (PDF 110KB)
Finances
You need to have at least $10,000 in net assets to apply for a contractor’s licence. If you don't, you can apply for a restricted licence as a subcontractor.
Police clearance
Contractors will need to submit a National Police Certificate (NPC) no more than 12 months old. Apply for an NPC through:
- South Australia Police
- National police checking service - accredited organisations - Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
You don't need an NPC if you:
- are director of a company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange
- have lodged an NPC with CBS within the last year
- are an overseas resident and have never lived in Australia
- have held a licence within the last year and are applying for an equivalent licence
- have already supplied an NPC for a different licence issued under the same Act.
Restricted licence
You could be eligible to apply for a restricted licence - in a limited partnership with a licensed contractor - if you don't have all the qualifications, business knowledge or finances.
How to apply
Online
1. Complete the form
Fill in the applications, then print and sign it.
If you can't complete the form online phone 131 882 to discuss your options with CBS staff.
2. Scan and upload
Scan and upload the signed form along with supporting evidence.
3. Payment
Pay by credit card using the CBS secure service on the registration form.
Other ways to lodge the form
In person
Take your application to CBS Customer Service Centre or to a Service SA regional office along with your supporting evidence and payment.
Post
Post your application, supporting evidence and payment to:
Consumer and Business Services
GPO Box 1719
Adelaide 5001
Fees
Body corporate (company) licence | $755.00 |
Worker registration | $461.00 |
| $358.50 |
Individual contractor licence | $580.00 |
| $477.50 |
Worker and contractor licence | $1041.00 |
| $836.00 |
Apprentice | nil |
Application to vary a licence | $123.00 |
Application to vary a registration | $123.00 |
What happens next
You will need to have your photo taken for your licence and undergo an ID check before being issued with a licence card.
Renewals
Your licence needs to be renewed every 12 months. If it expires, you will need to submit a new application.
Renewal fees
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
Individual contractor | $375 |
Body corporate (company) | $550 |
| Worker registration (3 yearly fee) | $256 |
How to renew
Online
Make sure you have your licence number ready to renew online. You can pay by credit card using our secure service.
Phone
Make sure you have your licence number when you call. You can pay by credit card.
Phone 1300 668 531
Post
Make cheque or money orders payable to the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs and attach to the front page of your renewal.
Consumer and Business Services
GPO Box 1719
Adelaide 5001
In person
Renew and pay for your licence at:
CBS Customer Service Centre
91 Grenfell Street
Adelaide
Digital licences
You can download your licence or registration to an Apple or Android smart phone or tablet using the mySA GOV app. Hard copy licences will still be issued and it's a good idea to carry these with you until digital licences become widely accepted. For more information visit my.sa.gov.au.
Changes that will affect your licence
Notify CBS if you have committed an offence or the business has gone bankrupt. You will also need to advise CBS when you:
- change your address - you can also update your address when you renew your licence.
- surrender your occupational licence - you will no longer be able to work under this licence.
- have lost or damaged cards or certificates
- change directors in the company.
Related information
On this site
Contact CBS Occupational Licensing
Email: occupational@sa.gov.au
Phone: 131 882
In person:
91 Grenfell Street
Adelaide
Post:
GPO Box 1719
Adelaide SA 5001
