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Plumbing at CDU
TAFE

CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing Services

Update your personalisation settings to view information about this course.

This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.

This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

1 year/s

This program is delivered over a period of 1 to 2 years part-time. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.

Intake

Locations

Alice Springs, Casuarina
Not available to international students.

Course code

CPC40920

Overview

Availability: Applications are open for 2026.
Online Application: To be confirmed. Please contact the team on the details below for further information on how to apply.  
Apprenticeship/Traineeship: Currently not available as either an apprenticeship or traineeship.

This qualification reflects the role of an experienced plumbing service operator with advanced technical skills and/or responsibility for project design and supervision; or a hydraulic consultant responsible for designing hydraulic components and systems that meet client requirements and help in effective water management in domestic, commercial and industry contexts.

The plumbing industry strongly affirms that training and assessment leading to recognition of skills must be undertaken in a real or closely simulated workplace environment and this qualification requires all units of competency to be delivered and assessed in this context.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required before entering a construction work site. Achievement of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

This is a licenced occupation in some jurisdictions. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements may vary between states and territories. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.

Delivery Details
LocationCasuarina      
Alice Springs
Duration1 - 2 years part-time    
*Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level
Study ModeFace-to-face      
Online
Start DateJanuary 19, 2026 - November 27, 2026     
*A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course.
AttendanceMonday - Friday
4:30pm to 8:30pm
Lecturer will provide more detailed information          
*Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide

Career opportunities

Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:

  • Plumbing Contractor
  • Hydraulic Designer

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Skill recognition

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.

Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.

Pathways

VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.

If you completed a VET qualification at Certificate IV level or above and later enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your degree. 

The table below shows the maximum credit available based on your completed qualification. 

Completed Qualification
HE
VET
Bachelor Degree
Maximum Credit Available
Certificate IV
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 40 credit points
Certificate IV
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 40 credit points
Diploma
*
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 80 credit points
Diploma
*
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 80 credit points
Advanced Diploma
*
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Advanced Diploma
*
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Associate Degree
*
3 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points
Associate Degree
*
4 year Bachelor award
up to 160 credit points

VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.


Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services - Hydraulic Services Design stream.

Professional Recognition



Course Structure


To achieve CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (Operations) a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising ten (10) core and five (5) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.

10 core units, plus
5 elective units, of which:

  • at least 1 elective must be from Group B
  • the remaining 4 electives from Group A or Group B
  • 2 units may be replaced by units from other Training packages or nationally accredited courses at Certificate IV level and above, provided they do not duplicate the outcome of another unit chosen for the qualification. 

Please note:

  • If you chose the non-gas stream, you will be assessed in CPCPRF4011 Design and size roof drainage systems
  • If you choose the gas stream, you will be assessed in CPCPGS4022 Service Type A gas appliances

The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 629 - 789.

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
Core units of competency
BSBESB402Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures60
CPCCBC4012Read and interpret plans and specifications30
CPCPCM4011Carry out work-based risk control processes24
CPCPCM4012Estimate and cost work40
CPCPCM4015Access and interpret regulatory requirements for the plumbing and services industry15
CPCPDR4011Design and size sanitary drainage systems40
CPCPDR4012Design and size stormwater drainage systems45
CPCPGS4011Design and size consumer gas installations60
CPCPSN4011Design and size sanitary plumbing systems50
CPCPWT4011Design and size heated and cold-water services and systems80
Total nominal hours for core units444
Elective units of competency (Select 5 from below)
Group A
CPCPDR4013Design and size domestic treatment plant disposal systems35
CPCPRF4011Design and size roof drainage systems60
Group B
CPCPCM2043Carry out WHS requirements50
CPCPGS4022
Service Type A gas appliances
Pre-requisites: CPCPCM2043 and CPCPGS3053
180
CPCPWT4022
Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices
Pre-requisites: CPCPCM2043 and CPCPWT3027
20
CPCPWT4023
Commission and maintain hot and heated water temperature control devices
Pre-requisites: CPCPCM2043 and CPCPWT3022
20
Total nominal hours for elective units185 - 345
Total nominal hours for the qualification629 - 789



If applicable select Timetables
and follow the instructions provided for information on
class times at Casuarina, Palmerston or Alice Springs
Campuses.
Check the University
Bookshop
for detail on any textbooks that may be
required.


Employability Skills


Course Fees

2026 Fees

  Fee Type  2026 Course Fees
  NT Government supported*  $2,421.65 - $3,037.65
  Full Fee  $10,774.77 - $13,515.57

*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.

Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.

For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.

Fee Exemptions

Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.

At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:

  • Recipient of a Centrelink payment
  • Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
  • Enrolled Secondary Students
  • Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status

Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.

If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.

Delivery allowance for VET funded programs


General Description


Availability: Applications are open for 2026.
Online Application: To be confirmed. Please contact the team on the details below for further information on how to apply.  
Apprenticeship/Traineeship: Currently not available as either an apprenticeship or traineeship.

This qualification reflects the role of an experienced plumbing service operator with advanced technical skills and/or responsibility for project design and supervision; or a hydraulic consultant responsible for designing hydraulic components and systems that meet client requirements and help in effective water management in domestic, commercial and industry contexts.

The plumbing industry strongly affirms that training and assessment leading to recognition of skills must be undertaken in a real or closely simulated workplace environment and this qualification requires all units of competency to be delivered and assessed in this context.

Completion of the general construction induction training program specified by the model Code of Practice for Construction Work is required before entering a construction work site. Achievement of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry meets this requirement.

This is a licenced occupation in some jurisdictions. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements may vary between states and territories. Relevant state and territory regulatory authorities should be consulted to confirm those requirements.

Delivery Details
LocationCasuarina      
Alice Springs
Duration1 - 2 years part-time    
*Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level
Study ModeFace-to-face      
Online
Start DateJanuary 19, 2026 - November 27, 2026     
*A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course.
AttendanceMonday - Friday
4:30pm to 8:30pm
Lecturer will provide more detailed information          
*Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide


Course Information Flyer(s)

CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (Operations) - 2026

Accreditation

This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package.

Locations and Study Mode

Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.

Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina

Study Mode: On campus, online, both


Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.

Entry Requirements Domestic

A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.

To gain entry into CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services, candidates require: 

  • Completion of a relevant trade qualification Certificate III in Plumbing such as CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing.
  • An appropriate level of language, literacy and numeracy
  • Confident computer literacy
  • Achievement of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry.

Required Resources

Students will have 24/7 access to assessments and learning resources on CDU's online learning platform Learnline. Before you can use Learnline however, you'll need to ensure that your computer has the correct setup.

Students are issued with digital and hard copy resources and will require access to a computer and the internet.

Computer and internet access may be required to source information and complete assessments.

Students are required to obtain the appropriate and current textbooks and Australian Standards (as listed below):

  • AS 3500:2025 Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4
  • NCC Vol 1, 2, and 3
  • ASNZ 5601 Parts 1 and 2


Duration

Estimated completion time: 1 year/s
This program is delivered over a period of 1 to 2 years part-time. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.

Career Opportunities

Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:

  • Plumbing Contractor
  • Hydraulic Designer


Marketing Professional Recognition



Marketing Course Description



Marketing Career Opportunities


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  • CRICOS Provider No: 00300K (NT/VIC) | 03286A (NSW)
  • RTO Provider No: 0373

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Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services - Hydraulic Services Design stream.

Fees

2026 Fees

  Fee Type  2026 Course Fees
  NT Government supported*  $2,421.65 - $3,037.65
  Full Fee  $10,774.77 - $13,515.57

*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.

Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.

For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.

Fee exemptions

Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.

At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:

  • Recipient of a Centrelink payment
  • Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
  • Enrolled Secondary Students
  • Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status

Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.

If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.

Delivery allowance for VET funded programs

International VET Package

Course information flyer(s)

CDU trades student

Why study trades at CDU?

Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.

Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.

  • NT's largest training provider
  • Access to specialised trade training facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses
CDU trades student

Why study trades at CDU?

Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.

Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.

  • NT's largest training provider
  • Access to specialised trade training facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses

What will I study?

To achieve CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (Operations) a total of fifteen (15) units of competency must be completed comprising ten (10) core and five (5) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.

Course structure

10 core units, plus
5 elective units, of which:

  • at least 1 elective must be from Group B
  • the remaining 4 electives from Group A or Group B
  • 2 units may be replaced by units from other Training packages or nationally accredited courses at Certificate IV level and above, provided they do not duplicate the outcome of another unit chosen for the qualification. 

Please note:

  • If you chose the non-gas stream, you will be assessed in CPCPRF4011 Design and size roof drainage systems
  • If you choose the gas stream, you will be assessed in CPCPGS4022 Service Type A gas appliances

The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 629 - 789.

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
Core units of competency
BSBESB402Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures60
CPCCBC4012Read and interpret plans and specifications30
CPCPCM4011Carry out work-based risk control processes24
CPCPCM4012Estimate and cost work40
CPCPCM4015Access and interpret regulatory requirements for the plumbing and services industry15
CPCPDR4011Design and size sanitary drainage systems40
CPCPDR4012Design and size stormwater drainage systems45
CPCPGS4011Design and size consumer gas installations60
CPCPSN4011Design and size sanitary plumbing systems50
CPCPWT4011Design and size heated and cold-water services and systems80
Total nominal hours for core units444
Elective units of competency (Select 5 from below)
Group A
CPCPDR4013Design and size domestic treatment plant disposal systems35
CPCPRF4011Design and size roof drainage systems60
Group B
CPCPCM2043Carry out WHS requirements50
CPCPGS4022
Service Type A gas appliances
Pre-requisites: CPCPCM2043 and CPCPGS3053
180
CPCPWT4022
Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices
Pre-requisites: CPCPCM2043 and CPCPWT3027
20
CPCPWT4023
Commission and maintain hot and heated water temperature control devices
Pre-requisites: CPCPCM2043 and CPCPWT3022
20
Total nominal hours for elective units185 - 345
Total nominal hours for the qualification629 - 789

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.

To gain entry into CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services, candidates require: 

  • Completion of a relevant trade qualification Certificate III in Plumbing such as CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing.
  • An appropriate level of language, literacy and numeracy
  • Confident computer literacy
  • Achievement of CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry.

Required Resources

Students will have 24/7 access to assessments and learning resources on CDU's online learning platform Learnline. Before you can use Learnline however, you'll need to ensure that your computer has the correct setup.

Students are issued with digital and hard copy resources and will require access to a computer and the internet.

Computer and internet access may be required to source information and complete assessments.

Students are required to obtain the appropriate and current textbooks and Australian Standards (as listed below):

  • AS 3500:2025 Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4
  • NCC Vol 1, 2, and 3
  • ASNZ 5601 Parts 1 and 2

All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.

Yron

CDU student

Yron VET Trades

All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.

Yron

CDU student

Yron VET Trades

Course details

Accreditation

This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package.

Location and study mode

Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.

Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina

Study Mode: On campus, online, both


Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.

Additional information

Sector
TAFE
Industry groups
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
Occupation types
Plumber (General)
Area of study
Plumbing, Building and Construction

Contact details

Electrotechnology and Plumbing
Location: Casuarina and Alice Springs Campus
Phone: 08 8946 7505 (CAS)
Phone: 08 8959 5461 (ASP)
Email: TAFE@cdu.edu.au

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

How to apply for domestic students

CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.

 

Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.

 

Admission requirements for domestic students

Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.

 

CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

How to apply for international students

Applications to CDU must be submitted online.

 

The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.

 

Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.

 

There is no application fee when you apply online.

Find a CDU agent partner

Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.

 

To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

 

Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.

We are here to help

Submit an enquiry and our friendly team will be in touch.

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