Designation Requirements:

Any applicant for the Master Plumber Recognition program must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a qualified and Licensed plumber in good standing with the PIRB
  • Must hold at least 2 PIRB specialization designations: For example, solar and heat pump;
  • Must have completed an appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) training course or can show the relevant SHE experience
  • Must submit a comprehensive CV that gives evidence and support that the above requirements have been met;
  • Must have paid the initial application Fee (See PIRB Rate Card);
  • Must have a minimum of 5 years* post plumbing qualification experience in both the maintenance and contracting fields of the plumbing industry;

*Consideration may be given to applicants who have less than 5 years post qualification experience. The applicant will be required to have proof of at least 10 years of plumbing experience (maintenance and contracting) prior to them obtaining their qualifications.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM ENTAIL?

The PIRB Master Plumber Recognition Program (MPRP) is not a training program. The program is a recognition
program of an individual’s previous learning and years of experience. This designation recognizes prior learning by
the candidate in the 5 key areas identified by the PIRB as the areas that is a Master Plumber. This program requires
participants to provide proof of competence, knowledge and understanding in these 5 key areas. The program will
also guide a candidate in the direction if they need to upskill themselves in the respective areas.
Should an applicant meet the entry requirements for this designation (see section B) above, the applicant will
register on the program, which consist of the following two phases:

Phase 1:

During this phase of the program a candidate will be required to demonstrate their knowledge, skill, experience and competency in the 5 key areas of a Master Plumber.

These include:

  • Business Management
  • Leadership & Ethics
  • Contract Management
  • Training & Mentoring
  • Applied Plumbing Principles

Details of each area can be found on the PIRB website under Master plumber tab. Once the candidate has completed their online portfolio of evidence via the PIRB learner management system, their portfolio will be reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts. Upon successful completion of the board’s review, the candidate will move onto phase 2.

Phase 2:

This Phase is an evaluation and an interview by a panel of master plumbers. During this phase the candidate will be required to complete a thesis on a specific topic related to the plumbing or building industry. As part of the evaluation and interview process the candidate will be required to do a presentation on their topic. Candidates will be required to complete this final phase successfully before being awarded the Master Plumber designation and enter the Master Plumbers Guild.

*A final evaluation fee will be levied on the applicant, at the time, as a part of this phase (See PIRB Rate Card)