How endorsed plumbers and drainlayers self-certify
How plumbers and drainlayers get endorsed to self-certify, what work can be self-certified, and their responsibilities.
How self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying works
Last updated: 7 September 2026
The self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying scheme allows endorsed plumbers and drainlayers to certify that eligible work complies with the building consent without building consent authority (BCA) inspections. The scheme is voluntary and does not change building consent or Building Code requirements.
Use this page to understand how the scheme works, what work can be self-certified, and the responsibilities that come with self-certification.
Owners can choose to have either:
- eligible plumbing and drainlaying self-certified by an endorsed plumber or drainlayer
- plumbing and drainlaying inspected by a building consent authority (BCA).
What self-certification means
Under the scheme, endorsed plumbers and drainlayers self-certify that work complies with the building consent.
Self-certified work does not need to be inspected by a BCA, as long as it is:
- included in the types of plumbing and drainlaying that can be self-certified
- listed as self-certifiable on the building consent
- carried out by a plumber or drainlayer who is endorsed to self-certify.
All work must still comply with the Building Code.
If self-certified plumbing and drainlaying does not comply with the Building Code and the relevant building consent, normal enforcement, disciplinary, and consumer protection processes apply.
A building consent is still required where one would normally be needed.
Only endorsed plumbers and drainlayers can self-certify
Participation in self-certification is voluntary. To self-certify, plumbers and drainlayers must apply for an endorsement (formal approval to self-certify eligible plumbing and drainlaying) from the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board.
To be eligible for endorsement, plumbers and drainlayers must:
- be certifying plumbers and drainlayers (the highest level of registration)
- hold a current licence
- continue to meet all professional and disciplinary requirements.
Search the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board public register – pgdb.co.nz
Self-certification and accountability
BCAs still assess proposed building work for Building Code compliance at the building consent stage.
BCAs must not inspect any work listed in the building consent as self-certified.
In place of inspections, endorsed plumbers and drainlayers:
- take responsibility for the work
- issue a certificate of compliance when all plumbing and drainlaying work is complete, confirming the work complies with the building consent and required tests have been completed.
Certificates of compliance
Certificates of compliance are in a prescribed form set by the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board.
If an endorsed plumber or drainlayer self-certifies work, they must issue a certificate of compliance within 10 working days of completing the work. This replaces the inspection process and confirms the work complies with the building consent.
Certificates of compliance are issued to:
- owners
- BCAs
- the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board.
BCAs are expected to check that certificates of compliance have all the required information.
They must accept certificates of compliance as evidence of complying with the building consent.
Find out more about certificates of compliance
What plumbing and drainlaying work can be self-certified
The self-certification scheme only applies to certain types of eligible plumbing and drainlaying work.
The work must meet the eligibility requirements for the scheme, including limits on building height and design requirements.
What plumbing and drainlaying work can be self-certified
Why self-certification was introduced
Self-certification is intended to:
- reduce delays caused by BCA inspections
- allow BCAs to focus inspections on higher risk building work
- recognise the skills and accountability of experienced plumbers and drainlayers
- make the building consent system work more efficiently for everyone involved.
Background legislation
On 2 June 2026, the Building and Construction Sector (Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers) Amendment Act 2026 (the Amendment Act) was passed to establish a voluntary self-certification scheme for plumbers and drainlayers.
The Amendment Act’s purpose is to speed up the building consenting process for eligible plumbing and drainlaying work in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Building and Construction Sector (Self-certification by Plumbers and Drainlayers) Amendment Act 2026 – legislation.govt.nz
The scheme allows endorsed plumbers and drainlayers to carry out eligible work without building consent authority (BCA) inspections. Regulations define which types of plumbing and drainlaying work can be self-certified.
Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-certification and Certificate of Compliance Information) Regulations 2026 – legislation.govt.nz