Resources for the self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying scheme
Last updated: 7 September 2026
Use these resources to understand how the self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying scheme works, including eligibility, and guidance on how it works in the building consent process.
Understand how to work with self-certification if you are a plumber, drainlayer, building consent authority, designer or owner.
Self-certification is optional. Plumbers and drainlayers can choose to self-certify and owners can choose whether to have their eligible plumbing and drainlaying work self-certified.
The scheme is designed to help speed up the building consent process. This is done by allowing plumbers and drainlayers to certify eligible work without it needing building consent authority (BCA) inspections.
Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying guidance document
The guidance explains:
- how the self-certification scheme works
- who can use self-certification and when it applies
- the role of BCAs, plumbers, drainlayers and other participants in self-certification
- self-certification requirements in the building consent process.
Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying scheme guidance [PDF 2MB]
Check if your plumbing and drainlaying can be self-certified
Determine whether your plumbing and drainlaying can be self-certified
Download a printable version of the guide:
Determine whether your plumbing and drainlaying can be self-certified [PDF 233KB]
Step-by-step guides
Use these step-by-step guides to understand each stage of self-certification during the building consent process.
- Endorsed plumbers and drainlayers: step-by-step guide to self-certifying plumbing and drainlaying
- BCAs: step-by-step guide to plumbing and drainlaying self-certification
- Designers: step-by-step guide to plumbing and drainlaying self-certification