The four checks
PGDB licence, person by person
We search the PGDB public register by each person's first and last name, because it doesn't recognise business names. We look for a current licence, the trade it covers, the class and any conditions or disciplinary decisions. Then we match the trade to the jobs the business wants.
Their supervisor
Anyone who isn't a certifying plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer must have an active certifying licence holder in the same trade listed as their supervisor. We look that supervisor up as well.
Insurance and business number
The business sends a current public liability insurance certificate, which we keep on file, plus its NZBN or company number. When the policy renews, and at least once a year, we ask for the new certificate.
Google reviews, read by a person
Someone reads them, rather than trusting a star average.
What each licence class may do
| Works without a supervisor | Can certify work | |
|---|---|---|
| Certifying plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer | Yes, and can supervise others | Yes |
| Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer | No: needs a named certifying supervisor, who need not be on site | No |
| Restricted | No: works under supervision | No. A restricted gasfitter also can't connect a gas appliance to the supply |
Class names you might still hear
On 1 April 2025, PGDB renamed two classes. Journeyman became Restricted, and Tradesman became plain Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer. Certifying stayed the same, and the renaming didn't change what any class may do.
What the register shows, and what it doesn't
PGDB's register shows a person's name, contact details, registration and licence history, any licence conditions, who supervises them or whom they supervise, and any Board disciplinary decisions. By law, anyone disciplined in the last 3 years appears on it.
Being listed isn't proof of a current licence, because former licence holders are listed too. A tick or green in the far-right column means current.
Checking whether someone holds a licence is one of the register's listed uses. PGDB says searching it for any other purpose may be an interference with privacy and is prohibited.
Checking again
Practising licences expire on 31 March every year. A licence that was current when a tradie joined can lapse later, so we search the register again every three months.
A re-check that turns up a lapsed, suspended or cancelled licence stops the jobs: that tradie sees nothing more from us until the licence is current again.
Self-certification is a separate step
Since 7 September 2026, certifying plumbers and certifying drainlayers can apply to PGDB for a self-certification endorsement. It is separate from the licence, so a licence alone doesn't mean someone is endorsed. The scheme covers plumbing and drainlaying, not gas.
If a tradie offers to self-certify your job, ask whether they hold the endorsement: under the scheme, only an endorsed plumber or drainlayer can issue the certificate of compliance. Certificates of compliance explains the different certificates.
What a check can't tell you
A licence check tells you a person may do the work. It says nothing about price, punctuality or how tidy they leave your place.
PGDB recommends getting a range of written quotes before you choose. Nothing stops you doing that alongside the quote from the tradie who rings you.
Check the tradie yourself
Ask to see their licence
PGDB says to ask for the New Zealand Practising Licence. It may be a card or a digital card in the PGDB app. Look at the expiry date.
Match the trade
Make sure it covers your job. Plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are separate.
Ask about supervision
If they work under supervision, ask who supervises them, and look that person up too.
Search the register
Search each person's first and last name. Our guide to checking a PGDB licence walks through it.