PGDB Certifying Plumber study guide
PGDB Certifying Plumber · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The PGDB Certifying Plumber credential is issued through the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is the step that lets a tradesperson legally certify their own sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying work rather than working under someone else's supervision. The PGDB Certifying Plumber study guide has 9 sections and about 2,605 words.
01Sanitary plumbing and drainage systems
This domain tests the design and installation of above-ground sanitary plumbing and below-ground drainage under NZBC clause G13 and AS/NZS 3500.2. The exam probes trap seals, venting, grades, junctions, inspection openings, bedding and testing.
312 words, about 2 min02Water supply and backflow prevention
This domain tests potable water supply design and installation under NZBC G12, AS/NZS 3500.1 and network utility requirements. Expect pipe sizing, pressure, velocity, isolation, hot-water temperature control and backflow protection.
299 words, about 1 min03Gasfitting installations and safety
This domain tests gasfitting under the Gas Act 1992, the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 and AS/NZS 5601.1. The exam focuses on combustion air, flueing, clearances, pressure, leak testing, purging and certification.
304 words, about 2 min04Roofing, rainwater and stormwater systems
This domain tests roof cladding, gutters, downpipes, stormwater drainage and disposal under NZBC E1 and E2 and AS/NZS 3500.3. Expect catchment sizing, falls, overflows, flashings and soakage/detention.
291 words, about 1 min05Plumbing design, drawings and specifications
This domain tests interpretation and production of plumbing drawings, schedules and specifications. Expect plans, elevations, sections, isometrics, symbols, scales, datums, reduced levels (RLs), invert levels, grades and revision control.
276 words, about 1 min06Compliance, standards and regulatory obligations
This domain tests the legal framework around plumbing: the Building Act 2004, the Building Code, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006, building consents, exemptions, inspections and records of work. Plumbing and drainage is building work.
287 words, about 1 min07Health, safety and environmental practice on site
This domain tests site safety and environmental controls under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, the Asbestos Regulations 2016 and trade waste/sediment rules. Expect hazard control, trenches, confined spaces, silica, lead and spill response.
282 words, about 1 min08Business, contracts and customer management
This domain tests quoting, contracting, payment and customer handling. Expect the Consumer Guarantees Act, Fair Trading Act, Building Act implied warranties, Construction Contracts Act 2002, variations and dispute avoidance.
280 words, about 1 min09Supervision, mentoring and quality assurance
This domain tests how a certifying plumber supervises staff, mentors learners and assures quality. Expect supervision levels, competent workers, inspection and test plans, hold points, records and sign-off.
274 words, about 1 min