The Ultimate Guide to Trade Licensing in Australia: Requirements & Benefits

If you’re pursuing a trade career in Australia, obtaining a trade license is essential to ensure compliance with legal standards and increase your credibility. In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about trade licensing, how to get certified, and the benefits of choosing TP Training for your licensing journey.

The first step in this process is to complete training for the relevant qualifications in your state or territory. In some states you may also need to participate in ongoing training workshops to maintain your licence or registration.

For standard guidance requirements, visit Licensing Guide.

Overview

Becoming a licensed tradesperson is an essential part of building your reputation and assuring your clients that you are up to the job. The first step in getting licenced is proving you have the relevant skills. Getting a nationally recognised qualification through DLI Training is a great way to do that.

Bricklaying

Overview of the Bricklaying Licence in Australia

Australia’s thriving property market has led to a growing demand for skilled bricklayers, making a bricklaying licence essential for those looking to pursue a successful career in the construction industry or operate as self-employed contractors. Achieving this licence requires proper registration and compliance with industry standards.

Importance of Bricklaying as a Trade

Bricklaying is a skilled trade that involves preparing building materials, mixing concrete, and working with various materials. Key responsibilities in this role include:

• Surface preparation
• Assembly and installation
• Reinforcement and repair

Possessing a bricklaying licence not only demonstrates competency but also enhances your reputation among clients.

Qualifications for a Bricklaying Licence

To obtain a bricklaying licence, you typically need a trade certificate and relevant industry experience. If you have extensive on-the-job experience but lack formal education, you may still qualify for a nationally recognized qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Do You Need a Bricklaying Licence?

Most states and territories require a bricklaying licence or building practitioner registration to ensure compliance with Australian quality standards. Specific requirements can vary, including:

• Registration requirements for concrete work
• Limitations on project values without a licence

Having the appropriate licence not only helps you meet regulatory requirements but also allows you to legally sign contracts and advertise your services, thus expanding your business opportunities.

How to Apply for a Bricklaying Licence

Bricklaying licences are regulated by each State or Territory’s Building Commission. While processes differ, common requirements include:

• Completion of a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying
• Evidence of practical experience in the field

Those with practical experience can have their skills assessed for qualification through RPL, potentially avoiding the need for re-training.

Conclusion

To succeed in the bricklaying industry, obtaining a bricklaying licence is crucial. It ensures you meet the necessary standards, enhances your credibility, and opens doors to larger contracts. For more information on licensing requirements, please consult your state’s licensing authority.

For further details, visit the official sites for state building commissions or contact local training providers for assistance.

Building

Essential Facts About the Builder’s Licence in Australia

The building and construction sector is Australia’s third-largest industry, employing approximately 9% of the workforce in both full-time and part-time roles. As this number continues to rise, individuals aspiring to work as builders must secure the appropriate trade licensing for their respective states. Understanding how to obtain an Australian Builder’s Licence can significantly enhance your employment prospects in this thriving industry.

State-Specific Licensing Requirements

Each state and territory in Australia has its own licensing requirements for builders, and it is crucial to be licensed in the state where you intend to work. The fundamental requirements for obtaining a builder’s licence typically include:

• A trade certificate or equivalent diploma.
• A minimum of two years of relevant industry experience.

Fast-Tracking Your Builder’s Licence with RPL

For those already working in the industry, the process of obtaining a builder’s licence can be lengthy. However, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) provides a viable and cost-effective alternative to repeating units of competency. RPL allows individuals to use their already acquired skills as evidence of competency for the target qualification. This method generally requires no classroom attendance or exams, enabling you to gain your licence more quickly and efficiently.

Do You Need a Builder’s Licence?

Yes, if you wish to operate as a builder in the construction industry, having a builder’s licence is mandatory. Without it, you are prohibited from:

• Carrying out any building work.
• Submitting bids or quotes for jobs.
• Signing building contracts.
• Performing any building-related tasks in a personal capacity.

Operating without a licence can lead to significant penalties, and in some states, may even disqualify you from obtaining a licence in the future.

Steps to Apply for a Builder’s Licence

Builder’s licensing is regulated by the respective State or Territory’s Building Commission. While application processes may vary, the following qualifications are commonly required:

• Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40110
• Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50210

Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of practical experience, which should reflect the length of time worked in relevant roles and the nature of the work performed.

Conclusion

Acquiring a builder’s licence is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in the construction industry. It ensures compliance with regulatory standards, enhances your professional credibility, and opens up more opportunities for larger contracts. For detailed information on licensing requirements specific to your state, please consult your state’s licensing authority.

For additional resources and up-to-date information, visit the Australian Government’s Business website or your local building commission’s website.

Carpentry

Overview of the Carpentry Licence in Australia

Carpentry is a vital part of Australia’s booming building and construction industry, catering to both commercial and residential sectors. The outlook for carpentry remains positive, with ongoing demand expected in the coming years.

To become a skilled carpenter, extensive training is essential, combining formal education from accredited institutions with hands-on practical experience. This experience can be recognized through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway, allowing individuals to obtain a nationally recognized qualification based on their existing skills.

Each state and territory has its own licensing and registration requirements. Some states issue specific carpentry licences, while others require registration with accredited building practitioners and supervision by licensed builders. Competency and aptitude are critical in carpentry, and the typical career path starts with an apprenticeship, progressing to journeyman status and ultimately master carpenter.

Having a carpentry licence assures clients of your qualifications and experience, enabling you to bid on larger contracts and enhance your professional reputation. Operating without a proper licence can result in penalties or fines, which may hinder future licensing opportunities.

How to Apply for a Carpentry Licence

Requirements for a carpentry licence vary by state, but typically include:

• Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery or Certificate III in Carpentry.

For those without formal qualifications, RPL offers a way to gain recognition for previous experience and skills. Demonstrating sufficient hands-on training can expedite the qualification process, allowing you to achieve licensing in a matter of weeks.

For the most current licensing information, please consult your state’s licensing authority, as requirements may change.

Concreting

Overview of the Concreting Licence in Australia

The concreting trade plays a vital role in Australia’s building and construction industry, focusing on concrete laying and placement for falsework and formwork. Given the constant demand for high-quality work, adhering to rigorous quality standards is essential to ensure the structural integrity and safety of buildings.

To fully leverage business and employment opportunities, tradespeople are encouraged to obtain a concreting licence. This ensures compliance with state or territory regulations, as all concreters must meet nationally recognized standards and guidelines.

Importance of a Concreting Licence

Building contractors must hold a concreting licence to perform general concreting work. This licensing not only identifies the business within the construction industry but also protects both clients and tradespeople. Operating without a licence can lead to significant penalties.

Applying for a Concreting Licence

The application process for a concreting licence varies by state or territory. Some regions issue individual licences for concreters, while others categorize it under the broader building trade. Typically, applicants are required to complete:

• An apprenticeship with a licensed concreter
• Certificate III in Concreting

For those lacking formal qualifications, significant practical experience may allow for recognition through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL can provide the same licensing and employment opportunities as traditional qualifications.

For the most accurate and current information on licensing requirements, it’s best to consult your state’s licensing body, as these requirements can change.

Demolition (DE2) (restricted)

Key information

Demolition work is dangerous and considered high risk construction work. In NSW, you need a restricted demolition licence to demolish or partly demolish most buildings, structures and installations.

When is a Restricted demolition licence (DE2) needed?

You need this licence to demolish or partly demolish any building, structure or installation that fits one or more of these descriptions:

• is between 4 metres and 15 metres in height and involves mechanical demolition such as using excavators, bulldozers or cranes
• is between 10 metres and 15 metres in height and affects its structural integrity
• involves the use of load shifting machinery on suspended floors.

You might use this licence for demolition work on a home, warehouse or concrete car park using load shifting machinery such as an excavator.

You can add demolition types to a DE2 licence if you want to carry out some of the work of a DE1 licence holder.

No licence is required for the demolition of buildings/structures/installations that are less than 4 metres in height, and that do not involve DE1 or DE2 conditions.

Note: The person who’ll be holding the licence must complete the application.

Key information

Demolition work is dangerous and considered high risk construction work. In NSW, you need a restricted demolition licence to demolish or partly demolish most buildings, structures and installations.

When is a Restricted demolition licence (DE2) needed?

You need this licence to demolish or partly demolish any building, structure or installation that fits one or more of these descriptions:

• is between 4 metres and 15 metres in height and involves mechanical demolition such as using excavators, bulldozers or cranes
• is between 10 metres and 15 metres in height and affects its structural integrity
• involves the use of load shifting machinery on suspended floors.

You might use this licence for demolition work on a home, warehouse or concrete car park using load shifting machinery such as an excavator.

You can add demolition types to a DE2 licence if you want to carry out some of the work of a DE1 licence holder.

No licence is required for the demolition of buildings/structures/installations that are less than 4 metres in height, and that do not involve DE1 or DE2 conditions.

Note: The person who’ll be holding the licence must complete the application.

Demolition licence (DE1) (unrestricted)

Key information

• Demolition work is dangerous and considered high risk construction work.
• In NSW, you need a demolition licence to demolish or partly demolish most buildings, structures and installations.

When is a demolition licence needed?

This is an unrestricted licence. You need this licence to demolish or partly demolish any building, structure or installation that fits one or more of these descriptions. It:

• is over 15 metres high
• is a chemical installation
• involves a tower crane on site
• involves a mobile crane with a rated capacity of more than 100 tonnes
• has structural components that are pre-tensioned or post-tensioned
• involves floor propping
• involves explosives.

You might use this licence for demolition work involving load shifting machinery, such as excavators, on car parks or commercial buildings that are usually over five storeys high (over 15m). Or on underground or above ground fuel tanks and associated pipework.

Eligibility

You must meet the following criteria to get a demolition licence.  

You must:

• be at least 18
• complete 11 units from the Certificate III in Demolition and Certificate IV in Demolition
• do at least 3 demolition jobs under a supervisor. You must submit evidence of your experience.

If applying on behalf of a demolition business you must also be a director, general manager, or involved in management.

Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry & Kitchen (KBLR)

Kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovation licence

You must have a licence before you do any residential building work in NSW, including kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovations, that is valued at more than $5000 (incl GST) in labour and materials.

Kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovation is work involved in the installation, refurbishment, restoration and on-site repairs of or to a kitchen, bathroom or laundry.

It doesn’t include work affecting any internal or external load bearing part of the building that is essential to the stability of the building or any part of it, including things such as foundations, floors, walls, roof, columns and beams.

Any contract for kitchen, bathroom or laundry renovations can include any specialist work that needs to be done as part of the overall job, and any specialist work can be appropriately subcontracted.

However this work must be carried out by the holder of an endorsed contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate in that specialist category.

Painting

Australian Painting Licence

Australia’s painting and decorating trade is growing steadily along with the ever-burgeoning construction industry. As more homes are built, the demand for qualified painters increases, too.
Due to the low barrier to entry into the painting trade, professionals can easily enter and or exit according to demand. This makes the trade highly competitive.
In order to take advantage of employment prospects in the painting and decorating trade, it is important to carry a painting licence, which will afford you the right to operate legally in Australia.
Below, we will lay out the various ways in which you can get the recognition you deserve as a professional painter, and to maximize employment and profit opportunities.

A painting licence permits you to run your painting and decorating business in the state or territory in which you are registered.
Only suitably qualified painters will be granted such a licence. The requirements vary depending on your state, but most states require that painters have one of the following nationally recognised qualifications in the painting industry:

• BCG30603 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
• CPC30608 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
• CPC30620 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

Do I Really Need a Painting Licence?

States and territories have strict regulations in place, requiring painters to be licensed or registered before advertising, contracting or subcontracting painting jobs. Registration is a means for identifying your business and holding you accountable for your work and to protect consumers.
Any unlicensed individual who contracts a painting project may be fined, prosecuted or otherwise penalised. In most cases, individuals who flout the regulations will be banned from obtaining a licence in the future.

Applying for a Painting Licence

Each state has its own processes and requirements for obtaining a painters licence, and specific organisations handle the registration process. You will have to present your qualifications during application.
If you have the required experience and skills, but you don’t have a complete qualification, you may consider using Recognition of Prior Learning as a means to obtain an equivalent qualification without having to spend time, effort and money on unnecessary classroom work.

Please contact your state’s licensing body for up to date information as requirements do change.

Plastering

About the Dry Plastering Licence

Ceilings and plastering are crucial elements within the construction industry, which is rapidly growing in Australia. Both wet and dry plastering require licensing and registration, the rules of which differ amongst the states and territories.
In recent years, the demand has grown significantly for installation of cornice products and plasterboard, thus presenting many employment prospects within the construction industry. The industry growth is especially exciting for licenced and registered individuals.
Keep reading to find out how to register and obtain a dry plastering licence in your state.

In order to legally operate in Australia, qualified contractors need a plastering licence. A dry plastering licence allows you to carry out a variety of dry plastering activities and installations, including false and suspended ceilings, cornices, fibrous cement sheeting, and fibrous plaster sheeting. In some states, wet and dry plastering are considered the same trade.
In order to advertise, contract, or subcontract to carry out residential construction and trade work, you will need a dry plastering licence. Residential building work could include building construction, repairs, renovations, and alterations, as well as construction of garages and swimming pools.
If you have building experience and skills, but no formal certificates or diplomas, you could obtain a nationally recognised qualification using recognition of prior learning (RPL).

How to Apply

Each state has its own procedures for the dry plastering licence application, but in most cases, you will need the appropriate qualifications to be deemed eligible for a dry plastering licence. CPC31211 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining is the nationally recognised qualification, however, other qualifications are also recognised, including:

• Certificate III in Fibrous Plaster and Plasterboard Trade TAFE course #0115
• Qualification 11764 Certificate III in Plastering, Fibrous and Plasterboard
• Trade TAFE course #2153BCG30298 Certificate III in General Construction (Wall and Ceiling Lining) TAFE course #8062
• BCG31203 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
• CPC31208 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining

There are many ways to obtain a dry plastering licence in Australia. Classroom study is the most common option. You could also enrol in an apprenticeship and have the experience evaluated and credited towards an equivalent qualification.
If you have several years of experience, but you do not have a formal qualification, you may be able to have your experience and skills assessed through recognition of prior learning in order to achieve an equivalent qualification.

Please contact your state’s licensing body for up to date information as requirements do change.

New South Wales Builders Licence

New South Wales Licence Types and Registration

To apply, you will need to decide which type of licence you need to acquire. The three types available in NSW are as follows (depending on whether you want to contract or supervise building work):

A contractor licence is issued for one or three years. You are allowed to do only the types of work described on your licence.

A qualified supervisor certificate is issued for three years and does not allow you to contract for work.

An endorsed contractor licence. If you apply for a contractor licence and also have the qualifications and experience needed for a qualified supervisor, you are eligible to get an endorsed contractor licence.

The following will be required when you apply to get the licence:

• details of your employment and experience
• an original copy of your qualification
• details of any other licences or certificates you hold.

Be aware that this is not an exhaustive list of required documents. Please visit the Building (general building work) page on the NSW Department of Fair Trading website for full details.

Required Experience

When it comes to experience, you are required to have worked as an employee, a subcontractor or a nominated supervisor (who holds a certificate of a qualified supervisor).

Important note: to attain your Residential Builders Licence in NSW, you will also need to gain at least 24 months experience as a bona fide employee under a licensed builder (working on residential sites and in a range of building works). The employer must confirm your experience on the referee’s statement form. In addition, you must have been paid with money for the work you did.

Required Qualification

It’s required that you meet one of the two qualification criteria below.

1. Certificate IV in Building and Construction– Note that your training must contain all of the required units. Check Fair Trading’s website for the full list of units.

Plus any of the following:

• – Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) BCG50206 or CPC50208;
• – Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50210(all of the units required by the NSW Department of Fair Trading must be included in the training you decide to take);
• – a current bricklaying or carpentry contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate;
• – Bachelor of Housing from an Australian university or a degree in a related field from an Australian university.

2. A degree from an Australian university (in building, construction, construction project management, construction management, applied science (building), quantity surveying, or construction economics). The degree should require the applicant “to undertake the equivalent of four years’ full time study and a mandatory work placement”.

Finally, you must lodge your application in person at a Service NSW centre.

Victoria Builders Licence

Victoria Licence Types and Registration

The process of issuing a builders’ licence in Victoria is managed by the Victorian Building Authority.

Classes of Registration

Different categories are offered for building practitioners (Engineer, Building Inspector, Quantity Surveyor, etc.).

For Builders, three subtypes of registration are outlined:

• Commercial builder(Limited and Unlimited)
• Domestic builder(Limited and Unlimited)
• Demolisher(Low rise, Medium rise, Unlimited)

Here is a quick explanation in terms of limited and unlimited registrations.

A Domestic Builders Licence (limited) outlines a specific area where you are qualified to accomplish tasks. Your responsibilities may be limited to the bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovation, the construction of swimming pools and spas, waterproofing, earthworks and excavation work, the construction of private bushfire shelters, etc.

Conversely, when your licence card reads “Unlimited”, it means your work is not limited by any specific area in building construction. Check the website’s What is Domestic building work page for more details.

The Registration Process

Here is a chart that represents the process of registration: from submitting your qualifications and technical referee reports to presenting police check and declarations. To assist you with the registration process, the VBA conducts free registration information seminars. You are encouraged to book into a relevant seminar and attend it before submitting your application.

Required Qualification and Experience

To qualify for registration as a domestic builder (unlimited), you will need the following qualification:

1. The successful completion of one of the qualifications below:

• a Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics from Holmesglen,
• a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) from Deakin University,
• a diploma of building and construction (building) (CPC50210), and

2. At least 3 years of practical experience.

For domestic builder (limited), the qualification and experience requirements vary depending on the component or class of domestic building work. The necessary information for each specific case is outlined in Experience Statements available on Victorian Building Authority’s page.

Queensland Builders Licence

Queensland Licence Types and Registration

Builders’ licensing in Queensland is managed by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

In Queensland, the building work you do must be covered by your licence. Note that for some work, you need more than one licence class.

You need a licence to carry out:

• any building work valued over $3,300.
• building work valued over $1,100 where it involves Hydraulic Services Design.
• building work of any value where it involves drainage, plumbing, gas fitting, termite management, fire protection, site classification, etc.

QBCC also outlines the cases when you don’t need to acquire a licence. Specific details should be checked in case of an incidental work,  sub-trade contracting, commercial construction, etc.

Licence Classes

Several classes of licencing are offered by QBCC, including:

• Builders
• Builder Restricted
• Building Design
• Completed Residential Building Inspection
• Trade Contractor
• Occupational plumbing and draining licences
• Fire protection licences

For each subcategory, check the page of Licence Classes to find the information you need.

Generally, those applying need to have:

• Between 2 to 4 years of experience;
• Formal qualifications (most of the qualifications will require to complete Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40110. Make sure the certificate you complete includes all of the units required by the state authority);
• Three references;
• Proof of financial stability;
• Proof of identity;
• Record of registration;
• Proof of business partnership.

Western Australia Builders Licence

Western Australia Licence Types and Registration

If you want to get your builders licence in WA, Western Australian Building Commission is the official body you should check all of the information with.

Registration and Licence Types

Only a registered building practitioner or a registered building contractor can perform particular building work in WA․

The Western Australian Building Commission offers two types of licensing:

• Licenced Building Practitioner(for individuals); and
• Licenced Building Contractor(for individuals, partnerships and companies).

To apply for registration as a building practitioner, you must complete the application form for the chosen set. There are five sets, each with different requirements. Carefully study the specifics of each and pick the one that suits your qualifications and experience most.

To apply for registration as a building contractor, first of all make sure you have checked the registration details and application guidelines.

Note that registered practitioners and contractors must renew their registrations every three years.

Qualification and Experience

You will need to document your qualifications and experience. Check out the page “Documenting your experience and qualifications” for more information.

To be registered, you will need to present your qualifications and experience.

South Australia Builders Licence

South Australia Licence Types and Registration

To acquire your builders licence in South Australia, you need to apply via the Consumer and Business Services.

The two main types of builders licencing options are:

• Building work contractors,
• Building work supervisors.

The first one allows you “to work in construction, trade, demolition, site preparation and restoration and repairs”.

The second type of professionals “make sure that all building work performed meets the required building standards”.

Check the full list of builders’ responsibilities for more information.

Required Qualifications and Experience

To become a building work contractor, generally you will need:

• a copy of your National Police Certificate (NPC) no more than 12 months old;
• to have sufficient financial resources: at least $10,000 in net assets;
• to choose one of the 10 different options for requirements outlined for building work contractors;
• to have sufficient business knowledge.

As an applicant for a building work supervisor’s registration, you will need:

• copies of trade certificates (or other qualifications);
• technical qualifications;
• evidence of experience.

The knowledge and experience needed to become a supervisor includes the following major areas: building work management, building technology, and legislative requirements.

Northern Territory Builders Licence

Northern Territory Licence Types and Registration

If you want to work as a builder or building certifier, or set up a building company in the Northern Territory, you must register with the Building Practitioners Board which offers a number of different licence types including:

• Building Contractor Residential (Restricted)
• Building Contractor Residential (Unrestricted)

Acquiring these licences will allow you to accomplish the following types of work in NT:

• new single houses, duplexes, new residential units, townhouses;
• verandas, garages and carports;
• extensions to existing single houses and residential units;
• retaining walls

Tasmania Builders Licence

Tasmania Licence Types and Registration

The Department of Justice (Tasmania) is responsible for builders’ licensing which is regulated by the department’s business unit Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS).

In Tasmania, the builders licence is offered in three categories:

• builder;
• fire protection service builder; and
• demolisher.

They divide each licence into three classes: low rise, medium rise and open.

The requirements depend on what class you wish to obtain. You will also need to provide two references, proof of insurance, financial information, and go through an interview.

To apply for a licence or renew the existing one, go to builder’s licence for eligibility and competency requirements, a checklist for builders licence, and more.

Canberra (ACT) Builders Licence

Canberra (ACT) Licence Types and Registration

The regulator of builders’ licensing in the ACT is Environment, Planning and Land Services.

To apply for a builders licence in the ACT, you need to choose one of the following five classes:

• Class A Builder (unlimited): for building work of unlimited height
• Class B Builder (medium rise: buildings that are three storeys or lower)
• Class C Builder (low rise residential: buildings that are two storeys and lower)
• Class D Builder: for non-structural basic building work
• Owner–builder licence (class 1, class 2 or class 10 buildings)

Note that specialist building work is not included in the above-mentioned classes. Specialist building work involves demolition of a building and installation of a swimming pool.