Get your builder licence.
You’ve run jobs, read plans and managed trades. In NSW, a contractor licence lets you do it in your own name. We help you get the qualifications and put the application together.
- What NSW asks for
- A Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120), plus either a Diploma of Building and Construction or a carpentry or bricklaying licence
What the licence lets you do.
Working under someone else’s licence means working on their terms and at their rate. With your own, you price the job, sign the contract and keep the margin.
- Contract residential building work in your own name, including jobs over $5,000 in labour and materials.
- Quote, sign and run the whole job, from the first site visit to handover.
- Hire and manage your own subcontractors.
- Build a business with your name on the sign, the van and the contract.
Your name on the sign.
It stays on your screen. Nothing is sent or saved.
Who qualifies.
In NSW, builder licences come from Building Commission NSW. It looks at two things: your qualifications, and enough of the right experience.
At least two years of experience across a wide range of building work, most of it in the last ten years.
Work for a licensed builder, supervised by a licence holder who will sign a referee’s statement for you.
A Certificate IV in Building and Construction, plus either a Diploma of Building and Construction or a carpentry or bricklaying licence.
A National Police Check no older than four months when you apply.
Worth knowing: Trade-only and owner-builder experience usually isn’t enough on its own.
Other states and territories set their own rules. Tell us where you work, and we’ll check them for you.
Ask about your stateYour documents.
Tick off what you already have. We’ll help you with the rest.
0 of 10 ready
From your first call to your licence.
How it usually goes. Your case may skip a step, or need one we’ll explain at the start.
Free eligibility check
Tell us about your building work. We’ll tell you whether a builder licence is realistic now, what’s missing, and what it costs.
Your evidence pack
We help you gather references, photos and paperwork, and fill the gaps before anything is sent.
Assessment by an RTO
A registered training organisation assesses your evidence for the Certificate IV, and for the Diploma if you need it. Some units may need a practical task or a short interview.
Your licence application
With your qualifications in hand, we prepare your application to Building Commission NSW, with the referee statements and forms in place.
Licensed
Once it’s approved, you can contract building work in your own name. Licence holders complete some professional development each year to renew.
Questions people ask us.
Something else on your mind?
Ask us on WhatsAppDo I need a licence for small jobs?
In NSW you need a contractor licence for residential building work worth more than $5,000 in labour and materials, including GST. Some specialist work needs a licence at any value. Ask us about your type of work.
Does my experience from overseas count?
It can help with your qualification. For the NSW licence itself, Building Commission NSW looks for experience with a licensed builder. Tell us your work history and we’ll tell you honestly where you stand.
How long does it take?
It depends on your experience and how quickly your paperwork comes together. After the free check, we’ll give you a realistic timeframe based on cases like yours.
How much does it cost?
It depends on which qualifications you need and what you already hold. The free check tells you the full cost before you commit to anything.
Will I have to go back to class?
Usually not. Recognition of prior learning means the RTO assesses what you can already do. If there’s a gap, you may need some training for those units.
I work in another state. Can you help?
Yes. Each state has its own licensing body and rules, and we help tradespeople across Australia. Tell us where you work and we’ll check the rules there.
Check your builder experience for free.
Tell us what you’ve built and for how long. We’ll tell you where you stand, what’s missing, and what it costs.