Builder licence
RPL focuses on assessing workplace evidence collected and skills demonstrated to achieve a trade qualification so you can apply for your trade licences.
RPL focuses on assessing workplace evidence collected and skills demonstrated to achieve a trade qualification so you can apply for your trade licences.
Obtaining a builder’s licence is crucial for those looking to pursue a career in the construction sector. This licence serves as a legal authorization for individuals to undertake a range of construction tasks. Across Australia, the specific regulations and requirements for licensing in the construction field vary from one state or territory to another.
To get the licence, you need to meet the minimum requirements in your state. For example, in NSW, here are the steps to becoming a licensed builder: Get your qualification qualified with Skillqualified. Undertake construction induction training and obtain a White Card. Apply to Fair Trading NSW for your building and construction licence.
To obtain a builder’s or contractor’s license in NSW, individuals must fulfill certain criteria. This includes having at least two years of relevant industry experience gained within the last ten years. Alongside this experience, applicants need to hold one of the following qualifications:
CPC40120 (current) Certificate IV in Building and Construction
CPC40320 (current) Certificate IV in Building Project Support
Certificate IV in Building and Construction with specializations such as Contract Administration, Estimating, or Site Management
Additionally, applicants must possess one of the following credentials:
A current Carpentry or Bricklaying contractor license or supervisor certificate
A Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) – CPC50220 (current), BCG50206, CPC50208, or CPC50210
A Degree in Building, Construction Management, General Construction, Construction Economics, Quantity Surveying, or Applied Science (Building) from an Australian University)
If more information is required, please refer to NSW Fair Trading.
To obtain a builder’s license in QLD, it is necessary to fulfill the criteria set forth by the QBCC, which vary depending on the specific license class. These criteria are designed to assess your qualifications, technical expertise, and understanding of construction industry standards. They encompass:
– Attainment of statements of accomplishment for the requisite units relevant to the license class.
– Possession of certificates of recognition demonstrating competency in the specific scope of work for the license class.
-Completion of either Certificate IV in Building and Construction CPC40120 or an equivalent course.
-Achievement of a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50220.
-Attainment of an Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) CPC60220.
If more information is required, please refer to Queensland Building and Construction Commission.
The VBA offers 30 distinct classes of licenses, each tailored to specific types of building tasks. These include:
Unlimited Domestic Builder:
This license enables the holder to undertake, manage, or arrange all aspects of domestic building work involving the construction, renovation, improvement, or maintenance of residential buildings (class 1, 2, and 4 buildings, and associated class 10 buildings).
Qualification requirements:
– Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics from Holmesglen
– Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) from Deakin University
– Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50210 or CPC50220)
Domestic Project Manager:
A Domestic Project Manager oversees or arranges domestic building work conducted by a registered Domestic Builder. They are not authorized to physically perform the work themselves and are prohibited from engaging unregistered builders for the construction tasks.
Qualification requirements:
– Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics
– Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)
– Graduate Diploma of Construction Management
– Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50308 or CPC50320)
Additionally, there are various classes of Limited Domestic Builder licenses available, such as Bathroom, Kitchen and Laundry, or Bricklaying and Blocklaying. Each limited class permits specific types of work, with distinct responsibilities and limitations, so it’s crucial to select the one that aligns best with your intended building activities.
If more information is required, please refer to Victorian Building Authority.
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in South Australia oversees the regulation of builder’s licenses, and only licensed individuals are permitted to conduct building work. To qualify for a builder’s license in SA, candidates must demonstrate acquired qualifications and practical experience.
Acceptable qualifications include:
1. Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40110)
2. Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50210)
3. Contractors Management Program Certificate IV
4. Business Management for Building 1 (AQF4) or Building Management 2 (AQF5)
These qualifications serve as benchmarks for demonstrating the necessary knowledge and skills required for obtaining a builder’s license in South Australia.
If more information is required, please refer to Government of South Australia.
n the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), builder’s licenses are categorized into Class A, B, C, and D. Qualifying for a builder’s license (A, B, or C) entails holding a relevant qualification, passing a written examination, and having two years of documented full-time building work experience. Class D requires three years of work experience without holding a qualification or undertaking the examination.
Types of Builder’s License in the ACT:
– Class A builder (unlimited): For building work other than specialist building work, including work of unlimited height on any Building Code of Australia (BCA) class.
– Class B builder (medium rise): For building work (other than specialist building work) in relation to a building that is three storeys or lower and for basic building work.
– Class C builder (low-rise residential): For building work (other than specialist building work) in relation to a building that is two storeys or lower and is a class 1, 2, or 10a building, or for basic building work.
– Class D builder: For non-structural basic building work, other than specialist building work.
– Owner-builder license: For building work (other than specialist building work) in relation to a class 1, class 2, or class 10 building that is, or is to be, the licensee’s main home or ancillary to it.
Experience Requirements:
– Class A, B, and C: 2 years of documented full-time building work experience, with 1 year of full-time experience undertaken after the qualification was issued.
– Class D: 3 years of documented full-time building work experience.
Qualification Requirements:
– Class A: Tertiary qualification in building recognized by the Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board.
– Class B: Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) or a tertiary qualification in building.
– Class C: Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building), Diploma of Building and Construction (Building), or a tertiary qualification in building.
– Class D: No formal qualification required.
Examination Requirements:
– Classes A, B, and C: Passing a written examination set by the Construction Occupations Registrar with a minimum score of 80%, with up to two attempts allowed.
– Class D: Exempted from examination.
If more information is required, please refer to Government of ACT Government.
In Western Australia, the required license category is a Building Practitioner Registration.
Experience and Qualification Requirements:
To apply for registration, you can choose from multiple pathways known as sets, each with different requirements. The most common pathway, Set 1, entails:
Completion of the CPC50220 or CPC50210 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) as outlined in the CPC and CPC08 standards.
Seven years of experience in conducting or supervising building work.
If more information is required, please refer to Government of Western Australia.
In the Northern Territory, the required license category is a Building Contractor Residential Licence, available in both Restricted and Unrestricted categories. Typically, for domestic builds, most builders only require a Restricted Licence.
To determine the most suitable license for your needs, it’s essential to review the full list of differences between licenses.
Experience Requirements:
A minimum of 3 years of practical experience in conducting relevant building work is necessary.
Qualification Requirements:
To qualify for individual registration, you must:
-Possess a Certificate IV in Building and Construction or its equivalent.
-Submit a resume and project list outlining three years of practical experience in performing relevant building work.
-Provide at least three written references from registered building practitioners who can attest to your experience.
-Demonstrate that you are a fit and proper person to hold the registration.
-Furnish a Net Assets Certificate from your accountant indicating that you possess net tangible assets of at least $50,000.
If more information is required, please refer to Building Practitioners Board of Northern Territory .
In Tasmania, the required license category is Builder (General Construction). A general builder is tasked with overseeing or conducting various construction activities, including construction, demolition, alteration, addition, relocation, or repair of any building or structure.
Each class of licensed builder is further segmented into sub-classes: Low Rise, Medium Rise, and Open. Additionally, the General Construction class includes a sub-class specifically for Domestic projects. These sub-classes delineate the specific scope of work permissible for license holders.
Experience Requirements:
For Builder (Domestic), Builder (Low Rise), and Builder (Medium Rise):
– Candidates with a building trade qualification (e.g., carpentry, bricklaying) must have two years of experience at the same level of responsibility for the scope of work.
– Candidates without a trade qualification must have four years of experience at the same level of responsibility for the scope of work.
For Builder (Open):
– Candidates with a building trade qualification (e.g., carpentry, bricklaying) must have three years of experience at the same level of responsibility for the scope of work.
– Candidates without a trade qualification must have six years of experience at the same level of responsibility for the scope of work.
Qualification Requirements:
For Builder (Domestic) and Builder (Low Rise):
– The required qualification is the Certificate IV in Building & Construction (Building) (CPC40120).
For Builder (Medium Rise):
– The necessary qualification is the Diploma of Building & Construction (Building) (CPC50220).
For Builder (Open):
– The required qualifications are the Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction Management (CPC60220) or a relevant building degree.
Other Requirements:
As a license holder, you must actively engage in ongoing learning activities to maintain and enhance your skills and knowledge, known as Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
If more information is required, please refer to Tasmanian Government .
Get Your RPL Trade Qualification in 4 Easy Steps
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For each individual with relevant work experience but lacking formal qualifications,
The typical timeframe from submitting all your materials to receiving the certificate is usually 2-4 weeks.
Once you have obtained your qualification through SkillQualified based on your experience, you can apply for your trade license according to the specific requirements of different state governments.
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