The qualification you need for your trade or builder licence

A builder licence lets you contract for and supervise residential (and in some classes commercial) building work. Regulators look for a building qualification, years of supervised site experience and, for contractor licences, business and financial capacity.

CPC40120CPC50220

Carpentry is a licensed or registered trade in most states when you contract directly with the public. The usual technical requirement is a Certificate III in Carpentry plus evidence of practical experience.

CPC30220

Bricklayers who contract for masonry work generally need a trade licence or registration. A Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying is the qualification most regulators list.

CPC33020

Painting and decorating is licensed in several states once the job value passes a set threshold. Regulators usually ask for a Certificate III in Painting and Decorating and proof of experience.

CPC30620

Concreters contracting for slabs, driveways and paths may need a licence depending on the state and the value of the work. Certificate III in Concreting is the standard technical qualification.

CPC30320

Tilers who contract for bathroom, kitchen and floor tiling are licensed in several states. The technical qualification is the Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling.

CPC31320

Waterproofing is a separately licensed category in some states because failures are costly. Regulators typically list the Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing.

CPC31420

Solid plastering (rendering) and dry plastering (wall and ceiling lining) are licensed as separate categories in some states. Each has its own Certificate III.

CPC31020CPC31220

Plumbing, drainage and gas fitting are licensed in every state and territory. Regulators set strict rules on supervised experience and often require an exam or further assessment on top of the Certificate III in Plumbing.

CPC32420CPC40920

Landscapers who build retaining walls, paving, decks and other structures may need a structural landscaping licence. Certificate III in Landscape Construction is the usual qualification.

AHC30921