Trade licensing
Carpentry Licence: qualification and requirements
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
What a carpentry licence generally covers
- Framing, roofing and structural timber work
- Decks, pergolas and fix-out
- Formwork
- Subcontracting to builders or contracting to home owners (limits vary by state)
The exact scope of work, job-value thresholds and licence classes differ in each state and territory.
Where to apply
| State | Licensing authority | |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | Building Commission NSW / NSW Fair Trading | Official site ↗ |
| VIC | Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly VBA) | Official site ↗ |
| QLD | Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) | Official site ↗ |
| WA | Building and Energy (WA Government) | Official site ↗ |
| SA | Consumer and Business Services (CBS) | Official site ↗ |
| TAS | Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) | Official site ↗ |
| ACT | Access Canberra | Official site ↗ |
| NT | NT Building Practitioners Board | Official site ↗ |
Requirements change. Confirm the current rules with the regulator before applying. We help with the qualification only; we do not issue licences or guarantee a licence outcome.
Carpentry Licence FAQs
What qualification do I need for a carpentry licence?
Regulators most commonly list CPC30220 as the technical qualification. Some states accept alternatives or add extra units, so confirm with the regulator in the state where you will work.
Can I get that qualification through RPL?
If you have solid, verifiable experience in the trade, yes. A partner RTO assesses your evidence against each unit. Some regulators set additional rules about how the qualification was gained, which we will flag during your skills check.
Does the qualification guarantee a licence?
No. The qualification is one requirement. The regulator also assesses your experience, identity and other criteria and makes the decision.
Is my licence valid in other states?
Many trade licences are covered by mutual recognition or automatic mutual recognition between states, but there are exceptions. Check with the regulator in the state you are moving to.
Find out what your experience is worth
The skills check is free, takes about a minute and puts you under no obligation.