Get a Builder's Licence

In Australia, if you want to work as a builder or tradesperson, you must have a license or be registered (depending on your state or territory). Before you apply for your license or registration, you will need to gain a combination of experience, technical qualifications, skills, and knowledge.

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 license or registration.

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Builder’s Licence – A, B, C, and D

In the ACT, the builder license is classified into A, B, C, and D. You must hold a relevant qualification, pass the written examination, and document 2 years’ full-time building work experience before receiving a builder’s license (A, B, or C). Class D requires 3 years of work experience without holding a qualification and undertaking the examination.

Experience

Class A, B and C require 2 years of documented full-time building work experience whereas 1 year of full-time experience was undertaken after the date the qualification was issued.

Class D requires 3 years of documented full-time building work experience.

Technical qualification
  • Class A builder (Unlimited) requires a tertiary qualification in building that the Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory has determined is a Bachelor’s degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters’s Degree, or Doctoral Degree in Building (‘tertiary qualification in building’).
  • Class B builder (Medium Rise) requires, one of the following:
    • a) Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) with a course code of CPC50210, CPC50208, or BCG50206; or
    • b) a tertiary qualification in the building.
  • Class C builder (Low rise / Residential up to 2 stories) requires, one of the following:
    • a) Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) with a course code of CPC40110, CPC40108, or BCG40106; or
    • b) Diploma Building and Construction (Building) with a course code of CPC50210, CPC50208, or BCG50206; or
    • c) a tertiary qualification in the building.
  • Class D builder (non-structural work) does not require a formal qualification.
Examination

Classes A, B, and C require you to pass a written examination set by the Construction Occupations Registrar before your builder license is issued. You may make two attempts before your license is refused.

Class D is exempted from the examination.

 

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Builder’s Licence

In NSW the license category you need is a Builder’s Licence. You can get a Builder’s Licence with 2 years on job experience plus the relevant technical qualifications.

Experience

To apply for your NSW Builder’s Licence you must show at least 2 years of relevant industry experience (obtained within the last 10 years) across a wide range of building construction work.

“Experience” means that you gained the relevant experience as:

  • an employee of; or
  • a holder of a supervisor of certificate and as a nominated supervisor for the contractor licence held by; or
  • a holder of an endorsed contractor licence contractor to; or
  • a holder of supervisor certificate in the capacity of a nominated supervisor for a contractor licence held by an individual, partnership or corporation contracted to; or
  • a holder of a supervisor certificate in the category of full general building work or an endorsed contractor licence in the category of full general building work, held continuously for a minimum period of 2 years within 10 years from the date the application is made; or
    • a person engaged by the holder of a contractor licence authorising the holder to do the class of residential building work in which the experience was gained (‘the Work’), where during the relevant period, you were supervised and directed in the doing of the Work by the holder of an endorsed contractor licence or supervisor certificate authorising its holder to supervise the Work; and
    • financially remunerated for the Work.
Technical Qualification

In addition to 2 years’ relevant industry experience in the construction industry you must have at least one of the following qualifications:

1. Certificate IV in Building and Construction

a) (BCG40106 or CPC40108 Building or CPC40110 Building); or

b) (BCG40206 or CPC40208 Contract Administration); or

c) (BCG40306 or CPC40308 Estimating); or

d) (BCG40506 or CPC40508 Site Management),

And, including all the ‘listed units of competency:

a) BCGBC4001A or CPCCBC4001A;

b) BCGBC4002A or CPCCBC4002A;

c) BCGBC4003A or CPCCBC4003A;

d) BCGBC4004A or CPCCBC4004A;

e) BCGBC4005A or CPCCBC4005A;

f) BCGBC4006A or CPCCBC4006A or CPCCBC4006B;

g) BCGBC4007A or CPCCBC4007A;

h) BCGBC4008A or CPCCBC4008A or CPCCBC4008B;

i) BCGBC4009A or CPCCBC4009A or CPCCBC4009B;

j) BCGBC4010A or CPCCBC4010A or CPCCBC4010B;

k) BCGBC4011A or CPCCBC4011A or CPCCBC4011B;

l) BSBSBM406A or BSBSMB406A or BSBSMB406;

m) BCGBC4012A or CPCCBC4012A or CPCCBC4012B;

n) BCGBC4018A or CPCCBC4018A; and

o) BCGBC4024A or CPCCBC4024A,

And, one of the following:

  • A current Carpentry or Bricklaying contractor licence or supervisor certificate, or an approved qualification that would allow the issue of such a licence (for details of approved qualifications, see Carpentry or Bricklaying); or
  • Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) BCG50206 or CPC50208 or CPC50210. For CPC50210, you must complete units of competency for CPCCBC5004A, CPCCBC5005A, CPCCBC5007A or CPCCBC5007B, and CPCCBC5009A.

2. Degree in Building, Construction, Construction Management, Construction Economics, Applied Science (Building), or Quantity Surveying – from an Australian University. You are required to undertake the equivalent of 4 years full-time study and a mandatory work placement.

3. Bachelor of Housing from an Australian University or a Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Housing, Construction, Construction Management, Construction Economics, Applied Science (Building), or Quantity Surveying from an Australian University.

AND

Certificate IV in Building and Construction

a) (BCG40106 or CPC4010 or CPC40110 Building); or

b) (BCG40206 or CPC40208 Contract Administration); or

c) (BCG40306 or CPC40308 Estimating); or

d) (BCG40506 or CPC40508 Site Management) –

And, including all the ‘listed units of competency’ above.

4. If you have previously held a licence in the prescribed class of ‘building’ (Clause 46 of Home Building Regulation 2004) and you apply for a new licence within 5 years of the former licence’s expiry, your previous licence will be considered in lieu of the current qualification requirements. Read for more information.

 


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Building Contractor Residential Licence

In the Northern Territory, the licence category you need is a Building Contractor Residential Licence.

Experience

You will need a minimum 3 years of practical experience in carrying out relevant building work.

Technical qualifications

To be eligible for this registration as an individual you must:

  • hold a Certificate IV in Building and Construction or equivalent;
  • provide a resume and project list detailing three years of practical experience in carrying out relevant building work;
  • have at least three written references from registered building practitioners who can verify your experience;
  • be a fit and proper person to hold the registration; and
  • provide a Net Assets Certificate from your accountant showing you have net tangible assets of at least $50,000.

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Builder Low Rise License and Site Supervisor

In Queensland, to obtain a builder’s licence, the licence category you need is a Builder – Low Rise. This licence category consists of a contractor’s licence and a site supervisor’s licence.

Experience

If you are qualified in bricklaying/block laying or carpentry, you need a minimum of two years experience in the licence class scope of work (or other work the Commission is satisfied is at least equivalent to experience in the scope of work for the class).

For all other applicants, you need a minimum of four years of experience in the licence class scope of work (or other work the Commission is satisfied is at least equivalent to experience in the scope of work for the class).

Technical qualifications

Technical qualification requirements:

    • For the contractor portion of the licence, you will need any one of the following:

a) Successful completion of Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120);

b) Successful completion of a course the Commission considers is at least equivalent to the course mentioned in paragraph (a);

c) A recognition certificate as a builder qualified to carry out the scope of work for the licence class; or

d) A qualification or statement of attainment of required competency for the class of licence.

    • For the site supervisor portion of the licence, you need any one of the following:

a) The technical qualification stated above;

b) Successful completion of the following units of competency:

      • CPCCBC4001
      • CPCCBC4053
      • CPCCBC4002
      • CPCCBC4007
      • CPCCBC4008
      • CPCCBC4009
      • CPCCBC4010
      • CPCCBC4012
      • CPCCBC4018, and
    • BSBLDR414; or

c) Successful completion of a course or units of competency for a course the Commission considers is at least equivalent to the units of competency mentioned in paragraph b).

Other requirements

You will need to provide written references from three builders who can confirm your supervisory experience.

You may be required to provide information or make a declaration that shows you meet the minimum financial requirements (minimum net tangible assets) to ensure your business is financially sound and stable.

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Building Works Supervisor Registration

In South Australia, the licence category you need is a Building Works Supervisor Registration.

Experience

You will need to provide a detailed work history of practical experience at the level of registration the applicant is applying for.

Technical qualifications

Applicants for building work contractor licences that include one or more of the following standard conditions will be required to undertake additional study:

  • Any building work
  • Additions
  • Additions limited to residential National Construction Code Class 1 and 10
  • Alterations
  • Alterations and renovations
  • Residential building work limited to National Construction Code Class 1 and 10
  • Transportable building construction and installation.

An applicant must show their successful completion of six of the following units of competency issued by a Registered Training Organisation:

1. BSBESB407 Manage finances for new business ventures; or

BSBSMB421 Manage small business finances; or

BSBESB403 Plan finances for new business ventures; or

BSBSMB402 Plan small business finances; or

BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans; or

BSBSMB404 Undertake small business planning.

and

2. CPCCBC4009 Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects; or

CPCCBC4009B Apply legal requirements to building and construction projects; or

BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements for new business ventures; or

BSBSMB401 Establish legal and risk management requirements for small businesses.

and

3. CPCCBC4007 Plan building and construction work; or

CPCCBC4007A Plan building or construction work.

4. CPCCBC4004 Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects; or

CPCCBC4004A Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects.

5. CPCCBC4003A Select and prepare a construction contract.

6. CPCCBC4024 Resolve business disputes; or

CPCCBC4024A Resolve Business Disputes.

If the builder currently holds a building work contractor licence or plumbing, gas fitting, or electrical contractor licence and has completed the following units of competency, they only need to show they have completed four of the following units of competency:

1. CPCCBC4007 Plan building and construction work; or

CPCCBC4007A Plan building or construction work.

2. CPCCBC4004 Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects; or

CPCCBC4004A Identify and produce estimated costs for building and construction projects.

3. CPCCBC4003A Select and prepare a construction contract.

4. CPCCBC4024 Resolve business disputes; or

CPCCBC4024A Resolve Business Disputes.

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Builder – Domestic, Builder – Low Rise, Builder – Medium Rise, and Builder Open

In Tasmania, the licence category you need is Builder – Domestic, Builder – Low Rise, Builder – Medium Rise, and Builder Open.

Experience

Builder – Domestic, Builder – Low Rise, and Builder – Medium Rise

With a building trade qualification, for example in carpentry, bricklaying, etc – You will need a minimum of 2 years of practical experience in the scope of work you are applying for.

Without a trade qualification – You will need a minimum of 4 years of practical experience in the scope of work you are applying for.

However, a Builder Open with a building trade qualification for example in carpentry, bricklaying, etc – Will need 3 years’ practical experience in the scope of work you are applying for.

Without a trade qualification – You will need a minimum of 6 years of practical experience in the scope of work you are applying for.

Technical qualification

As well as 2 to 6 years of practical experience in the construction industry you will need to have the following qualification:

  • CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
  • CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building); or
  • CPC60220 Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction Management.
 

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Domestic Builder (unlimited) Registration

In Victoria, the licence category you need is a Domestic Builder (unlimited) Registration. You can get a Domestic Builder Registration with 3 years of practical experience to the satisfaction of the Victorian Building Authority.

ATR offers our Victorian members a comprehensive assistance program called Builder Registration Mentoring Workshops. These provide you with the information and knowledge you need to successfully apply for your Domestic Builder Registration.

Technical qualifications

When applying for builder registration in Victoria it is important to understand that while there are prescribed qualifications an applicant may show they have equivalent skills and qualifications.

In practice, many applicants for builder registration have a CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) and demonstrate by exams and assessments that they have the equivalent skills and experience to the prescribed qualifications. It is for this reason that many potential builders undertake the CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) course and do not necessarily obtain a degree or diploma.

The prescribed qualifications listed in the Building Regulations 2018 (Regulations) for the DB-U class are:

  • the successful completion of:
    • a Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics from Holmesglen Institute; or
    • a Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) from Deakin University; or
    • a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50210) from an RTO; and
  • at least 3 years of practical experience.
 

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Building Practitioner Registration

In Western Australia, the licence category you need is a Building Practitioner Registration.

Experience

You are eligible to apply for registration as a builder if you have completed the Board’s prescribed course of training and accumulated at least 7 years of practical experience in the work of a builder, or as a supervisor of building work.

The Board may want to interview you to verify your claimed experience and, under some categories of registration, want you to do written assessments showing your competency in the areas of building construction, quantities/estimating, financial, contractual, and legislative aspects of building.

Technical qualifications

As well as 7 years practical experience in the construction industry you will need to have the following qualifications:

  • C50210 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) as described in the CPC08
  • Construction, Plumbing, and Services Training Package published by training.gov.au including the following units:
  • CPCCBC4005A
  • CPCCBC4018A
  • CPCCBC5005A
  • CPCCBC5007A
  • CPCSUS5001A
  • CPCCBC4014A
  • CPCCOHS1001A
 

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Got any questions?

If you’re still looking for more information on training, give us a call or hit enquire now and we’ll get back to you.

admin@atr.edu.au

0422 714 443

Free Skill Assessment

Guidelines for Recording Video Evidence for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Congratulations on your decision to pursue Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the ATR. As part of the RPL process, you will be required to submit video evidence that demonstrates your skills and knowledge, mapped to specific units in the course. This guideline will help you understand the requirements for recording your video evidence.

Video Format and Content

correct

Each video may cover one or multiple points for a specific unit to streamline the process.

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Ensure the video is of high quality with clear visuals and audio for effective assessment.

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Record the video in landscape orientation for better viewing.

Face and Identification

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You must appear in the video at some point to verify your identity.

correct

Your face should be clearly visible throughout the video.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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Safety is of utmost importance; therefore, you must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) throughout the video.

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The required PPE includes but is not limited to: 

  • Safety goggles
  • Safety gloves
  • Work boots
  • Overalls or work clothing

The required PPE includes but is not limited to: 

Safety goggles

Safety gloves

Work boots

Overalls or work clothing

Task Description Voiceover

correct

Provide a brief voiceover at the beginning of the video, introducing yourself and stating the purpose of the video as part of the RPL assessment.

correct

Clearly explain the tasks you will be performing in the video and how they align with the specific unit points being addressed.

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Ensure your voiceover is clear and audible for assessment purposes.

Task Demonstration

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Perform the tasks in a safe and controlled manner, adhering to industry standards and best practices.

correct

Showcase your skills and knowledge confidently in the video.

Relevant Information

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 Any relevant documentation or supporting evidence should be provided alongside the video, such as photographs, equipment specifications, and maintenance records.

correct

If applicable, include written explanations of complex processes or methodologies demonstrated in the video.

Video Submission

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Name the video file in a standardized format, including your name and the relevant unit code(s).

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Upload the video and any supporting documents to the designated platform or submit them as per the college’s instructions.

Process Review

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After submitting the video, our assessors will review the content and provide feedback if necessary.

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You may be required to provide additional evidence or clarification if specific points are not adequately addressed.

Attention all students pursuing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for course name

This is a stern reminder that the video evidence you submit must meet the specified criteria to be considered valid for assessment. Failure to adhere to the guidelines provided may result in the rejection of your submission, and you will be required to resubmit the evidence. We take the assessment process seriously, and it is imperative that you understand the consequences of submitting video evidence that does not comply with the guidelines.

The RPL assessment is not a mere formality; it is a rigorous evaluation of your skills and knowledge to ensure they align with the required unit points for the certificate. We demand strict adherence to safety protocols and industry standards, as evidenced by the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and your clear and comprehensive task demonstrations.
We urge you to take this warning seriously and put forth your best effort in recording the video evidence. If your initial submission does not meet the prescribed standards, you will be given the opportunity to re-submit. However, repeated failure to meet the assessment criteria may result in the denial of your RPL application.

Remember, RPL is an opportunity to showcase your competence and gain recognition for your prior learning experiences. By adhering to the guidelines and demonstrating your skills effectively, you increase your chances of a successful RPL outcome.

Should you have any doubts or queries regarding the assessment process, do not hesitate to seek guidance from our RPL coordinator. We are here to support you in achieving your certification goals, but it is your responsibility to submit evidence that meets the required standards.