Builders licence NSW

In NSW, there isn’t a separate licence just for domestic building. Residential work is covered under general building, specialist, or trade licences issued by NSW Building Commission.

To become a licensed residential builder, you’ll need to meet several requirements before applying, including at least two years of on-site experience, references from licensed builders, and the right qualifications. These usually include a Certificate IV, plus either a Certificate III in Carpentry, Certificate III in Bricklaying, or a Diploma in Building and Construction.

Once approved, you’ll be officially recognised as a licensed builder in NSW within your selected licence class.

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A contractor licence in NSW is what legally allows you, or your business, to carry out certain types of building or construction work.

It shows that you have the right qualifications, skills, and financial backing to do the job properly and safely, while meeting all regulatory requirements set by NSW Building Commission.

Licences are issued based on specific classes of work. Common examples include general building, carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, and electrical.

NSW offers several licence types, depending on the kind of work you want to do:

• Contractor Licence – This lets you advertise, quote, and contract for building or trade work (like plumbing, electrical, or general building). It’s issued for specific licence classes.
• Qualified Supervisor Certificate – This allows you to supervise building work under your licence class, but you can’t contract or advertise your services independently.
• Endorsed Contractor Licence – This combines both. You can contract for work and supervise it, thanks to your recognised qualifications and experience.

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It depends on your experience, qualifications, and how you choose to apply. If you already meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply directly, either on your own or through a training provider.

Doing it yourself can take months, especially if your application is delayed or rejected due to missing information. Working with a provider like Builder Registration can fast-track the process by ensuring your application meets all NSW Building Commission requirements from the outset.