Introduction
Builders and tradespeople in NSW need to be licensed to do building work where the total cost of labour and materials is more than $5,000.
Licence applications must be lodged at a service centre and you can book an appointment online.
Types of licences
Individuals may have their contractor licence endorsed with a Q and this indicates that the licence is also equivalent to a Qualified supervisor certificate.
Certain trades require a specialist contractor licence:
- air conditioning and refrigeration
- electrical
- disconnection and reconnection of fixed electrical equipment
- plumbing, draining and gasfitting
- medical gas.
To do any medical gas work in NSW including residential, commercial or industrial and regardless of the work cost you need a medical gas licence.
Visit the Building Commission NSW website for information about categories and classes of building and trade work.
What you need
To apply for an individual contractor licence you need:
- a current National Police Check (NPC) certificate that is no older than 4 months from when you submitted your application (name and date of birth check only)
- proof of identity, including address (such as driver licence or passport)
- one recent passport-sized photo
- payment for the application fee (see the fees page for details)
- your completed application form for individuals
- a referee's statement form (if required for your category of work)
- an original copy of your qualifications
- details of any past compliance issues, insolvency matters, or criminal offences (if applicable)
- details of your employment and experience on the application form (for building and specialist categories only)
- certificate of eligibility to obtain insurance (if applicable).
How to apply
- Download and complete:
- Application Form – Individual Contractor Licence, Qualified Supervisor Certificate or Tradesperson Certificate – PDF
- Additional Details Form/s as indicated on the application form (if applicable).
- Gather the required supporting documents.
- Select the 'Book an appointment' button.
- Choose your service centre.
- Schedule your appointment.
- Enter the required details.
- Attend your appointment with your application documents and payment.
More information
- You're legally required to display your licence number on all advertising, stationery and signage.
- Once your licence has been issued, you can use the Service NSW app to access it digitally.