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:
- the PDF forms:
- 'Checklist for Individuals' (based on the category of work you're applying for)
- 'Application Form - Individual'
- 'Additional Details Form/s' (if applicable).
- proof of identity
- one passport-sized photo
- evidence that you meet the qualification requirements (certificates and transcripts from the registered training organisation)
- your referee's statement (if applicable, download the form from the applicant checklist for your work category)
- certificate of eligibility to obtain insurance (if applicable)
- your payment.
How to apply
- Download and complete:
- the relevant 'Checklist for Individuals' to ensure you have the documents required to complete the application form:
- Application Form - Individual – 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.