Apply for a tradesperson certificate

Introduction

Tradesperson certificates are issued for 1, 3 or 5-years for the following categories of work: 

• plumbing, draining and gasfitting
• medical gas and related mechanical services.

Provisional certificates can also be issued for the following categories of work to overseas-trained applicants:

• plumbing, draining and gasfitting
• electrical
• air conditioning and refrigeration.

You can apply online if you've never held a tradesperson certificate. If you have a superseded qualification or are applying under mutual recognition you must apply in person.

If you already have a certificate, find out how to change, renew, restore, replace or surrender your tradesperson certificate.

Eligibility

You must:  

• be aged 18 or over  
• be a fit and proper person to hold a tradesperson certificate 
• have the necessary knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience for the relevant trade
• not be a ‘disqualified person’ under the Home Building Act 1989 or another Act administered by the NSW Minister for Building
• not be a current apprentice or trainee in the category of work you are applying for.

What you need

To apply online you need:

• a MyServiceNSW Account:
  • you can create one when you start your application
  • you may need details from 2 identity documents (such as Australian driver licence, Medicare card, passport)
• copies of your qualifications in PDF, JPG or PNG format (certificates and transcripts from the registered training organisation)
• for medical gasfitting categories, completed referee statement form showing 24 months' experience:
  • Medical Gasfitter and Medical Gas Technician – PDF
  • Mechanical Services and Medical Gas – PDF
• your fee payment.

How to apply

Apply online

You can apply online if you've never held a tradesperson certificate.

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Gather the required documents.
3. Select the 'Apply online' button.
4. Follow the prompts to apply for a tradesperson certificate. 

In person at a Service NSW centre

You need to apply in person at a service centre if you hold or have held a tradesperson certificate, have a superseded qualification, or are applying under mutual recognition.

1. Download and complete:
   • Application Form – Individual – PDF, and
   • Checklist for Individuals – Specialist Work – PDF
     or
   • Registration of Equivalent Occupation (Mutual Recognition) – PDF.
2. Gather the required supporting documents as indicated on the form.
3. Take your documents and payment to a service centre.

Payment methods

Privacy and personal information

To apply for a tradesperson certificate with Building Commission NSW, you’ll need to create or log in with a MyServiceNSW Account. 

By logging in you consent to sharing your name and email address in your MyServiceNSW Account with Building Commission NSW, a division of the Department of Customer Service. 

To find out how your personal information will be handled once it is shared by Service NSW read the Home building licences – privacy collection notice. 

More information

• You can only do the types of work described on your certificate.
• If you have a tradesperson certificate you cannot sign off your work. You must work under the 'general supervision’ of a person who can sign off your work and is the holder of a current:
  • contractor licence or
  • qualified supervisor certificate.
• Once your tradesperson certificate has been granted, you can use the Service NSW app to access your digital certificate.

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