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 If you have a superseded qualification or are applying under mutual recognition you must apply in person.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
- meet the qualification and training requirements for the category of work you’re applying for
- not be a ‘disqualified person’ under the Home Building Act 1989 or another Act administered by the NSW Minister for Fair Trading
- 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:
- your fee payment.
How to apply
Apply online
You can apply online if you've never held a tradesperson certificate.
- Check the eligibility requirements.
- Gather the required documents.
- Select the 'Apply online' button.
- 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You need to apply in person at a service centre if you hold or have held a tradesperson certificate, have a superseded qualification, or are applying under mutual recognition.
- Download and complete:
- Gather the required supporting documents as indicated on the form.
- To submit your application visit a service centre.
Payment methods
Privacy
To apply for a tradesperson certificate with NSW Fair Trading, 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.
- For more information visit the Building Commission NSW website – Building, trade and specialist licences and registrations.