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 If you have a superseded qualification or are applying under mutual recognition you must apply in person.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:

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You need to apply in person at a service centre if you hold or have held a tradesperson certificate, have a superseded qualification, or are applying under mutual recognition.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:
  2. Gather the required supporting documents as indicated on the form.
  3. To submit your application visit a service centre.

Payment methods

You can review transaction payment options on our payment methods page.

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.
Last updated: 4 July 2025

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