Australian Capital Territory • Builder

Builder Licence Requirements in Australian Capital Territory

Everything you need to know about builder licensing in Australian Capital Territory — qualifications, costs, the licensing body, available licence types, and penalties for unlicensed work. Updated for the 2025–2026 financial year.

Licensing Body

Builder licences in Australian Capital Territory are issued and regulated by:

ACT Construction Occupations Registrar

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Do You Need a Licence?

Yes — a licence is required

You must hold a valid licence to carry out builder work in Australian Capital Territory. This is regulated by ACT Construction Occupations Registrar. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Builder Licence — Class A

All building work including multi-storey construction

Builder Licence — Class B

Building work up to 2 storeys

Builder Licence — Class C

Limited building work (e.g. alterations and additions)

Requirements

To obtain a builder licence in Australian Capital Territory, you need:

Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) or equivalent
Minimum 3 years supervisory experience
Fidelity fund certificate for residential building work
Public liability insurance
Construction induction card (White Card)

Costs

Fee Type	Amount
Application Fee	$590 for initial licence
Renewal Fee	$490 annually
Renewal Period	1 year

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed building work in the ACT can result in fines up to $48,000 for individuals. The Construction Occupations Registrar can also issue demerit points, rectification orders, and prohibition notices.

Exemptions

A licence is not required for the following work in Australian Capital Territory:

Minor maintenance, repairs, and painting
Owner-builder work on your own home (with Owner Builder Course completion)
Garden landscaping not involving structures
Non-structural internal renovations under certain thresholds

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a builder in Australian Capital Territory?

Yes, you need a licence to carry out builder work in Australian Capital Territory. The licensing body is ACT Construction Occupations Registrar. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.

How much does a builder licence cost in Australian Capital Territory?

The application fee for a builder licence in Australian Capital Territory is $590 for initial licence. Renewal costs $490 annually and must be renewed every 1 year. Additional costs may include public liability insurance and any required assessments.

What qualifications do I need to become a licensed builder in Australian Capital Territory?

To obtain a builder licence in Australian Capital Territory, you typically need: Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) or equivalent; Minimum 3 years supervisory experience; Fidelity fund certificate for residential building work. Check with ACT Construction Occupations Registrar for the complete list of requirements.

What are the penalties for unlicensed builder work in Australian Capital Territory?

Can I use my Australian Capital Territory builder licence in other states?

Australian Capital Territory builder licences are not automatically valid in other states. However, Australia's Mutual Recognition Act allows you to apply for an equivalent licence in another state through a streamlined process. You'll still need to lodge an application and may need to meet additional local requirements.

Compare Builder Requirements in Other States

Licence requirements vary between states. Compare builder requirements across Australia:

Queensland (QLD)

New South Wales (NSW)

Victoria (VIC)

Western Australia (WA)

South Australia (SA)

Tasmania (TAS)

Northern Territory (NT)

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