New South Wales • Builder

Builder Licence Requirements in New South Wales

Everything you need to know about builder licensing in New South Wales — 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 New South Wales are issued and regulated by:

NSW Fair Trading

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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 New South Wales. This is regulated by NSW Fair Trading. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

General Building Contractor Licence

All types of residential building work

Specialist Contractor Licence

Specific categories of building work (e.g. swimming pools, kitchens)

Tradesperson Certificate

Carry out building work under a contractor licence holder

Requirements

To obtain a builder licence in New South Wales, you need:

  • Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) or Diploma
  • Minimum 2 years management experience in building
  • Home Building Compensation Fund cover for work over $20,000
  • Public liability insurance
  • Construction induction card (White Card)

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $512 for 1-year contractor licence
Renewal Fee $512 per year or $1,267 for 3 years
Renewal Period 1 or 3 years

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed building work in NSW can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations. Fair Trading can also issue penalty notices, rectification orders, and pursue prosecution.

Exemptions

A licence is not required for the following work in New South Wales:

  • Work valued under $5,000 (excluding specialist work like plumbing/electrical)
  • Owner-builder work on your own home (with Owner Builder Permit for work over $10,000)
  • Minor cosmetic renovations not involving structural changes
  • Garden landscaping not involving structures

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a builder in New South Wales?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out builder work in New South Wales. The licensing body is NSW Fair Trading. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a builder licence cost in New South Wales?
The application fee for a builder licence in New South Wales is $512 for 1-year contractor licence. Renewal costs $512 per year or $1,267 for 3 years and must be renewed every 1 or 3 years. Additional costs may include public liability insurance and any required assessments.
What qualifications do I need to become a licensed builder in New South Wales?
To obtain a builder licence in New South Wales, you typically need: Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) or Diploma; Minimum 2 years management experience in building; Home Building Compensation Fund cover for work over $20,000. Check with NSW Fair Trading for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed builder work in New South Wales?
Unlicensed building work in NSW can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations. Fair Trading can also issue penalty notices, rectification orders, and pursue prosecution.
Can I use my New South Wales builder licence in other states?
New South Wales 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)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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