New South Wales • Carpenter

Carpenter Licence Requirements in New South Wales

Everything you need to know about carpenter 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

Carpenter 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 carpenter 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

Carpentry Contractor Licence

Contract for residential carpentry work over $5,000

Carpentry Tradesperson Certificate

Carry out carpentry work under a licensed contractor

Requirements

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

  • Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • Contractor: Home Building Compensation Fund cover for work over $20,000
  • Public liability insurance
  • Construction induction card (White Card)

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $388 for 1-year contractor licence
Renewal Fee $388 per year or $959 for 3 years
Renewal Period 1 or 3 years

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed carpentry work in NSW (for work over $5,000) can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations.

Exemptions

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

  • Carpentry work valued under $5,000
  • Minor repairs and maintenance
  • Owner-builder work on your own home (with Owner Builder Permit for work over $10,000)
  • Non-structural timber work like shelving and cupboard repairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a carpenter in New South Wales?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out carpenter 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 carpenter licence cost in New South Wales?
The application fee for a carpenter licence in New South Wales is $388 for 1-year contractor licence. Renewal costs $388 per year or $959 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 carpenter in New South Wales?
To obtain a carpenter licence in New South Wales, you typically need: Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; Contractor: 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 carpenter work in New South Wales?
Unlicensed carpentry work in NSW (for work over $5,000) can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals and $330,000 for corporations.
Can I use my New South Wales carpenter licence in other states?
New South Wales carpenter 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 Carpenter Requirements in Other States

Licence requirements vary between states. Compare carpenter 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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