New South Wales • Roofer

Roofer Licence Requirements in New South Wales

Everything you need to know about roofer 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

Roofer 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 roofer 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

Roofing Contractor Licence

Contract for roof tiling, metal roofing, and roof plumbing

Roofing Tradesperson Certificate

Carry out roofing work under a licensed contractor

Requirements

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

  • Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820) or equivalent
  • Completed 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 roofing work in NSW (for work over $5,000) can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals. Fair Trading can issue penalty notices and pursue prosecution.

Exemptions

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

  • Roofing work valued under $5,000
  • Minor repairs such as replacing a few broken tiles (like-for-like)
  • Gutter cleaning
  • Owner-builder work (with Owner Builder Permit for work over $10,000)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a roofer in New South Wales?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out roofer 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 roofer licence cost in New South Wales?
The application fee for a roofer 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 roofer in New South Wales?
To obtain a roofer licence in New South Wales, you typically need: Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820) or equivalent; Completed 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 roofer work in New South Wales?
Unlicensed roofing work in NSW (for work over $5,000) can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals. Fair Trading can issue penalty notices and pursue prosecution.
Can I use my New South Wales roofer licence in other states?
New South Wales roofer 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 Roofer Requirements in Other States

Licence requirements vary between states. Compare roofer 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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