Northern Territory • Builder

Builder Licence Requirements in Northern Territory

Everything you need to know about builder licensing in Northern 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 Northern Territory are issued and regulated by:

NT Building Practitioners Board

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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 Northern Territory. This is regulated by NT Building Practitioners Board. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Building Contractor Registration — Open

All types of building work in the NT

Building Contractor Registration — Limited

Specific categories of building work

Requirements

To obtain a builder licence in Northern Territory, you need:

  • Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) or equivalent
  • Minimum 3 years industry experience
  • Home building certification fund contribution
  • Public liability insurance
  • Construction induction card (White Card)

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $350 for building contractor registration
Renewal Fee $350 annually
Renewal Period 1 year

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unregistered building work in the NT carries fines up to $31,400 for individuals. The Building Practitioners Board can also suspend or cancel registration and issue rectification orders.

Exemptions

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a builder in Northern Territory?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out builder work in Northern Territory. The licensing body is NT Building Practitioners Board. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a builder licence cost in Northern Territory?
The application fee for a builder licence in Northern Territory is $350 for building contractor registration. Renewal costs $350 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 Northern Territory?
To obtain a builder licence in Northern Territory, you typically need: Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) or equivalent; Minimum 3 years industry experience; Home building certification fund contribution. Check with NT Building Practitioners Board for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed builder work in Northern Territory?
Unregistered building work in the NT carries fines up to $31,400 for individuals. The Building Practitioners Board can also suspend or cancel registration and issue rectification orders.
Can I use my Northern Territory builder licence in other states?
Northern 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)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

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