South Australia • Builder

Builder Licence Requirements in South Australia

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

Consumer and Business Services SA

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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 South Australia. This is regulated by Consumer and Business Services SA. Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Building Work Contractor Licence — General

General building work in SA

Building Work Contractor Licence — Specialist

Specific categories of building work

Building Work Supervisor Registration

Supervise building work carried out by others

Requirements

To obtain a builder licence in South Australia, you need:

  • Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) or equivalent
  • Minimum 3 years industry experience
  • Indemnity insurance for domestic building work over $12,000
  • Public liability insurance
  • Construction induction card (White Card)

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $680 for building work contractor licence
Renewal Fee $680 annually
Renewal Period 1 year

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed building work in SA can result in fines up to $50,000 for individuals. Consumer and Business Services can also issue compliance notices, prohibition orders, and pursue prosecution.

Exemptions

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

  • Building work valued under $12,000 (non-structural)
  • Owner-builder work on your own home (with exemption for work over $12,000)
  • Minor maintenance, repairs, and painting
  • Garden landscaping not involving structures

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a builder in South Australia?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out builder work in South Australia. The licensing body is Consumer and Business Services SA. Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a builder licence cost in South Australia?
The application fee for a builder licence in South Australia is $680 for building work contractor licence. Renewal costs $680 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 South Australia?
To obtain a builder licence in South Australia, you typically need: Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) or equivalent; Minimum 3 years industry experience; Indemnity insurance for domestic building work over $12,000. Check with Consumer and Business Services SA for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed builder work in South Australia?
Unlicensed building work in SA can result in fines up to $50,000 for individuals. Consumer and Business Services can also issue compliance notices, prohibition orders, and pursue prosecution.
Can I use my South Australia builder licence in other states?
South Australia 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)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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