South Australia • Carpenter

Carpenter Licence Requirements in South Australia

Everything you need to know about carpenter 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

Carpenter 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 carpenter 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 — Carpentry

Contract for carpentry building work in SA

Building Work Supervisor Registration — Carpentry

Supervise carpentry work

Requirements

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

  • Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • Contractor: 2 years post-qualification experience
  • 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 carpentry work in SA (for work over $12,000) can result in fines up to $50,000 for individuals. CBS can also issue compliance notices and pursue prosecution.

Exemptions

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

  • Building work valued under $12,000 (non-structural)
  • Minor repairs and maintenance
  • Owner-builder work on your own home
  • Non-structural timber work like shelving

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a carpenter in South Australia?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out carpenter 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 carpenter licence cost in South Australia?
The application fee for a carpenter 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 carpenter in South Australia?
To obtain a carpenter licence in South Australia, you typically need: Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; Contractor: 2 years post-qualification experience. Check with Consumer and Business Services SA for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed carpenter work in South Australia?
Unlicensed carpentry work in SA (for work over $12,000) can result in fines up to $50,000 for individuals. CBS can also issue compliance notices and pursue prosecution.
Can I use my South Australia carpenter licence in other states?
South Australia 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)
New South Wales (NSW)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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