Victoria • Carpenter

Carpenter Licence Requirements in Victoria

Everything you need to know about carpenter licensing in Victoria — 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 Victoria are issued and regulated by:

Victorian Building Authority (VBA)

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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 Victoria. This is regulated by Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Registered Domestic Builder — Carpenter

Carpentry building work in domestic settings

Registered Building Practitioner — Carpenter

Carry out carpentry as part of domestic building work

Requirements

To obtain a carpenter licence in Victoria, you need:

  • Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • Minimum 3 years practical experience for registration
  • Domestic building insurance for work over $16,000
  • Public liability insurance

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $367 for registration
Renewal Fee $367 triennially
Renewal Period 3 years

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unregistered carpentry work in Victoria (for domestic building work over $10,000) carries fines up to $46,294 for individuals. The VBA can issue building orders and pursue prosecution.

Exemptions

A licence is not required for the following work in Victoria:

  • Domestic building work valued under $10,000 (non-structural)
  • Minor repairs and maintenance
  • Owner-builder work (with Certificate of Consent for work over $16,000)
  • Non-structural timber work like shelving and minor fixtures

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a carpenter in Victoria?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out carpenter work in Victoria. The licensing body is Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a carpenter licence cost in Victoria?
The application fee for a carpenter licence in Victoria is $367 for registration. Renewal costs $367 triennially and must be renewed every 3 years. Additional costs may include public liability insurance and any required assessments.
What qualifications do I need to become a licensed carpenter in Victoria?
To obtain a carpenter licence in Victoria, you typically need: Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; Minimum 3 years practical experience for registration. Check with Victorian Building Authority (VBA) for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed carpenter work in Victoria?
Unregistered carpentry work in Victoria (for domestic building work over $10,000) carries fines up to $46,294 for individuals. The VBA can issue building orders and pursue prosecution.
Can I use my Victoria carpenter licence in other states?
Victoria 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)
Western Australia (WA)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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