Western Australia • Carpenter

Carpenter Licence Requirements in Western Australia

Everything you need to know about carpenter licensing in Western 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 Western Australia are issued and regulated by:

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS)

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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 Western Australia. This is regulated by Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). Working without a licence is illegal and may result in significant fines.

Licence Types Available

Building Service Contractor Registration — Carpentry

Contract for carpentry work in WA

Building Service Practitioner Registration — Carpentry

Carry out carpentry work under a contractor

Requirements

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

  • Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220 or equivalent)
  • Completed 4-year apprenticeship
  • Contractor: additional supervisory experience
  • Public liability insurance
  • Construction induction card (White Card)

Costs

Fee Type Amount
Application Fee $341 for registration
Renewal Fee $341 triennially
Renewal Period 3 years

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unregistered carpentry work in WA carries fines up to $50,000 for individuals for work requiring registration. DMIRS can also issue rectification notices.

Exemptions

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

  • Carpentry work valued under $7,500 (non-structural)
  • Minor repairs and maintenance
  • Owner-builder work (with Owner Builder Approval for work over $20,000)
  • Non-structural timber work

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence to work as a carpenter in Western Australia?
Yes, you need a licence to carry out carpenter work in Western Australia. The licensing body is Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). Working without a valid licence is illegal and can result in significant penalties.
How much does a carpenter licence cost in Western Australia?
The application fee for a carpenter licence in Western Australia is $341 for registration. Renewal costs $341 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 Western Australia?
To obtain a carpenter licence in Western Australia, you typically need: Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220 or equivalent); Completed 4-year apprenticeship; Contractor: additional supervisory experience. Check with Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) for the complete list of requirements.
What are the penalties for unlicensed carpenter work in Western Australia?
Unregistered carpentry work in WA carries fines up to $50,000 for individuals for work requiring registration. DMIRS can also issue rectification notices.
Can I use my Western Australia carpenter licence in other states?
Western 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)
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Northern Territory (NT)

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