Builders Licence Western Australia

Name: Builders Licence WA | How To Get My Building Licence WA?
Brand: Skills Certified
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Getting your builders licence in WA is a major step toward running your own projects, supervising sites, and advancing your construction career.

In Western Australia, the licensing system is strict and detailed — but with the right support and a clear understanding of the pathways, you can get registered faster than you think.

Skills Certified Australia can help you navigate the requirements, identify the correct qualification, and use RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) to fast-track your application.

WA Builders Licence Registration Pathways

The Western Australia Building Services Board provides five distinct registration pathways, each designed to recognise different combinations of qualifications and experience. These registration sets determine how to become a builder in WA based on your background.

Set 1

CPC50220 Diploma of Building Construction (or equivalent)
7+ years of building and/or supervision experience
Submission of Form 05

Set 2

Registered architect or member of relevant professional bodies
5+ years supervisory experience
Submission of Form 06

Set 3

Member/Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building
5+ years of building or construction management experience
Submission of Form 07

Set 4

5+ years managing or supervising building construction
Experience equivalent to a CPC50220 Diploma
Submission of Form 08

Set 5

7+ years of building experience outside WA
Experience equivalent to a CPC50220 Diploma
Submission of Form 09

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How to get a builders licence in WA

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If you’re wondering how to get a builders licence in WA, the process begins with understanding who needs to be registered and the qualifications required for each registration pathway.

In Western Australia, the Building Services Board mandates that anyone functioning as a building practitioner or nominated supervisor for a building contractor must be registered to undertake building work exceeding AUD $20,000.

If you intend to perform permit contracting for clients, registration as a building services contractor is essential.

Whether you’re a supervisor, tradesperson, site manager, or someone ready to step into leadership, having the correct qualification and experience is the foundation of gaining your building licence WA.

Who needs a builder’s licence in WA?

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In WA, a builder’s licence is required if you:

Carry out or supervise building work valued over $20,000
Act as a nominated supervisor for a registered building contractor
Take responsibility for permit contracting on behalf of clients
Manage or oversee the construction of Class 1 (residential) or Class 10 (non-habitable) buildings

Working without a licence can lead to legal consequences, fines, or refusal of future registration — so ensuring you meet the right criteria is essential.

Builder’s licence requirements in WA

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To become a builder in WA, the Board assesses two main areas:

1. Competency & qualifications

Applicants must show that they either hold a recognised building qualification (such as the CPC50220 Diploma of Building & Construction) or have extensive experience that equates to it.

2. Demonstrated experience

Depending on the pathway, applicants must have 5–7+ years of relevant experience in building, supervision, or construction management.

3. Fit and proper person requirements

All applicants must be assessed as suitable to hold a licence, based on conduct, history, and compliance with state regulations.

4. Required forms & fees

Applicants must submit the appropriate application form (depending on their pathway) and pay the applicable fees. These fees are refundable if the application is unsuccessful.

Fast-track your qualification with RPL

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If you need a building-related qualification to meet WA licensing criteria, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can shorten the timeline significantly.

RPL allows your on-the-job experience, past study, and industry knowledge to be assessed against the units of a formal qualification. For many builders and supervisors, this means:

No classroom study required
No repeating skills you already know
A nationally recognised qualification issued in weeks, not years.

RPL is especially valuable for:

Long-time tradies
Site supervisors
Migrants with overseas building experience
Workers aiming for the CPC50220 Diploma of Building & Construction.

With the right evidence, many candidates complete their RPL qualification in as little as four to eight weeks.

Why choose Skills Certified Australia?

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WA Builders Licence application process

To apply for a builder’s licence WA, applicants must:

Choose the correct registration set based on your experience
Ensure you meet the qualification or equivalency requirements
Demonstrate you are a fit and proper person
Submit all relevant forms and fees
Wait for the Board’s assessment (processing time can take up to three months)
Receive notification of the outcome via mail

If you don’t hold the required qualification yet, RPL can help bridge the gap — often far quicker than studying from scratch.

Builders Licence FAQs

Can I conduct building work without a licence?

No. In WA, building work over $20,000 requires appropriate registration. Working unlicensed can result in penalties.

Does past experience count toward my builders licence?

Yes. WA offers five registration pathways recognising experience and qualifications. RPL can help you convert your experience into the required qualification.

How long does the WA builders licence process take?

The assessment can take up to three months once all documentation is submitted.

Can Skills Certified help me choose the right qualification?

Absolutely. Our team provides guidance based on your experience, goals, and the specific requirements of WA licensing.

Get in Touch

For more detailed assistance with your builder’s licence application in WA, contact Skills Certified Australia. Reach out to us at 13 17 75 or via email at [email protected]. Our skilled team is ready to support you every step of the way.

Please remember to consult your state’s licensing body for the most current information, as requirements may change over time. Skills Certified Australia is not an RTO or licensing body.

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