Dry Plastering Trade License

Ceilings and plastering are crucial elements within the construction industry, which is rapidly growing in Australia. Both wet and dry plastering require licensing and registration, the rules of which differ amongst the states and territories.
In recent years, the demand has grown significantly for installation of cornice products and plasterboard, thus presenting many employment prospects within the construction industry. The industry growth is especially exciting for licenced and registered individuals.
Keep reading to find out how to register and obtain a dry plastering licence in your state.

About the Dry Plastering Licence

In order to legally operate in Australia, qualified contractors need a plastering licence. A dry plastering licence allows you to carry out a variety of dry plastering activities and installations, including false and suspended ceilings, cornices, fibrous cement sheeting, and fibrous plaster sheeting. In some states, wet and dry plastering are considered the same trade.
In order to advertise, contract, or subcontract to carry out residential construction and trade work, you will need a dry plastering licence. Residential building work could include building construction, repairs, renovations, and alterations, as well as construction of garages and swimming pools.
If you have building experience and skills, but no formal certificates or diplomas, you could obtain a nationally recognised qualification using recognition of prior learning (RPL).

How to Apply

Each state has its own procedures for the dry plastering licence application, but in most cases, you will need the appropriate qualifications to be deemed eligible for a dry plastering licence. CPC31211 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining is the nationally recognised qualification, however, other qualifications are also recognised, including:

• Certificate III in Fibrous Plaster and Plasterboard Trade TAFE course #0115
• Qualification 11764 Certificate III in Plastering, Fibrous and Plasterboard
• Trade TAFE course #2153BCG30298 Certificate III in General Construction (Wall and Ceiling Lining) TAFE course #8062
• BCG31203 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
• CPC31208 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining

There are many ways to obtain a dry plastering licence in Australia. Classroom study is the most common option. You could also enroll in an apprenticeship and have the experience evaluated and credited towards an equivalent qualification.
If you have several years of experience, but you do not have a formal qualification, you may be able to have your experience and skills assessed through recognition of prior learning in order to achieve an equivalent qualification.

Please contact your state’s licensing body for up to date information as requirements do change. Skills Certified Australia is not an RTO or licensing body