-Skills Certified

Trade Licensing

Name: Trade Licensing
Brand: Skills Certified
Rating: 4.8 (2875 reviews)

Everything To Know About Trade Licensing

Becoming a licensed tradesperson is an essential part of building your reputation and reassuring clients you’re up to the job. One of the first steps in getting your trade license is proving you have the right skills and experience. Getting a nationally recognised qualification through one of Skills Certified Australia’s partner RTOs is a great way to do that.

The links provide specific information by trade.

The requirements for getting a licence differ depending on what state or territory you want to work in and on what trade you are looking to get licensed for. Please fill in the GET IN TOUCH form or call 13 17 75 and ask for one our consultants for more information.

The links will let you know which qualification you will need to get your trade license. Alternatively fill out the GET IN TOUCH form
or call 13 17 75 and one of our trades specialists will help you get qualified

Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration

Bricklaying

Building

Carpentry

Concreting

Dry Plastering

Glazing

Painting

Plumbing & Drainage

Structural Landscaping

The links provide specific information by trade.

Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration

Bricklaying

Building

Carpentry

Concreting

Dry Plastering

Glazing

Painting

Plumbing & Drainage

Structural Landscaping

Trade Licence Requirements by Trade

The requirements for getting a licence differ depending on what state or territory you want to work in and on what trade you are looking to get licensed for. For personalised advice, please fill in the GET IN TOUCH form or call 13 17 75 and ask for one of our consultants for more information.

Need clarity fast? These links will let you know which qualification you will need to get your trade licence for each occupation. Alternatively, fill out the GET IN TOUCH form or call 13 17 75 and one of our trades specialists will help you get qualified.

What Is a Trade Licence and Why Do You Need One?

What is a trade license? In simple terms, it’s official permission from your state regulator confirming you meet industry, safety and competency standards. For customers, it’s proof you can finish work safely and professionally. For you, it unlocks bigger projects, insurance cover and—let’s be honest—better rates.

How to Get a Trade Licence in Australia

The process below applies across most trades and states or territories. Follow these five steps:

Review the official checklist.Download the guide for your trade—e.g. the NSW Building licence.
Obtain or convert your qualification.If you have extensive on-site experience but no formal certificate, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can convert that experience into a nationally recognised qualification.
Gather supporting evidence.Regulators typically ask for logbooks, client references, photos of completed work and proof of employment.
Submit your trade licence application.Pay the prescribed fee and supply certified copies of your documents. Online lodgement is available in most states.
Track your application status.Processing times range from three to six weeks but can be longer during busy periods.

Apply for a Trade Licence: What You’ll Need

Before you hit “submit”, make sure you have:

Identification documents (100-point check)
Certified copies of your qualification(s)
Detailed statement of relevant industry experience
White Card and any specialist tickets
Evidence of required insurances
Financial statements (for builders and some contractors)

Missing paperwork is the #1 reason trade licensing applications bounce back—double-check everything. Submitting a complete application helps avoid delays and follow-up requests.

Trade Licence Requirements by State or Territory

Each state applies slightly different rules:

New South Wales:NSW Fair Trading regulates building, electrical and plumbing licences.
Queensland:The QBCC combines qualification, experience and financial criteria.
Victoria:The Victorian Building Authority licenses domestic and commercial builders, electricians and plumbers under separate classes of work.
Other states and territories:Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT set their own experience thresholds, insurance minimums and continuing professional development obligations.

Planning to move interstate? Confirm mutual recognition so you don’t pay twice for the same trade license

Get Qualified Through RPL

Recognition of Prior Learning assesses the skills you’ve acquired on the job. An assessor maps your evidence—site diaries, project portfolios, third-party reports—against the units of competency in a national qualification. Successful RPL candidates can:

Earn a qualification faster than via study alone
Reduce course fees by only enrolling in required gap units
Move directly to the licensing stage

FAQ's

Why should I get a trade licence?

Trade licensing is a method of regulating any type of industry within a certain location. The main goal of a trade licence is to ensure that those who practise a profession are fully qualified to efficiently and safely conduct business.

If you obtain a licence and maintain registration with a regulatory authority in your state, you can assure your clients that you are a reliable and experienced professional.

Why get licensed if my trade isn’t mandatory everywhere?

Licensing increases client trust supports insurance applications, and can clinch competitive tenders.

Who is eligible to obtain a trade licence?

In Australia, you can apply for a licence depending on where you want to live and work. You’ll need to be 18+, legally able to work in Australia, hold the right qualification and meet minimum experience requirements. The cost of obtaining a trade licence varies by state and industry. For detailed information on each industry and trade, you can visit our links below to understand eligibility criteria.

How long does approval take?

Most regulators aim for four to six weeks once a complete application is received. NSW Fair Trading advises allowing extra time between March and June when application numbers peak.

Check the links above for specific information by trade

For detailed information on how to obtain a licence, click on the links above to know which qualifications you will need. Alternatively, fill out the Get In Touch form or call 13 17 75 and one of our trades specialists will help you get qualified.

Obtaining a trade licence could be one of the most important parts of someone’s career.

The motive of a trade licence is to ensure that you can operate your business in an area and to maintain the overall standard of work and safety in the industry. Trade licensing is an important aspect of establishing your reputation and informing your clients that you are capable of doing the task.

Proving you have the necessary skills is one of the first steps towards obtaining your licence. A nationally recognised qualification from one of Skills Certified Australia’s partner RTOs is a terrific way to get started.

How our customers rated our service

Discover why Skills Certified is trusted by thousands. With over 2,500 reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.9 stars on Trustpilot, our commitment to quality and excellence in skills recognition through RPL is evident through the experiences of our satisfied clients across Australia.

"It’s amazing how much easier it has been to meet new people and create instant connections. I have the exact same personality, the only thing that has changed is my mindset and a few behaviors."

Samantha Higgins

Cert IV in Haridressing

"It’s amazing how much easier it has been to meet new people and create instant connections. I have the exact same personality, the only thing that has changed is my mindset and a few behaviors."

Samantha Higgins

Cert IV in Haridressing

"It’s amazing how much easier it has been to meet new people and create instant connections. I have the exact same personality, the only thing that has changed is my mindset and a few behaviors."

Samantha Higgins

Cert IV in Haridressing

"It’s amazing how much easier it has been to meet new people and create instant connections. I have the exact same personality, the only thing that has changed is my mindset and a few behaviors."

Samantha Higgins

Cert IV in Haridressing