What Licenses Do Trades Need? Complete Guide by Trade Type
A comprehensive breakdown of licensing requirements for every major trade in Australia
Introduction
“What license do I need?” is one of the most common questions trades ask – and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Different trades have different requirements, and these requirements vary by state.
This guide breaks down licensing requirements by trade type, so you can quickly find what applies to your specific occupation and location.
Understanding Trade License Types
Before diving into specific trades, it’s essential to understand the different types of licenses:
Worker/Occupational License
- Allows you to perform the work
- Required even if you’re an employee
- Must be held by the individual
- Example: Electrician’s License (A Grade)
Contractor License
- Allows you to contract for or advertise services
- Required to run your own business
- Often requires additional insurance and qualifications
- Example: Electrical Contractor’s License
Supervisor/Certificate
- Allows you to supervise other workers
- May be required for contractor license
- Example: Qualified Supervisor Certificate
Restricted/Provisional License
- Limited scope of work
- May be for specific tasks only
- Often a stepping stone to full license
- Example: Restricted Electrical License
Licensed Trades (Require State Licensing)
⚡ Electrician
Licensing Required: Yes, in ALL states
Why: Electrical work is inherently dangerous. Faulty electrical work can cause fires, electrocution, and death.
| State | Worker License | Contractor License | Regulatory Body |
| NSW | Qualified Supervisor Certificate | Endorsed Contractor License | NSW Fair Trading |
| VIC | Electrician’s License (A Grade) | Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) | Energy Safe Victoria |
| QLD | Electrical Work License | Electrical Contractor License | Electrical Safety Office |
| WA | Electrician’s License | Electrical Contractor’s License (EC) | Building and Energy |
| SA | Electrical Worker Registration | Electrical Contractor License | Consumer and Business Services |
| TAS | Electrician’s License | Electrical Contractor License | CBOS |
| NT | Electrician’s License | Electrical Contractor License | NT WorkSafe |
| ACT | Electrician License | Electrical Contractor License | Access Canberra |
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)
- Completion of 4-year apprenticeship
- State-specific assessments (e.g., LEA in Victoria)
- CPR certification (most states)
Restricted Electrical Licenses: Some non-electricians can obtain restricted electrical licenses for specific tasks:
- HVAC technicians (connecting/disconnecting air conditioners)
- Plumbers (hot water systems)
- Gas fitters (appliance connections)
🔧 Plumber
Licensing Required: Yes, in ALL states
Why: Plumbing connects to public water and sewerage systems. Poor plumbing can cause contamination, disease, and structural damage.
| State | Worker License | Contractor License | Regulatory Body |
| NSW | Tradesperson Certificate | Contractor License | NSW Fair Trading |
| VIC | Plumber’s License | Registered Plumber | Plumbing Industry Commission |
| QLD | Occupational Plumber and/or Drainer | Plumbing and Drainage Contractor | QBCC |
| WA | Tradesperson’s License | Plumbing Contractor’s License | Plumbers Licensing Board |
| SA | Plumbing Workers Registration | Plumbing Contractor License | Consumer and Business Services |
| TAS | Plumber’s License | Plumbing Contractor License | CBOS |
| NT | Plumber’s License | Plumbing Contractor License | Building Practitioners Board |
| ACT | Plumber License | Plumbing Contractor License | Access Canberra |
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420)
- 4-year apprenticeship
- May include drainage stream competencies
Endorsements/Specializations:
- Gas fitting
- Roof plumbing/drainage
- Fire protection
- Backflow prevention
- Sanitary plumbing
- Water supply plumbing
🔥 Gas Fitter
Licensing Required: Yes, in ALL states
Why: Gas leaks can cause explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas fitting requires specialized knowledge.
| State | License Type | Combined with Plumbing? |
| NSW | Gas Fitter License | Often combined |
| VIC | Gas Fitter’s License | Separate or combined |
| QLD | Gas Work License | Separate registration |
| WA | Gas Permit (Class G) | Separate from plumbing |
| SA | Gas Fitter Registration | Separate registration |
| TAS | Gas Fitter License | Separate or combined |
| NT | Gas Fitter License | Separate registration |
| ACT | Gas Fitter License | Separate category |
Qualifications Required:
- Certificate III in Gas Fitting OR
- Certificate III in Plumbing (Gas Fitting stream)
- Type A/B gas competencies
🏗️ Builder
Licensing Required: Yes for work over certain thresholds
Why: Building work affects structural integrity and safety. Licensed builders are accountable for their work.
| State | Threshold | License Types |
| NSW | >$5,000 (domestic) | Contractor License, Qualified Supervisor |
| VIC | Domestic building work | Registered Building Practitioner |
| QLD | All QBCC work | Builder (Low Rise, Medium Rise, Open) |
| WA | >$20,000 (most areas) | Building Contractor Registration |
| SA | Various | Building Work Contractor License |
| TAS | Domestic work | Builder’s License |
| NT | Various | Building Practitioner |
| ACT | Various | Builder License |
Note: NSW does not require a builder’s license for commercial work – only domestic residential work.
🛠️ Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic
Licensing Required: Yes
Why: Work involves refrigerants (environmental regulations) and often electrical components.
Licenses Typically Required:
- Trade License – Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Refrigerant Handling License (RHL) – Required for purchasing and handling refrigerants
- Restricted Electrical License – For electrical connection work
- ARCtick License – For handling fluorocarbon refrigerants
| State | Trade License Body | Electrical License |
| NSW | NSW Fair Trading | Restricted Electrical |
| VIC | Energy Safe Victoria | Restricted Electrical |
| QLD | QBCC | ESO Restricted License |
| WA | Building and Energy | REL required |
| SA | CBS | Restricted Electrical |
| TAS | CBOS | Restricted Electrical |
| NT | NT WorkSafe | Restricted Electrical |
| ACT | Access Canberra | Restricted Electrical |
Trades That May Require Licensing
🪵 Carpenter
Licensing Required: Varies by state
Carpentry itself is often not a licensed trade, but:
- Contractor licensing may be required for structural work
- Builder’s license required if doing complete builds
- White Card required for construction site work
| State | License Required? | Notes |
| NSW | Builder’s license for >$5,000 work | Not required for subcontract work |
| VIC | Registration for domestic work | Carpenter category exists |
| QLD | QBCC license for contracting | Required for all building work |
| WA | Registration for work >$20,000 | In regulated areas |
| SA | May need builder’s license | Depends on work scope |
| TAS | License for domestic work | Builder categories |
| NT | Building practitioner | For certain work |
| ACT | May need builder class | Depends on scope |
🧱 Bricklayer
Licensing Required: Varies by state
Similar to carpentry – bricklaying may require builder licensing for larger projects.
Always Required:
- White Card for construction site access
- May need contractor license for independent work
🔩 Boilermaker/Welder
Licensing Required: Trade-specific certifications rather than state licenses
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
- Welder certifications (AS/NZS ISO 9606 series)
- May need High Risk Work Licenses for:
- Rigging
- Scaffolding
- Crane operation
- White Card for construction sites
🎨 Painter & Decorator
Licensing Required: Varies by state
| State | License Required? | Notes |
| NSW | No license required | But ABN/business registration needed |
| VIC | No license required | Business registration only |
| QLD | QBCC license for >$3,300 | Painting Contractor license |
| WA | Painter Registration | In certain areas |
| SA | No specific license | Business registration |
| TAS | May need building license | For contract work |
| NT | No specific license | Business registration |
| ACT | No specific license | Business registration |
Always Required:
- White Card (for construction sites)
- May need asbestos awareness training
- Lead paint awareness (older buildings)
🚗 Auto Mechanic
Licensing Required: Generally NO (except auto electricians)
| Trade | License Required? |
| Light Vehicle Mechanic | No state license |
| Heavy Vehicle Mechanic | No state license |
| Auto Electrician | YES – electrical license |
| Panel Beater | No state license |
| Auto Body Repairer | No state license |
Requirements:
- Certificate III in relevant trade
- May need Repair Authority for insurance work
- Business registration for contracting
- Appropriate insurance
⚙️ Fitter & Turner / Fitter Machinist
Licensing Required: Generally NO
This is a manufacturing/engineering trade rather than a regulated construction trade.
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
- May need specific certifications for:
- Pressure equipment
- High risk work
- Workplace-specific requirements
Other Regulated Work
High Risk Work Licenses
Regardless of your trade, you need a High Risk Work License (HRWL) for:
| Work Type | License Class | Valid |
| Forklift operation | LF | National |
| Rigging (Basic) | RB | National |
| Rigging (Intermediate) | RI | National |
| Rigging (Advanced) | RA | National |
| Scaffolding (Basic) | SB | National |
| Scaffolding (Intermediate) | SI | National |
| Scaffolding (Advanced) | SA | National |
| Dogging | DG | National |
| Crane operation | Various | National |
| Reach stacker | RS | National |
| EWP >11m | WP | National |
Obtaining HRWL:
- Complete training with an RTO
- Pass assessment
- Apply to state WorkSafe/SafeWork
- Receive plastic card (5-year validity)
Quick Reference: Do I Need a License?
| Trade | Worker License? | Contractor License? | White Card? |
| Electrician | ✅ YES | ✅ YES | ✅ |
| Plumber | ✅ YES | ✅ YES | ✅ |
| Gas Fitter | ✅ YES | ✅ YES | ✅ |
| Builder | State varies | ✅ Usually | ✅ |
| HVAC/Refrigeration | ✅ YES | ✅ YES | ✅ |
| Carpenter | ❌ Generally no | State varies | ✅ |
| Bricklayer | ❌ Generally no | State varies | ✅ |
| Boilermaker/Welder | ❌ Trade cert | State varies | ✅ |
| Painter | ❌ Generally no | State varies | ✅ |
| Auto Mechanic | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ (unless construction) |
| Fitter & Turner | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ (unless construction) |
What Happens If You Work Without a License?
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
| State | Typical Fine (Individual) | Typical Fine (Company) |
| NSW | Up to $110,000 | Up to $550,000 |
| VIC | Up to $45,000 | Up to $220,000 |
| QLD | Up to $70,000 | Up to $350,000 |
| WA | Up to $50,000 | Up to $250,000 |
Other Consequences:
- Work may be deemed non-compliant
- No insurance coverage
- Personal liability for damages
- Criminal charges possible
- Can’t claim payment for work
How to Check License Requirements
Step 1: Identify Your Work Type
What specific work will you be doing?
Step 2: Check State Requirements
Visit your state’s licensing authority website
Step 3: Determine License Class
Worker, contractor, restricted?
Step 4: Check Qualifications
Do you have the required certificates?
Step 5: Apply
Complete application with documentation
Helpful Resources
NSW: fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/license-checker
VIC: vba.vic.gov.au, energysafe.vic.gov.au
QLD: qbcc.qld.gov.au/license-search
WA: wa.gov.au/building-and-energy
SA: sa.gov.au/cbs
TAS: cbos.tas.gov.au
NT: nt.gov.au/industry
ACT: accesscanberra.act.gov.au
National Lookup: licensedtrades.com.au
Conclusion
Understanding what licenses you need is crucial for legal operation and protecting yourself and your clients. When in doubt:
- Check with your state’s regulatory authority
- Get the license before starting work
- Keep your license current
- Display license numbers where required
- Maintain required insurance
The investment in proper licensing pays off through:
- Legal protection
- Client confidence
- Insurance coverage
- Professional credibility
- Access to more work opportunities
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Licensing requirements change regularly – always verify current requirements with the relevant state or territory authority.