State-by-State Trade Licensing Requirements in Australia
Complete 2025 Guide
Everything you need to know about trade licensing across all Australian states and territories
Introduction
If you’re working in a licensed trade in Australia, understanding the licensing requirements in your state or territory is essential. Unlike many countries with a single national licensing system, Australia operates under a state-based licensing framework, with each jurisdiction having its own regulatory body, requirements, and processes.
This comprehensive guide covers licensing requirements for electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, builders, and other regulated trades across all eight Australian states and territories. Whether you’re just completing your apprenticeship, moving interstate, or planning to start your own contracting business, this guide will help you navigate the system.
Quick Overview: Who Regulates Trade Licenses?
| State/Territory | Regulator | Key Trades Covered |
| New South Wales | NSW Fair Trading | Electricians, Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Builders |
| Victoria | Energy Safe Victoria (electrical), Victorian Building Authority (builders), Plumbing Industry Commission | Electricians, Plumbers, Builders |
| Queensland | Electrical Safety Office, QBCC | Electricians, Plumbers, Builders |
| Western Australia | Building and Energy (Electrical Licensing Board, Plumbers Licensing Board) | Electricians, Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Builders |
| South Australia | Consumer and Business Services (CBS) | Electricians, Plumbers, Gas Fitters |
| Tasmania | Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) | Electricians, Plumbers, Builders |
| Northern Territory | NT WorkSafe, Building Practitioners Board | Electricians, Plumbers, Builders |
| Australian Capital Territory | Access Canberra | Electricians, Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Builders |
New South Wales (NSW)
Regulatory Body
NSW Fair Trading (Building Commission NSW) administers trade licensing in NSW.
Website: fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 13 32 20
Electrician Licensing
NSW requires all persons performing electrical wiring work to hold an appropriate license, regardless of the cost or type of work.
License Types:
- Qualified Supervisor Certificate – Allows you to supervise electrical work
- Electrical Contractor License – Allows you to operate an electrical contracting business
- Endorsed Contractor License – Combined qualification and contractor license
Requirements for Electrician’s License:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820 or equivalent)
- Certificate of Proficiency from the Vocational Training Review Panel (VTRP)
- Minimum 12 months of relevant electrical wiring work experience
- Knowledge of AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules
Key Points:
- If your license has lapsed more than 5 years, you must complete the TAFE Digital Re-Licensing assessment
- Compliance certificates (CCEW) must be submitted for all electrical work
- East Coast Electricians Scheme allows automatic recognition for QLD, VIC, and ACT license holders
Plumber Licensing
License Types:
- Tradesperson Certificate
- Contractor License
- Supervisor Certificate
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420)
- Practical experience under supervision
- NSW registration
Builder Licensing
Work valued over $5,000 requires a contractor license. Categories include:
- General Building Contractor
- Specialist Trade Contractor
- Owner-Builder Permit (for homeowners doing their own work)
Victoria
Regulatory Bodies
- Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) – Electrical licensing
- Victorian Building Authority (VBA) – Builder registration
- Plumbing Industry Commission – Plumber licensing
Electrician Licensing
Victoria has one of the most comprehensive electrical licensing systems in Australia, requiring apprentices to pass three separate assessments.
License Types:
- Electrician’s License (A Grade) – Full unrestricted license to perform electrical work
- Supervised Worker’s License – Allows work under supervision while completing assessments
- Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) – Required to contract for electrical work
Requirements for A Grade License:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Pass the Licensed Electrician’s Assessment (LEA), which consists of:
- LET (Licensed Electrician’s Theory) – Written examination (2 hours 15 minutes)
- LEP (Licensed Electrician’s Practical) – Design, connect, and test installation
- SWP (Safe Working Practice) – Isolate, disconnect, reconnect equipment
- Minimum 75% pass rate on all three assessments
- 12 months electrical installation work experience
- Employer support letter
For Contractor (REC) Registration:
- Must hold A Grade License
- Complete REC course through approved provider
- Nominate Business Supervisor and Technical Supervisor
- Hold public liability insurance
Online Portal: ESVConnect (energysafe.vic.gov.au)
Plumber Licensing
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Plumbing or equivalent
- Registration with Plumbing Industry Commission
- Ongoing compliance audits
Builder Registration
- Domestic Builder (Unlimited) – All domestic building work
- Domestic Builder (Limited) – Specific categories
- Register with Victorian Building Authority
Queensland
Regulatory Bodies
- Electrical Safety Office (ESO) – Electrical work licensing
- Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) – Building, plumbing, and trade contractor licensing
Electrician Licensing
License Types:
- Electrical Work License (Worker’s License)
- Electrical Contractor License
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)
- Completion statement from RTO and employer
- CPR training (current)
- Queensland-specific requirements
Note: Queensland does not participate in the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme. Interstate workers must apply for a Queensland license through the standard mutual recognition process.
QBCC Licensing
The QBCC licenses a wide range of building and trade contractors. Key license classes include:
Plumbing & Drainage:
- Occupational Plumber and/or Drainer
- Plumbing and Drainage Contractor
- Drainage – On-site Sewage
Requirements for Plumber License:
- Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420 including drainage stream)
- Practical experience declaration
- Fit and proper person requirements
- Permission to work in Queensland
Builder Licenses:
- Builder – Low Rise
- Builder – Medium Rise
- Builder – Open
- Various restricted builder categories
Mechanical Services:
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
- Mechanical Services – Plumbing
Financial Requirements: QBCC contractor licenses have Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) based on turnover category:
- Up to $200,000 p.a.
- Up to $800,000 p.a.
- Up to $12 million p.a.
- Unlimited
Western Australia
Regulatory Body
Building and Energy (Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety) oversees:
- Electrical Licensing Board
- Plumbers Licensing Board
- Building Services Board
Website: wa.gov.au/building-and-energy
Phone: 1300 489 099
Electrician Licensing
Western Australia requires all electrical work to be carried out by appropriately licensed persons.
License Types:
- Electrician’s License – For performing electrical installing and fitting work
- Electrical Contractor’s License (EC) – For contracting electrical work
- Electrical Training License – For apprentices
- Restricted Electrical License (REL) – For specific electrical tasks by other trades
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Completion of apprenticeship
- Meet fit and proper person criteria (Australian police check required as of December 2024)
For Contractor’s License:
- Hold current Electrician’s License
- Complete Electrical Contractor Training Program (ECTP) modules
- Hold public liability insurance
- Nominate a licensed electrician
Important: Electrical contractors must display their EC license number on all advertising, business cards, and work vehicles.
Plumber Licensing
The Plumbers Licensing Board issues five different license categories:
- Plumbing Contractor’s License – Contract for and supervise plumbing work
- Tradesperson’s License – Perform plumbing work under supervision or for a contractor
- Provisional Tradesperson’s License – Work under direct supervision (1 year)
- Tradesperson’s License (Drainage Plumbing) – Drainage work only
- Restricted Permit – For electricians/gas fitters doing related plumbing work
Note: Corporate entities (companies, trusts) cannot hold plumber licenses in WA – only individuals.
Builder Registration
Most building work over $20,000 requires registration with Building and Energy. Categories include:
- Building Contractor
- Building Service Provider
- Painter
South Australia
Regulatory Body
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) licenses electrical workers, plumbers, and gas fitters.
Website: sa.gov.au/cbs
Email: occupational@sa.gov.au
Phone: 131 882
Electrical Licensing
Under the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995, all electrical workers must hold registration.
Registration Categories:
- Electrical Worker Registration
- Electrical Contractor License
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- For migrants: Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR) plus gap training
- CPR certification
SA Support for Migrants: The Skilled Migrant Trade Recognition Pathway Program helps migrants with OTSRs access funded gap training.
Plumber Licensing
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Plumbing
- Registration with CBS
- Photo ID card issued
Gas Fitter Licensing
Separate registration required for gas fitting work.
Tasmania
Regulatory Body
Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) within the Department of Justice.
Website: cbos.tas.gov.au
Phone: 1300 654 499
Electrician Licensing
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Australian context gap training (for international workers)
- 12 months supervised work
- Apply through CBOS
Provisional License available while completing requirements.
Plumber Licensing
Registration required through CBOS.
Builder Licensing
Contractors and practitioners must be licensed for domestic building work.
Northern Territory
Regulatory Bodies
- NT WorkSafe – Electrical licensing
- Building Practitioners Board – Builder licensing
Phone: 1800 019 115
Electrician Licensing
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- NT-specific registration
Electrical Contractor Licence required for contracting.
Plumber Licensing
Registration through the relevant NT authority.
Builder Licensing
Building Practitioners Board registers builders for work over certain thresholds.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Regulatory Body
Access Canberra administers construction occupation licenses.
Website: accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Phone: 13 22 81
Electrician Licensing
Under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004:
License Types:
- Unrestricted Electrician License
- Restricted Electrical License (various classes)
- Electrical Contractor License
Requirements:
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Gap training for international qualifications
- Meet qualification requirements in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration
Plumber, Drainer, and Gas Fitter Licensing
Each license class has specific scopes of work:
Plumber Classes:
- Sanitary Plumber
- Water Supply Plumber
- Advanced Sanitary Drainer
- Gas Fitter
- Plumbing Plan Certifier
Requirements vary by class but generally include:
- Relevant Certificate III qualification
- Experience requirements
- For some classes: 3 years experience and additional training
Key Differences Between States
Licensing Structure
| Aspect | NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS | NT | ACT |
| Electrical Assessment | VTRP Certificate | LEA (3 parts) | Completion statement | Apprenticeship | Registration | CBOS | NT WorkSafe | Access Canberra |
| Contractor Insurance Required | Yes | Yes (REC) | Yes (QBCC) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AMR Participation | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Application | Yes | ESVConnect | Online | Online | Online | Online | Online | Online |
Cost Comparison (Approximate)
| License Type | NSW | VIC | QLD | WA |
| Electrician’s License | $90-270 | $170-340 | $100-200 | $150-300 |
| Contractor License | $400-900 | $500-900 | $500-2000+ | $400-800 |
| Renewal (per year) | Varies | ~$170 | Varies | ~$150 |
Fees current as at 2025 but subject to change. Always check with the relevant authority.
Interstate Recognition Options
Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR)
The AMR scheme allows workers with a valid license in one state to work in another state without applying for a separate license.
Key Points:
- Available in all states except Queensland
- Must notify the host state’s regulator before commencing work
- Must maintain your home state license
- Must comply with all laws in the host state
- Some occupations are excluded (check with regulators)
Traditional Mutual Recognition
If AMR doesn’t apply, you can apply for a license through traditional mutual recognition:
- Your home state license is considered equivalent
- Conditions on your original license may carry over
- Application and fees required
- Processing time varies (typically 2-6 weeks)
East Coast Electricians Scheme
Electricians from Queensland, Victoria, and ACT can be automatically recognized in NSW without notification.
Steps to Get Licensed
For Apprentices Completing Training
- Complete your apprenticeship – Ensure all competencies are signed off
- Obtain your qualification – Certificate III from your RTO
- Pass any required assessments – LEA in Victoria, VTRP Certificate in NSW
- Gather documentation – Employer letters, qualifications, ID
- Apply online – Through your state’s licensing portal
- Pay fees – Application and registration fees
- Receive your license – Card or certificate issued
For Interstate Workers
- Check AMR eligibility – Is your occupation covered?
- Notify or apply – Submit notification (AMR) or application (MR)
- Maintain home license – Keep your original license current
- Comply with local laws – Follow host state requirements
For International Workers
- Skills assessment – Through Trades Recognition Australia
- Obtain OTSR – Offshore Technical Skills Record
- Apply for provisional license – Work under supervision
- Complete gap training – Australian context training
- Obtain full license – After completing all requirements
Common Questions
Q: Do I need a license to work as an employee electrician/plumber? A: Yes. In all states, you need a personal license/registration to perform licensed trade work, even as an employee.
Q: What’s the difference between a license and a contractor license? A: A personal license allows you to perform the work. A contractor license allows you to contract for work (run a business), usually requiring insurance and additional qualifications.
Q: Can I use my NSW license in Victoria? A: Through AMR, you can notify Victoria and work under your NSW license. For permanent relocation, apply for a Victorian license through mutual recognition.
Q: How long does a trade license last? A: Typically 1-5 years depending on state and license type. Renewal is required before expiry.
Q: What happens if I work without a license? A: Significant penalties apply – fines can exceed $10,000 for individuals and more for corporations. You may also be liable for any damage caused.
Resources
National Resources
- Australian Apprenticeships – apprenticeships.gov.au
- Trades Recognition Australia – tradesrecognitionaustralia.gov.au
- Licensed Trades Lookup – licensedtrades.com.au
State Resources
- NSW: fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
- VIC: energysafe.vic.gov.au, vba.vic.gov.au
- QLD: qbcc.qld.gov.au, worksafe.qld.gov.au
- WA: wa.gov.au/building-and-energy
- SA: sa.gov.au/cbs
- TAS: cbos.tas.gov.au
- NT: worksafe.nt.gov.au
- ACT: accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Tips
Understanding trade licensing requirements in Australia can seem complex due to the state-based system, but each jurisdiction follows similar principles: complete your qualification, gain experience, apply for your license, and maintain it through renewals and continuing education.
If you’re planning to work across state borders, familiarize yourself with mutual recognition options to make the process smoother. And always check directly with the relevant regulatory body for the most current requirements and fees.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Requirements change regularly – always verify current requirements with the relevant state or territory authority before applying.