• Construction licence holders in the ACT must maintain their licence.
  • There are specific training and reporting requirements to maintain licences.  
  • Owner-builders also have work health and safety responsibilities for their team of workers.
New licensing requirements for solar PV, inverter and battery system installations

Applications opened on 11 March 2024 for a new endorsement on an electrician’s licence to undertake electrical wiring work on a thing that is declared a distributed energy resource (DER), such as rooftop solar, inverters and batteries.

From 11 September 2024 if you want to undertake electrical wiring work on a DER you will need to have an endorsement on your licence. It will be an offence for electricians to carry out work without an endorsement.

An updated Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration has been issued setting out the qualification requirements for the endorsement.

Important new safety powers for electrical installations

From 11 March 2024, amendments to the Electricity Safety Act 1971 commence which expand the powers of the regulator to take action in relation to unsafe electrical installations. The changes provide electrical inspectors with powers in relation to not only electrical equipment or electrical installations that are currently a source of danger, but those that are becoming a source of danger.

To provide a construction service in the ACT, you will need a licence.

Having a licence is an important part of working in the building and construction industry. It helps you to have a baseline understanding of what is required in the ACT.

You need to know how to:

  • the types of licences available
  • how to apply for a licence
  • how to renew or update a licence
  • how to seek mutual recognition your licence, and
  • understand your licence conditions and endorsements.

Types of licence

You need a licence in the ACT if you’re a:

  • builder, including owner–builder
  • electrician
  • plumber, drainer and/or gasfitter
  • building surveyor (private certifier)
  • building assessor
  • gas appliance worker
  • works assessor, or
  • plumbing plan certifier.

All these roles must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004. Trades like carpenters and bricklayers don’t need a licence in the ACT.

Builder licence

In the ACT, builders must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004.

Eligibility

You need to meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply for your builder licence. You have options based on whether you have previously held a licence, which licence class you are applying for, and your level of training. These are explained in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024.

When reviewing the Declaration, note:

  • if there are multiple eligibility methods for a licence class, you only need to meet one of the methods
  • in meeting one of the methods, you’ll need to meet all sub-heading components under that method

Before you apply for a builder licence, you will need to collect evidence of your qualifications and eligibility and provide the required supporting documentation in your application. The evidence you need will depend on the class of licence you are applying for.

Licence classes

There are five classes of builder licence. Each class has different qualification requirements, scopes of work and may be subject to conditions. You need to know your class before applying.

Class A builder (unlimited)

  • For building work other than specialist building work.
  • For building work of unlimited height on any Building Code of Australia (BCA) class of work.

Class B builder (medium rise)

  • For building work (other than specialist building work) in relation to a building that is three storeys or lower.
  • For basic building work.

Class C builder (low rise residential)

  • For building work (other than specialist building work) in relation to a building that is two storeys or lower and is a class 1, 2 or 10a building.
  • For building work (other than specialist building work) in relation to a building that is a class 10b structure (other than a swimming pool or swimming pool fence) and is ancillary to a building that is two storeys or lower and is a class 1, 2 or 10a building.
  • For basic building work.

Class D builder

  • For non-structural basic building work, other than specialist building work.

Owner–builder licence

  • For building work (other than specialist building work) in relation to a class 1, class 2 or class 10 building that is, or is to be, the licensee's main home or ancillary to it.

Other builder licences

Specialist building work

Specialist building work is:

  • demolition of a building
  • installation of a swimming pool

Company or partnership licence

If a corporation or partnership wants to provide, or advertise to provide, certain construction services in the ACT it will need a licence. This includes construction services by a:

  • builder
  • building surveyor
  • electrician and electrical contractor class
  • plumber, drainer and gasfitter
  • plumbing plan certifier
  • works assessor

Interstate licence holders

You may be able to apply for an ACT licence if you're already licensed in another state or territory. Find out more about mutual recognition.

Start your application

To start your builder licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees then complete and lodge the relevant online application form.

Individual licence application

Corporation and partnership application

Note: you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won’t be submitted until the documents are lodged and the fee is paid.

Supporting documentation

Individual licence applications

Class A, B, C and D builder licence applicants
Owner Builder licence applicants
  • An owner builder course certificate completed within five years prior to the application or an ACT Class A, B or C builder licence or interstate equivalent.
  • A copy of the building approval

Corporation and partnership applicants

  • If the applicant is a partnership, they must show evidence of the existence of the partnership and state the name of each partner.
  • If a partner is a corporation, they must state the partner's ACN.
  • If the applicant is a corporation and the history of the corporation is on a database kept by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, a current and historical company extract must be provided or, If the corporation is less than three months old a company extract will need to be provided.
  • If the proposed nominee is an employee, evidence of the individual’s employment contract or agreement is required.

Examinations

If you are applying for a class A, B or C builder licence you may be required to sit a written examination to determine your eligibility to hold a licence. Once your application has been assessed and if you meet all the eligibility requirements, you will be invited to attend an examination. Please note, the examination has a pass mark of 80%. A study guide is available to assist in preparing you for the examination.

Find out more about licence examinations.

Timeframe

The assessment of your application will take at least four weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Please note, assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted a builder licence, you are responsible for the administration and requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations

Full details about your obligations and responsibilities can be found by reading the study guide.

Owner-builder licence

In the ACT, owner–builders must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and meet all the eligibility requirements.

An owner–builder in the ACT takes on the same responsibilities as a licensed builder to supervise building work and make sure the building work complies with the Building Act 2004.

Licence classes

There is only one class of owner–builder licence. If granted a licence, the licence will restrict you to only undertaking work on a building approval where the work relates to a class 1, class 2 or class 10a building under the Building Code of Australia. You will not be authorised to undertake specialist building work such as demolition or swimming pool construction.

Eligibility

You need certain qualifications to apply for an owner–builder licence. These are explained in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024.

To apply for any owner–builder licence class you will need to:

  • complete an owner–builder course (within the last five years) OR
  • hold an active class A, B or C builder licence in the ACT

Supporting documentation

  • a copy of your owner builder course completion certificate or class A, B, or C builder licence; and
  • a copy of the building approval (BA)

Owner–builder licence courses

You can find approved owner–builder licence courses at:

Owner–builders should also:

Start your application

To start your owner–builder licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees. Then complete and lodge an Application for construction occupation licence - individual owner builder (also available as a PDF).

Note: you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won’t be submitted until the documents are lodged and fee paid.

Timeframe

The assessment of your application will take at least four weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted an owner–builder licence, you are responsible for the administration and requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations
Electrician licence

In the ACT, electrician must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and meet all the eligibility requirements.

Before you apply for an electrician licence, you will need to collect evidence of your qualifications and eligibility. The evidence you need will depend on the class of licence you are applying for.

If you got your licence under previous legislative requirements, you may need to meet the new requirements.

Licence classes

The main categories of electrician licences are:

  • unrestricted
  • restricted

Permits can be issued to individuals who have not yet attained the full qualifications for the unrestricted licence. A permit holder must only perform wiring work under the direct supervision of an individual who is fully licensed and who has not been restricted from supervising in their conditions.

Unrestricted electrician

  • Electrical wiring work without supervision.
  • Supervision of electrical wiring work.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Electrotechnology systems permit

  • Electrical wiring work under supervision of an unrestricted electrician licence holder.
  • Incidental electrical wiring work.

Generally, you would apply for this permit so you can get the practical wiring experience required to upgrade to the unrestricted electrician licence.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems assembly and servicing electrical fitting

  • Incidental electrical wiring work in relation to electrical fitting disconnection and reconnection work.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems mechanical fitting

  • Incidental electrical wiring work in relation to mechanical fitting disconnection and reconnection work.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems plumbing and gasfitting

  • Incidental electrical wiring work in relation to plumbing and gasfitting disconnection and reconnection work.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems refrigeration and air-conditioning

  • Incidental electrical wiring work in relation to refrigeration and air-conditioning disconnection and reconnection work.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Restricted – Electrotechnology systems type B gas appliances

  • Incidental electrical wiring work in relation to disconnection and reconnection of type B gas appliances.
  • Contract only in circumstances where the licence is not conditioned to exclude this service.

Endorsement for distributed energy resource work

Distributed energy resource work is electrical wiring work on a declared distributed energy resource. A declared distributed energy resource   is:

  • installation of solar photovoltaic panels;
  • installation of grid-connected inverters as part of a solar photovoltaic system; and
  • installation of grid connected battery energy storage systems.

Transitional arrangements allow unrestricted electricians and electrical contractors to continue to install DER under a 6-month grace period, giving electricians enough time to make an application to Access Canberra for an endorsement.

For electricians that hold a current accreditation with the accreditation scheme operator for the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, it will be sufficient to provide evidence of that current accreditation with the application.

Mandatory qualifications

You need to meet mandatory qualifications to apply for your electrician licence. You have options based on which licence class you are applying for. These are explained in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024.

Where multiple methods are listed for a particular licence class, you are only required to meet one of the methods listed.

Interstate licence holders

You may be able to apply for an ACT licence if you’re already licensed in another state or territory. Find out more about mutual recognition.

Start your application

To start your electrician licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees. Then complete and lodge:

Note, you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won’t be submitted until the documents are lodged and fee paid.

Timeframe

The assessment of your application will take at least four weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted an electrician licence, you are responsible for the administration and requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations

Corporations or partnerships intending to provide electrical wiring services (doing or supervising electrical wiring work) will need to hold an electrician licence in the appropriate category.

Plumber, drainer and gasfitter licence

In the ACT, plumbers, drainers and gasfitters must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and meet all the eligibility requirements.

Each licence class has different scopes of work and may be subject to conditions. You need to know your class before applying.

Plumber licence classes

Sanitary plumber

  • Perform sanitary plumbing work without supervision.
  • Not automatically authorised to perform backflow prevention testing. Find out how to apply for a backflow prevention testing endorsement.

Water supply plumber

  • Perform water supply plumbing work without supervision.
  • Includes work on fire sprinkler networks for class one and two buildings (residential buildings) only if the pipe work of the system is less than 25 mm in diameter.
  • Not automatically authorised to perform backflow prevention testing. Find out how to apply for a backflow prevention testing endorsement.

Irrigation plumber

  • Perform installation work on irrigation networks and related equipment.
  • Not automatically authorised to perform backflow prevention testing. Find out how to apply for a backflow prevention testing endorsement.

Journeyperson plumber

  • Perform sanitary plumbing work and water supply work under supervision of an individual with a sanitary plumber licence or water supply plumber licence (depending on the type of work being undertaken).
  • Not automatically authorised to perform backflow prevention testing. Find out how to apply for a backflow prevention testing endorsement.

Fire sprinkler fitter

Journeyperson fire sprinkler fitter

  • Perform fire sprinkler work on a fire hydrant or fire hose connection point under the supervision of an individual with a fire sprinkler fitter licence.
  • Not automatically authorised to perform backflow prevention testing. Find out how to apply for a backflow prevention testing endorsement.

Drainer licence classes

Each licence class has different scopes of work and may be subject to conditions. You need to know your class before applying.

Advanced sanitary drainer

  • Perform sanitary drainage work without supervision.

Journeyperson sanitary drainer

  • Perform sanitary drainage work under supervision of a licensee with an advanced sanitary drainer licence.

Operative drainer

  • Perform sanitary drainage work under supervision of a licensee with an advanced sanitary drainer licence.

Gasfitter licence classes

Each licence class has different scopes of work and may be subject to conditions. You need to know your class before applying.

Advanced gasfitter

  • Perform gasfitting work on pressures over 21 kPA without supervision.
  • Not authorised to perform work on liquid phase gas installations.

General gasfitter

  • Perform gasfitting work on pressures over 21 kPA under supervision and gasfitting work under 21 kPA without supervision.
  • Not authorised to perform work on liquid phase gas installations.

Journeyperson gasfitter

  • Gasfitting work on pressures over 21 kPA under the supervision of a licensee with an advanced gasfitter licence
  • Gasfitting work on pressures under 21 kPA under the supervision of a licensee with an advanced gasfitter licence or general gasfitter licence
  • LPG (vapour or liquid) installations under the supervision of a licensee with an LPG gasfitter (vapour phase) licence or LPG gasfitter (liquid phase) licence.

LPG gasfitter (vapour phase)

  • Perform work on LPG (vapour phase) installations without supervision.

LPG gasfitter (liquid phase)

  • Perform work on LPG (liquid phase) installations without supervision.

Restricted automotive – LPG

  • Perform work on LPG installations on motor vehicles.

Restricted automotive – NGV

  • Perform work on NGV installations on motor vehicles.

Restricted automotive – LPG forkflits

  • Perform work on LPG installations on forklifts.

Restricted automotive – NGV forklifts

  • Perform work on NGV installations on forklifts.

Eligibility

You need certain qualifications to apply for a plumber, drainer or gasfitter licence. These are explained in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024 and Gas Safety Act 2000.

Where multiple methods are listed for a particular licence class, you are only required to meet one of the methods listed.

Interstate licence holders

You may be able to apply for an ACT licence if you're already licensed in another state or territory. Find out more about mutual recognition.

Start your application

To start your plumber, drainer or gasfitter licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees. Then complete and lodge:

Note, you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won't be submitted until the documents are lodged and fee paid.

Timeframe

The assessment of your application will take at least four weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted a plumber, drainer or gasfitter licence, you are responsible for the administration and requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations

Other licences

If you have a corporation or partnership and intend to contract, sub-contract and/or advertise to carry out a construction service in the ACT, you will also need a corporation or partnership licence.

Building surveyor licence

In the ACT, building surveyors must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and meet all the eligibility requirements.

Licence classes

Each licence class has different scopes of work and may be subject to conditions. You need to know the licence class you are eligible for before applying.

Principal building surveyor

  • Perform building certification work or supervise building certification work on behalf of a corporation.

Principal building surveyor employee

  • Perform building certification work as an employee of a principal building surveyor.
  • Usually applied for by an individual who works under a licensed building surveyor corporation's insurance policy.

General building surveyor

  • Perform building certification work or supervise building certification work on behalf of a corporation in relation to a building that is three storeys or lower and that has a floor area of 2000m2 or less.

General building surveyor employee

  • Perform building certification work in relation to a building that is three storeys or lower and that has a floor area of 2000m2 or less, as an employee of a principal building surveyor or general building surveyor.
  • Usually applied for by an individual who works under a licensed building surveyor corporation’s insurance policy.

Eligibility

You need certain qualifications to apply for a building surveyor licence. These are explained in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024.

Where multiple methods are listed for a licence class, you are only required to meet one of the methods listed.

Accreditation

You must be accredited under the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) National Accreditation Scheme in the category required by the licence class you are applying for.

Online course

For applications made on or after 1 September 2019 you must have, within one year of making the application, successfully completed the Introduction to the ACT Building Regulatory System online course.

Examination

You must undertake and pass an assessment set by the Construction Occupations Registrar.

Insurance evidence

You must provide evidence of insurance coverage before you can be licensed, to cover:

  • indemnity against claims for breach of professional duty as a building surveyor
  • a minimum limit of indemnity of $1,000,000 for a single claim
  • a minimum limit of indemnity of $1,000,000 for the total of all claims made against the applicant during the period of cover
  • a minimum limit of indemnity for the costs and expenses of defending or settling a claim of 20% of the limit of the indemnity for the claim (this is in addition to the indemnities mentioned in points two and three).

Interstate licence holders

You may be able to apply for an ACT licence if you’re already licensed in another state or territory. Find out more about mutual recognition.

Start your application

To start your building surveyor licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees. Then complete and lodge an Application for construction occupation licence - individual building surveyor (also available as a PDF).

Note: you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won't be submitted until the documents are lodged and fee paid.

Timeframe

The preliminary assessment of your application will take at least four weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted a building surveyor licence, you are responsible for the administration and requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations

Additional qualification requirements for new building surveyor applicants

To be eligible for a new building surveyor licence in the ACT from 1 September 2019, you will need to complete an online course on the ACT building regulatory system.

From 1 November 2019, in addition to the online course, applicants for new building surveyor licences will also need to complete an assessment set by the Construction Occupations Registrar.

The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether applicants have an adequate level of knowledge about the obligations of a building surveyor licensee in the ACT and the ability to read, interpret and apply relevant information to meet their obligations.

The new assessments cover the ACT building regulatory system, a building surveyor licensee's obligations and rights under the ACT regulatory system and test the ability to interpret and apply building laws, codes and standards across a range of question types.

Details of assessment times and venues will be provided to applicants when they apply, and there will be additional study materials to help people prepare for the assessment.

Building assessor licence

In the ACT, building assessors must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and meet all the eligibility requirements.

Licence classes

Each licence class has different scopes of work and may be subject to conditions. You need to know your class before applying.

Class A building assessor — Energy assessor

  • Prepare an energy efficiency certificate under the Building Act 2004 or an energy efficiency rating statement in relation to new (plans) or an existing building.
  • Prepare an energy efficiency certificate under the Building Act 2004 or an energy efficiency rating statement in relation to a new building (plans) only.

Class B building assessor — Energy assessor

The following building assessment work, based on the plans of a building:

  • Prepare an energy efficiency certificate under the Building Act 2004 or an energy efficiency rating statement.

Eligibility

You need certain qualifications to apply for a building assessor licence. These are explained in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024.

Where multiple methods are listed for a particular licence class, you are only required to meet one of the methods listed.

Insurance evidence

You must provide evidence of insurance coverage before you can be licensed, to cover:

  • indemnity against claims for breach of professional duty as a building assessor
  • a minimum limit of indemnity of $1,000,000 for a single claim

Start your application

To start your building assessor licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees. Then complete and lodge:

Note, you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won’t be submitted until the documents are lodged and fee paid.

Timeframe

The assessment of your application will take at least four weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted a building assessor licence, you are responsible for the administration and requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skillful way
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations
Gas appliance worker licence

In the ACT, gas appliance workers must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and meet all the eligibility requirements.

Licence classes

Each licence class has different scopes of work and may be subject to conditions. You need to know your class before applying.

Unrestricted type A

  • Perform gas appliance work on type A appliances without supervision.

Restricted type A

  • Perform gas appliance work on type A appliances under the supervision of an individual who holds an unrestricted type A licence.

Unrestricted type B

  • Perform gas appliance work on type B appliances without supervision.

Restricted type B (level 2)

  • Perform gas appliance work on atmospheric type gas appliances that consumes less than 2,000 MJ/h or forced draft burner appliances that consume less than 500 MJ/h.
  • For any other type B gas appliance work, the licensee must work under the supervision of an individual who holds an unrestricted type B gas appliance worker licence.

Restricted type B (level 1)

  • Perform type B gas appliance work under the supervision of an individual who holds an unrestricted type B gas appliance worker licence.

Eligibility

You need certain qualifications to apply for a gas appliance worker licence. These are explained in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024 and Gas Safety Act 2000.

Where multiple methods are listed for a particular licence class, you are only required to meet one of the methods listed.

Interstate licence holders

You may be able to apply for an ACT licence if you’re already licensed in another state or territory. Find out more about mutual recognition.

Start your application

To start your gas appliance worker licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees. Then complete and lodge:

Note, you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won’t be submitted until the documents are lodged and fee paid.

Timeframe

The assessment of your application will take at least four weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted a gas appliance worker licence, you are responsible for the administration and requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations.
Works assessor licence

In the ACT, works assessors must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and meet all the eligibility requirements.

Licence classes

Each licence class has different scopes of work and may be subject to conditions. You need to know your class before applying.

Class A works assessor — Planning and development

Class B works assessor — Planning and development

Undertake an exemption assessment under the Planning Act 2023 only in relation to:

  • site work under the Building Act 2004 for a class 1 building or class 10 building or structure
  • development in relation to a class 1 building or class 10 building or structure, mentioned in the Planning (Exempt Development) Regulation 2023, Schedule 1, other than the following:
    • Division 1.3.6
    • Section 1.102 and section 1.103
    • Section 1.105 to 1.112.

Works Assessor — Unit Title

  • Provide, including doing anything incidental to provide, a unit titles assessment report under the Unit Titles Act 2001.

Eligibility

You need certain qualifications to apply for a works assessor licence. These are explained in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024.

Where multiple methods are listed for a particular licence class, you are only required to meet one of the methods listed.

Start your application

To start your works assessor licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees. Then complete and lodge an Application for construction occupation licence - individual works assessor (also available as a PDF).

Note: you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won't be submitted until the documents are lodged and fee paid.

Timeframe

The assessment of your application will take at least four weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted a works assessor licence, you are responsible for the administration and requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations.
Plumbing plan certifier licence

In the ACT, plumbing plan certifiers must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and meet all the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility

To be a licensed plumbing plan certifier, you need to have one of the following sets of qualifications.

Registration

  • Registration with the Institution of Engineers Australia on the National Professional Engineers Register in the area of practice of 'building services', and
  • A statement of competency in hydraulic systems from the Institution of Engineers Australia.

Licences and experience

Attainment of:

  • sanitary plumber’s licence
  • advanced sanitary drainer's licence
  • evidence of satisfactory completion of the Backflow Prevention Course offered by the Canberra Institute of Technology or an equivalent course, and
  • three years’ experience as a sanitary plumber or advanced sanitary drainer after being granted those licences

Interstate licence holders

You may be able to apply for an ACT licence if you’re already licensed in another state or territory. Find out more about mutual recognition.

Start your application

To start your plumbing plan certifier licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees. Then complete and lodge an Application for construction occupation licence - individual plumbing plan certifier (also available in PDF).

Note: you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won’t be submitted until the documents are lodged and fee paid.

Timeframe

The assessment of your application will take at least four weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted a works assessor licence, you are responsible for the administration and requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations

Other licences

If you have a corporation or partnership and intend to contract, sub-contract and/or advertise to carry out a construction service in the ACT, you will also need a corporation or partnership licence.

Corporation and partnership licence

You must apply for a corporation and partnership licence if you have a corporation or partnership in the ACT and want to:

  • contract
  • sub-contract and/or
  • advertise to provide a construction service.

Corporations and partnerships must have at least one nominee that holds the equivalent of the desired ACT construction licence applied for.

The nominee must be an individual who is licensed to undertake a construction occupation in the ACT. Corporations and partnerships must appoint one or more valid nominees to supervise the construction service that will be authorised under the corporation or partnership licence.

Apply for a corporation and partnership licence

Eligibility and supporting documentation

Corporations and partnerships must have at least one nominee that holds the equivalent of the desired ACT construction licence applied for.

If the applicant is a partnership, evidence of the existence of the partnership will need to be provided.

If a partner is a corporation, they must state the partner's ACN.

  • If the applicant is a corporation and the history of the corporation is on a database kept by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, a current and historical company extract must be provided.
  • If the corporation is less than three months old a company extract will need to be provided. Extracts can be obtained from Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
  • If the proposed nominee is an employee of the corporation, a copy of the individual’s signed employment contract or agreement is required.

Nominees

The nominee must be an individual who is licensed to undertake a construction occupation in the ACT. Corporations or partnerships must appoint one or more valid nominee/s to supervise the construction service that will be authorised under that licence.

Further information regarding nominee's rights and responsivities can be found in the Guide for Nominees of a corporation or partnership [139.1 KB].

Nominee eligibility

To be appointed as nominee individuals must:

  • hold a current ACT construction licence.
  • be able to adequately supervise the construction services provided by the corporation or partnership they will be the nominee for.
  • agree in writing to be appointed as a nominee.

The appointment must state the services for which the nominee is responsible. A nominee may only carry out the functions in relation to the construction services their appointment is for and can't exercise functions in relation to work that the nominee is not licensed to do.

A nominee for a corporation must be a current director or an employee of the company they intend to be appointed to. A nominee for a partnership must be a partner or the nominee of a corporation that is a partner in the partnership.

If a licensed corporation or partnership has more than one nominee, they must keep a written record of the construction services each nominee is responsible for supervising. Between them, the nominees must always be able to adequately supervise all the construction services to be provided.

Individuals automatically stop being nominees if they are no longer eligible, including if disciplinary action results in disqualification. A construction occupation licensee must notify the Construction Occupations Registrar in writing within two weeks after the day the person becomes or stops being a director or nominee.

Start your application

To start your corporation and partnership licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees. Then complete and lodge a Construction and workplace licensing company or partnership application.

Note: you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won't be submitted until the documents are lodged and fee paid.

Timeframe

An assessment of an application will take a minimum of four weeks from the date the complete application is received.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted a corporation and partnership licence, the corporation or partnership is responsible for the administration and compliance requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • responding to any requirements described by the nominee as required to achieve compliance with requirements for the construction service
  • rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
  • understanding the requirements for advertising, insurances, contracts and other obligations

Liability

The Constructions Occupations Registrar may make a Rectification Order on a licensee, former licensee and director of a construction service if the Registrar believes on reasonable grounds that the licensee or former licensee has provided a construction service otherwise in accordance with the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004, Building Act 2004 or other operational Act.

The Rectification Order would require the licensee or former licensee to take the action stated in the Order.

The Registrar can take action against a builder and directors of a company, despite being deregistered, for up to 10 years after the building is complete to rectify any required building work.

Resigning as a Nominee (revocation of a nominee's appointment)

Nominees may resign their appointment only with the approval of the Construction Occupations Registrar. The Registrar must be satisfied that:

  • the nominee cannot exercise their functions because of mental or physical incapacity
  • there are arrangements for other nominees to take over outstanding work
  • the entity that appointed the nominee has refused to comply with a mandatory requirement of the nominee (to do something to comply with an Act), or
  • it is otherwise appropriate to approve the resignation

Removing or adding a nominee

To apply to appoint or remove a nominee complete the Construction Occupation Nominees Appointment or Removal form. Please ensure that the nominee and a Director of the company or Partner of the partnership have consented prior to this form being completed.

Register as an architect

To be an architect in the ACT, you must be registered under the Architects Act 2004.

Start your architect registration.

Renew or update a licence

To work in construction in the ACT, you must maintain a current licence.

Update your details

If any of your details have changed, complete the registration form.

Replace your card

For lost, stolen or damaged licence cards, complete the application for a replacement card form.

This form can only be used for licences, registrations and cards issued in the ACT. Please note that fees apply for replacement.

Renew your licence

You must always make sure your licence is valid when you're working in construction.

Make sure to renew your licence before it expires. If you apply to renew your licence after it has expired, you'll need to pay an application fee.

To renew your licence, check the fees then complete the licence renewal form.

Mutual recognition

If you have a construction licence in another state or territory, it might be recognised in the ACT. The states and territories have agreements under the that allow some licences and registrations held in another state or territory to be recognised by the ACT. This can fast track the process to apply for an ACT licence.

You might be able to have your license recognised if you're a:

  • builder
  • building assessor
  • building surveyor
  • drainer
  • electrician
  • gasfitter
  • gas appliance worker
  • plumber
  • plumbing plan certifier, or
  • works assessor.

Conditions for recognition

To recognise your licence in the ACT, conditions or endorsements may be placed on it.

If you need to amend or update your licence, you need to complete an application as provided under apply for a licence.

Apply to have your licence recognised in the ACT

Before you start your application, make sure to read the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Fees).

Complete and lodge an Application for equivalent occupation in the ACT under mutual recognition.

Automatic mutual recognition

The Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) Scheme was introduced in Australia in July 2021.

The AMR scheme aims to create a more mobile labour force. If you're registered in one state or territory, it allows you to work in another without having to pay extra fees or apply for another registration. This process gives you Automatic Deemed Registration (ADR).

To be eligible for AMR, you must have a registration or licence in your home state or territory. This is usually where you live and work. The registration must cover the type of work you intend to do in another state or territory.

There are also exemptions under the AMR scheme. This means that you can't use the AMR scheme to work in a jurisdiction that has an exemption in place. But you may work in other jurisdictions that don't have an exemption in place. The existing arrangements operate alongside the AMR scheme and aren't affected by AMR exemptions.

AMR is currently not available for construction workers in the ACT. This is due to a Significant Risk Exemption in place by the ACT Government. The exemption will expire on 1 July 2025 unless revoked earlier.

The construction jobs covered by the significant risk exemption are:

  • builders
  • building assessors
  • building surveyors
  • drainers
  • electricians
  • gasfitters
  • gas appliance workers
  • plumbers
  • plumbing plan certifiers, and
  • works assessors.

The ACT’s demerit point scheme is a disciplinary measure for construction workers. This could lead to high consumer protection risks, and health or safety risks to workers or the public.

The government wants to find new ways to address these risks while the exemption is in place. This should help the AMR to continue operating for construction workers in the ACT.

What this means for industry

There is no change to current arrangements and requirements for industry operating in the ACT. Existing recognition processes will continue.

If you're licensed to work in another state or territory, you can't access the AMR scheme to work in the ACT.

If you’re licensed in the ACT, and you want to work in another state or territory, you can access the AMR.

Read more information on the AMR scheme at:

Sharing information under the Mutual Recognition Act

The ACT government collects, uses and shares personal information to run the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Cth). They may also share information with other state and territory authorities to check for compliance and enforce the laws.

The Construction Occupations Registrar and Access Canberra regulate construction workers in the ACT.

In some instances, the ACT government may give de-identified information to other states or territories. They may do this for:

  • research
  • investigation and analysis
  • policy and program development
  • where it may inform public debate, or
  • where the research will benefit the ACT community.

Some government agencies will manage personal information under the CMTEDD Privacy Policy and Information Privacy Act 2014, including:

  • Licensing and regulatory authorities in Access Canberra
  • the Gambling and Racing Commission, and
  • the Architects Board.

Conditions and endorsements

Any class of construction licence may be issued with a condition or endorsement.

The condition or endorsement will appear as extra wording against your licence and published on the list of construction professionals.

The extra wording will either:

  • add to the type of work that you're authorised to do, or
  • restrict you from performing certain types of work.

Conditions

Conditions are placed on a licence because:

  • the application assessment considers an individual's experience
  • the mutual recognition process, or
  • disciplinary action.

The Construction Occupations Registrar places conditions at any time. They do this when they believe it's necessary and best to protect the public.

Endorsements

You can get an endorsement on your licence to increase the types of work you’re allowed to do. For example, a builder can be endorsed to do specialist building work like demolition or installing swimming pools. A plumber can be endorsed to install back-flow prevention devices. Endorsements can also be applied through the mutual recognition process.

Demolition endorsements

In the ACT, there is no specific licence for demolition. Demolishing a building is a type of specialist building work (see Building Act 2004 section 9). Demolition endorsements can only be applied to a class A, B, C, or D builder licence.

Endorsement to build swimming pools

In the ACT, there is no specific licence to build and install swimming pools. This is considered specialist building work (see Building Act 2004 section 9). Swimming pool endorsements can only be applied to a class A, B, C, or D builder licence.

How to apply for an endorsement

To apply for a builder licence with a demolition or swimming pool endorsement, you must provide evidence of the skills and knowledge you have that are relevant to activity you want to be endorsed in. This may include:

  • your resume outlining you have of experience doing demolition and/or swimming pool work
  • references from builders who supervised the relevant work you have completed
  • any relevant qualifications you have, or
  • any other information that demonstrates your skills and knowledge in the activity.

Before you start your endorsement application, gather your documents and check the fees. You can then complete and apply for a construction occupation licence.

If you don't have a builder licence in the ACT and want a licence for specialist work, please select 'Class D'.