Construction licences

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

• Application for Classes A, B, C or D construction occupation licence - individual builder (also available as a PDF)

Corporation and partnership application

• 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 the fee is paid.

Supporting documentation

Individual licence applications

Class A, B, C and D builder licence applicants

• Evidence of your qualifications. Refer to the mandatory qualifications schedule for accepted qualifications.
• Evidence of your experience. Complete the Applicant statement-building work experience - all classes.
• Verification. Complete the verification statement building work experience-all classes form. You must complete this form for each referee that is verifying your building work experience.

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.

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:

• Access Building Education
• Absolute Owner Builder Online
• CIT Solutions
• Australian Owner Builder Courses Online

Owner–builders should also:

• do the training for a construction induction card
• ensure any workers do the training for a construction induction card
• do asbestos awareness training

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

In the ACT, an 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.

Changes to electrician licences

New licensing requirements for solar PV, inverter and battery system installations

You are now required to have an endorsement on your electrician’s licence if you are undertaking electrical wiring work on a thing that is declared a distributed energy resource (DER), such as rooftop solar, inverters and batteries.

It is an offence for electricians to carry out work without an endorsement.

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.

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

To apply for the endorsement: Apply online for an Electrical Licence 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.

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:

• an Application for construction occupation licence - individual electrician (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 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.

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

• Perform fire sprinkler work on a fire hydrant or fire hose connection point.
• Not automatically authorised to perform backflow prevention testing. Find out how to apply for a backflow prevention testing endorsement.

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 forklifts

• 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:

• an Application for construction occupation licence - individual plumber (PDF)
• an Application for construction occupation licence - individual drainer (PDF)
• an Application for construction occupation licence - individual gasfitter (PDF)
• an Application for construction occupation licence - individual plumber/drainer/gasfitter - including journeyperson (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 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.

On 11 December 2024 it became mandatory to be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 to work on medical gas systems.

There are important health and safety risks with medical gas work. The ACT Government has introduced new licences for people who install and work on medical gas systems. You must meet certain qualifications, experience and skill requirements to obtain a licence.

What is a medical gas system?

Medical gas systems provide special gases needed for medical care of people. Work on medical gas systems includes:

• Medical gasfitting work - the construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration, and maintenance of a medical gas system
• Medical gas technician work - the commissioning, testing, verification, or certification of a medical gas system

When is a licence needed?

You need a medical gas licence to construct, install, replace, repair, alter, maintain, test, verify, certify or commission medical gas systems. Licences will help keep people safe in places like hospitals, dental offices, and nursing homes.

You don’t need a medical gas licence for work in a veterinary clinic.

Read more about what activities require a medical gas licence in the ACT [PDF 316.7 KB].

Licence types

The new licence classes are:

• Medical Gasfitter
  This licence is for the construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration, and maintenance of a medical gas system; and if incidental to this work, will include design work and testing.
• Medical Gasfitter Permit
  This licence is for the construction, installation, replacement, repair, alteration, and maintenance of a medical gas system; and if incidental to this work, will include design work and testing under supervision.
• Medical Gas Technician
  This licence is for the commissioning, testing, verification, or certification of a medical gas system.
• Medical Gas Technician Permit
  This licence is for the commissioning, testing, verification, or certification of a medical gas system under supervision.

Your licence will be conditioned if you have both a medical gasfitter and medical gas technician licence. This condition prevents you from commissioning a medical gas system if you have also installed the part that needs to be commissioned. This means the same person cannot do both the installation and testing of a medical gas system.

Applying for a licence

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a medical gas licence you must:

• meet the required qualifications, experience, and skills;
• not be disqualified from applying for a licence;
• not have had a construction occupation licence in the ACT cancelled within the past five years, and
• provide an application form with supporting documents (see ‘How to apply’).

How to apply

Apply for a licence through the following application forms. Please remember that companies and partnerships need to get their nominee licensed before submitting an application.

• Application for Construction Occupation Licence Individual Medical Gas Technician form [DOCX 83.0 KB]
• Application for Construction Occupation Licence Individual Medical Gasfitter form [DOCX 83.0 KB]

Supporting evidence needs to be provided with the application. This includes:

• Evidence of your qualifications
• Applicant Statement of Experience [DOCX 72.5 KB]
• Referee Statement [DOCX 73.6 KB]

Please email the application form and supporting evidence to cwpl@act.gov.au to lodge your application. Please use the heading ‘Medical Gas Licensing Application’.

Call the Construction and Workplace Licensing Team on 02 6207 8096 or email cwpl@act.gov.au if you have any questions about applying.

Qualifications and Experience

You must have certain qualifications, experience and skills. These requirements are found in the Qualification Declaration.

These requirements are similar to other jurisdictions’ requirements. They help create a skilled workforce in the ACT for the future. If you have a licence from another state or territory, please see the Mutual recognition section of this website.

Read more about whether your experience meets the practical experience requirements [PDF 164.0 KB].

Licence fees

You will need to pay an application fee of $277.07 when you submit your application. This fee cannot be refunded.  After you apply, you will get a notice of decision. If your application is approved, you will need to pay a fee for either 1 year or 3 years before you receive your licence.

Call the Construction and Workplace Licensing Team on 02 6207 8096 or email cwpl@act.gov.au if you have any questions.

Mutual recognition

Your medical gas licence from another state or territory may be recognised in the ACT under Mutual Recognition.

You will need to fill out the application form and provide details about your current licence. You must have a valid licence in another jurisdiction to use mutual recognition. Automatic mutual recognition does not currently operate in the ACT for occupations licensed under the Construction Occupations Licensing Framework.

Call the Construction and Workplace Licensing Team on 02 6207 8096 or email cwpl@act.gov.au if you have any questions.

Construction Occupations Registrar

Construction occupations are regulated by the Construction Occupations Registrar in Access Canberra. The Registrar can set licence conditions or take compliance action if needed.

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.

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:

• an Application for construction occupation licence - individual building assessor (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 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

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:

• An Application for construction occupation licence - individual gas appliance worker (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 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.

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

• Undertake an exemption assessment under the Planning Act 2023.

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.

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'.

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.

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.