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.