Want to become a builder? You’ll need to apply for a builders licence. But before you can start your builders licence application, you’ll need a mix of study and on-site experience.

Read on to find out how to get a builder’s licence.

Step 1: Choose your category of builder

The first step is to work out what type of builder you want to be. Figuring out your goals will help you start your builders licence application.

Do you want to work on low-rise or mid-rise residential buildings? Maybe you want to become a supervisor or manager in the building and construction industry. Or perhaps you want to start your own business.  

If you can’t decide what type of builder you want to be, don’t worry. The best option for you might be to get started through a CPC30211 Certificate III in Carpentry. Once you see where your strengths and interests lie, you can narrow your focus later down the track.

Step 2: Research the requirements

To get your licence in NSW, you need to apply to the NSW Department of Fair Trading, whereas in Queensland, you need to apply to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

Before you can start your builders licence application, visit Fair Trading or QBCC to find out what you need to do. Each type of builder licence has different requirements that blend study and experience.

Step 3: Choose an RTO

Now that you’ve done a bit of research, you’ve probably  discovered that almost all builder licences require some study in building courses. In many cases, you need a certificate, diploma or degree from a registered training organisation (RTO). So how do you choose an RTO?

There are heaps of RTOs across the country. Your choice will depend on factors like your schedule, life commitments and location. The most important thing is to choose an RTO with proven experience in helping builders get licences.

At CWBTS, we’ve been training builders since 2005, so we have tonnes of experience. We also have strong industry connections with building companies and employers that can lead to apprenticeships and jobs.

We also offer building courses online, giving you more flexibility to complete your studies while you work.

Step 3: Start training

One of the most popular choices for study is the CPC30211 Certificate III in Carpentry. This is a great introduction to the building game, helping you work out what type of builder you want to be and whether you want to continue studying.

The cert III in carpentry is also the minimum requirement for a lot of licences, including a carpenters licence and some others. It can also be a stepping stone to further study, and you can get recognition of prior learning (RPL) to shorten your next certificates or diplomas.

On the other hand, if you want to do supervisor or manager work, you might study something like a CPC50210 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building).

Step 4: Complete your application

The application process can be tricky. You have to navigate the categories of builders licences to make sure you apply for the right one. Then you have to give proof that you have the right qualifications and experience.

Some building courses can help you apply for a builders licence, like the CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building). In this course, you can take a unit about the licence application. You can also do a mentoring program, where an experienced mentor helps you with your application. The CWBTS Mentoring Program is specifically for Domestic Builder Registration.

Step 5: Sit for an interview

For some builders licence applications, you might have to sit for an interview. Again, this is where a great RTO can help.

When you do a cert IV in building and construction and do a mentoring program with CWBTS, your mentors can help you prepare for your builder’s licence interview questions.

Step 6: Play the waiting game

After you complete your builder’s licence application, you’ll wait 4-8 weeks for your licencing authority to check your application. 

Step 7: Succeed!

While the application process is tricky, most people who do a course that helps with the application process will succeed. 

Congrats—now you’re a registered builder.

Now that you know how to get a builders licence, it’s time to begin your journey to becoming a licenced builder. With a licence, you can perform building work legally and safely, without any hassles and worries.Got questions about the builders licence application? As a leading provider of building qualifications, we can help. Contact our team at 1300 4 CWBTS or request a call back today.