Introduction

Do you know about the builders licence act? In Australia, people now tend to do construction jobs more than before. So, the Australian Government has taken this sector into account. 

In this respect, Govt. offers several builders license criteria to choose a suitable one as a profession. To gain this license, builders must complete some requirements per the state’s determination. 

However, it is challenging to find all details about builders licence act in one place. So, I’ve shared everything you need to get a builder license in this article. So, let’s dive into the details.

What is Builders Licence Act

A person who has certain qualities to construct is called a Builder. For construction work around Australia, the builder or tradesman must be licensed or Registered under the Construction Occupation (Licensing) Act 2004.

As a result, builders have to meet the requirements for getting the license in The Australian Capital Territory, which is determined by the Act Government Department of Environment & Sustainable Department. 

How to Get Builders License in Act

Before applying for the license, builders will be provided with some alternatives, which are demonstrated in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualification – Builder & Building Surveyor License) Declaration 2019 – No.2.

For the application, builders need to submit their evidence of qualification according to the class of license requirements. Moreover, applicants must show practical skills and qualifications in construction under Nationally Recognized Training (NRT). 

By the way, requirements and experience may vary from state to state. Some of the state’s information is demonstrated below:

• Australian Capital Territory

The Environment and Planning Directorate issues builder licenses in the Australian Capital Territory.

Categories of license & Requirements

Generally, four types of builder license classes are available. Such as classes A, B, C & D. Different classes have different roles and regulations. One has to decide which class will suit one’s qualifications. The description of the classes is given below.

1. Class A (Unlimited)

In this category, builders can have permission to build of unlimited height on any Builder  Code of Australia (BCA).

Academic Qualification Requirement

For class A license, builders must have a Bachelor’s degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master’s degree, or Doctoral degree in the building.

2. Class B (Medium Rise)

In this category, builders can build up to 3 storeys. Besides, this license is for basic work of building.

Academic Qualification Requirement

• Diploma in Building & Construction (Building)

Course code: CPC50220

• The Australian Qualification Framework Advisory Board determines a tertiary qualification in Building, such as a Bachelor’s degree, Graduate Diploma, master’s degree, or Doctoral degree.

3. Class C (Low-rise Residential)

Only two storeys or lower building work is permitted under this license. Moreover, this building work is a class 1, 2, or 10a building. 

Besides, this license allows a building to work with the structure of 10b and includes up to 2 storeys buildings and class 1, 2, or 10a buildings. It is also for basic work building.

Academic Qualification Requirement

• Certificate IV in Building and Construction (building)

Course Code: CPC40120

• Diploma of Building and Construction (building)

Course Code: CPC50220

• The Australian Qualification Framework Advisory Board determines a tertiary qualification in Building, such as a Bachelor’s degree, Graduate certificate, Graduate diploma, master’s degree, or Doctoral degree.

4. Class D

This license is basically for non-structural basic building work.

Academic qualification Requirement

It is comparatively less competitive. There are no formal educational certificates needed.

Examination

If builders look forward to applying for classes A, B, and C, they will have to sit for a written exam in addition to the qualifications mentioned.

Passing this exam will robust the existing abilities for getting the license. Examinees will have to secure 80% or more marks to be passed.

This exam started in May 2016. By this exam, builders can prove that they can do construction work with enough sense and stability.

This exam usually takes place every month in the building of Dame Pattie Menzies in Dickson. Applicants are given two opportunities to pass the exam.

Experience

Despite having the above qualifications, builders must have specific experience in this field.

There are several criteria for Builder License in the Act to choose from. Among them, Class A Builder License (Unlimited), Class B Builder License (Medium-rise), Class C Builder License (Low-rise), and Class D Builder License are mostly recognized.

Builders need to have the following experience according to the class requirements:

1. Class A: To get this license, builders must show a minimum of two years of full-time construction work experience. One year has to be completed after the formal qualification is issued.
2. Class B: This license requires at least two years of full-time work experience. One year has to be done after the issuing of the educational qualification.
3. Class C:  This license requires two years of full-time building work experience. 
4. Class D: Builders must show three years of full-time construction work experience. One year has to be completed after the formal qualification is issued.

• New South Wales

The NSW Department of Fair Trading handles the license issuing process in New South Wales.

Academic Qualifications Requirements

Builder needs to have a CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building & Construction and any of the following abilities.

• A builder has to have a current carpentry or Bricklaying Constructor License or Supervisor Certificate.
• CPC40320 Certificate IV in Building Project Support
• Or a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50220.
• Or A Bachelor of Housing degree from an Australian University 
• Or A degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Applied Science (Building), Quantity Surveying, and so on.  

Experience

The builder must have two years of industrial construction experience besides educational qualifications. There are several ways a builder can gain a wide range of experience. Such as:

• Builders can work under the observation of a licensed builder as an employee.
• The supervisor of a contractor license appoints the builder to work as a subcontractor.

This experience must inevitably be gathered by working through all industrial construction work.

Builders not only have to show a wide range of work experience but also this experience will have to be paid for. Otherwise, the presented experience will be rejected. 

• Queensland

The Queensland Building Construction Commission (QBCC) issues this license in Queensland.

Academic Qualifications Requirements

There are three types of licenses for builders to apply for. So, requirements are different accordingly. Such as.

1. Low-rise Builder Licence

To get this Licence, builders need to have any of the following-

• IV Certificate in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40110.
• A Certificate is recognized as a builder to carry out the work for the license class.
• A certificate proves that builders have the required qualifications for the license class.

Competency units that are required:

CPCCBC4001A, CPCCBC4002A, CPCCBC4007A, CPCCBC4008B, CPCCBC4009B, CPCCBC4010B, CPCCBC4010B, CPCCBC4011B, CPCCBC4012B, CPCCBC4018A and BSBLDR403.

2. Medium-rise Builder Licence

Builders need to have any one of the following:

• A Certificate of Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)CPC50210.
• A recognition Certificate of the builder to carry out the work for the license class.
• A certificate proves that builders have the required qualifications for the license class.

Competency units that are required:

CPCCBC5001B, CPCCBC5004A, CPCCBC5005A, CPCCBC5006B, CPCCBC5018A, CPCCBC5009A and CPCCBC5010B.

3. Open Builder Licence

Any one of the following is needed

• An Advanced Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) Certificate CPC60212.
• A recognition Certificate of the builder to carry out the work for the license class.
• A Certificate proves that builders have the required qualifications for the license class.

Competency units that are required:

CPCCBC6001B,CPCCBC6018A, CPCCBC6014A and CPCCBC6016A.

Experience

As there are several license types to choose from, builders need to be very meticulous when checking on the QBCC website about the criteria of the application. The experience timeline is demonstrated below.

1. Builders with blocking, bricklaying, or carpentry abilities will need at least two years of work experience.
2. The rest of the builders need four years of work experience.

• Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory, the process of gaining a builder license is handled and regulated by the Building Practitioners Board.  

There are different types of licenses in the Northern Territory. Building Contractor Residential License (Restricted) and Building Contractor Residential License (Unrestricted) are generally recognized.

Academic Qualifications Requirements 

IV Certificate in Building and Construction (Building) CPC40110 is needed for restricted and unrestricted licenses.

Experience

• Building Contractor Residential License (Restricted)

Builders who have previously constructed a new house or townhouse or altered an existing one or units of up to 2 storeys will have to show evidence of 3 years of applied experience for getting the license.

• Building Contractor Residential License (Unrestricted)

Builders who have previously constructed a new house or altered an existing one that is the height of up to 2 storeys, will have to show evidence of 3 years of applied experience to apply for the Unrestricted License.

Other Types of License

Apart from builder licenses, there are more types of licenses such as Owner builder licenses, Commercial builder licenses, Company or Partnership licenses, and so on.

• Owner Builder License

A person who works similarly to a licensed builder to operate construction work at his place is called an owner builder. An owner builder has the full authority to manage and direct all the constructive work. 

He doesn’t need to give accountability for taking any decisions. Instead, an owner builder asks others to bring the materials as much as needed and ensures their best use. Sometimes, he works with the employees hand in hand so that the perfect result comes out.

Reasons for Working As An Owner Builder

• To prevent unnecessary costs which a licensed builder usually doesn’t consider.
• For taking effective initiative for better use of materials.
• Completing the project at the right time as a licensed builder sometimes works recklessly, which consumes a lot of time.
• Keeping an awareness of insurance coverage as a licensed builder sometimes fails to obtain it.

Working Abilities As An Owner Builder

Following permissions are given to an owner builder by the law for the place which he owns: 

• An owner builder can construct his building.
• Also, he can expand his living house.
• He can add a swimming pool to his place.
• An owner builder can create a theatre hall for entertainment purposes.
• An owner builder can also build a park or playground adjacent to his house, which is related to his residence. 

It is worth mentioning that an owner builder can bring any changes or build a new one, but it is only limited to his premises.

He doesn’t have the right to do any constructive work related to commercial or company areas. Unlike licensed builders, owner builders are not allowed to do industrial work by state law.

Obtaining the license of an owner builder, the person faces both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

1. Best Use of Time

Owner builders can use the time properly where a licensed builder shows recklessness. The owner builder doesn’t need to wait for anyone to commence the project.

2. Prevent Unnecessary Costs

The owner builder brings all the materials according to the need. As a result, materials don’t waste, so extra costs are cut.

3. Monitoring 

As owner builders work at their place, they keep an eye on each thing. As a result, construction work continues in full swing.

4. Save the Money

Hiring a licensed builder is costly as per their ability and working criteria. As owner-builders work for their projects, the cost of hiring others is saved.

5. Ensure Uniqueness

Owner builders build their homes as per their test. Sometimes, Building up your own house is a dream come true for many people. 

So, they always nurture in something new ideas and designs in their mind. Eventually, they transfer it into reality and construct their dream house. It gives them mental satisfaction.

Disadvantages

1. Lack of Proper Knowledge

Owner builder doesn’t require academic documents or any other skills as licensed builder needs. So, the owner builder lacks proper knowledge of constructing a building.

2. Limitations of Work

The law allows owner-builders to work only in their field. They do not have the right to work in any other industrial or commercial fields.

3. High Possibility of Errors at Work

Due to a lack of proper training and knowledge, owner-builders can make mistakes during construction work.

Requirements For Obtaining A License:

For gaining an owner builder license, one must have the following capabilities.

1. Must own a place where one wants to build.
2. The owner must complete the Mandated Owner Building Course. Sometimes, however, builders do not need it until the law asks for it.
3. The owner has to complete a White Card  Course. It is General Construction Induction Training Course. 

• Commercial Builder License

The builder who gathers all the elements that are used for the construction work of commercial buildings is called Commercial Builder. To work as a commercial Builder, the person must get the license by filling specific requirements. 

Commercial builders do the building work of classes 2-9 and 10b, which are not related to personal housing.

Commercial builders generally do structural and non-structural fit-out work, structural landscaping work, construction of shape structure work, the erection of signs work, etc. The Building Code of Australia classifies all these works.

Building work that a Commercial Builder does

• Build a new building or alter it differently.
• If there is damage, repair the building.
• Add something new to bring up uniqueness.
• Change the shape or color when it is needed.

How Long to Get a Builders License

Valuation of the application generally takes four weeks. Besides, more documents can be asked if they feel it is needed for further verification. 

They ask for the documents by sending emails to the applicants. They verify all the documents thoroughly, as well as test the authentication of the papers.

All the processes take time as they do not examine in a hurry. So, it is tough to measure the exact time of issuing a License.

Duties After Becoming a Licensed builder

Some crucial duties start as soon as builders get the license in hand. Such as

1. Abide by the rules and regulations that are determined by the law.
2. Complete the construction project with full action and in a proper manner.
3. Take effective steps when any error occurs.
4. Be conscious of the timespan of any project.
5. Be aware of the necessity of insurance, contacts, and many more responsibilities. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do with a builder’s license?

If I have a builder license, I can build a residence, alter the house, add a park or swimming pool, add a small house near the resident, and so on.

2. Do builders need a license?

All builders will have to be registered or licensed under Australian legislation. 

3. How can a builder lose his license?

A builder can lose his license in many ways, such as-

• Change the business name or address
• Change the licensed entity
• New qualifier
• Change in personnel and so on.

How do I get a builders license in Canberra?

To get a builders license in Canberra, you must pass the building permit test and apply. The building permit test is usually assessed by licensed builders or contractors who can provide you with individualized advice on how to prepare for and pass the test. Once you have passed the building permit test, your next step is to apply for a builder’s license. This can be done online via the ACT Government website or local municipal offices.

Once you have obtained your builder’s license, it will allow you to carry out basic construction activities such as: erecting buildings of any type; making alterations, additions, and repairs; cutting trees down; installing gutters and downpipes; mending fences; doing minor painting work etcetera.

Summary

So, do you understand all about the builders’ license act? 

Worthy of mentioning, you will have to be a registered or licensed builder to do construction work around Australia. All the processes I have mentioned above about getting the licenses state-wise. 

I hope you got all your queries. You can also visit the Act Government Department of Environment and Sustainable Department for further information. So, grow your construction career with a builder’s license.