Construction services' licensing
An individual or entity that provides a construction service – builders, certifiers, plumbers, drainers, electricians and gasfitters – must be licensed. The following is general information about licensing that applies to all individuals or entities who provide a construction service.
Qualifications and tests
The Mandatory Qualifications Schedule outlines the qualifications for each construction occupation and licence class. You may have to complete a written, oral or practical skills test if it is not clear that you satisfy the licensing criteria. If we are not satisfied that you are eligible, we have discretion to issue a licence that is in the same construction occupation, but a different occupation class.
Issuing of licences
A licence can be issued for you to work in one or more construction occupations and one or more occupation classes. If disciplinary action is being taken against an applicant or a nominee of a company or partnership, we do not have to decide whether to issue the licence until after the disciplinary action and any appeal or review is finalised.
Conditions
Standard conditions are placed on licences. We are able to impose or remove conditions on a licence at any time by issuing a written notice to the licensee. The decision to place conditions on a licence can be appealed to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).
Endorsements
We may endorse a licence that enables you to carry out construction work not otherwise allowed under that licence; for example, an endorsement on a builder’s licence for the builder to do specialist building work or an endorsment for backflow prevention on a plumbing licence. Licensees still would need to provide proof they are qualified to do the work.
Renewal
You need to apply for your licence renewal before the licence expires. Renewal of a licence does not prevent us from placing conditions on the renewed licence. The renewal begins the day after the licence being renewed ends.
