Trade Licensing
with Certified Australia
Fast-Track Your Path to a Trade License
At Certified Australia, we specialise in helping experienced tradespeople gain recognition for their skills through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. If you have years of experience in your trade but lack formal qualifications, our RPL process is the quickest and most efficient way to get licensed.
We work with tradespeople across a variety of industries, including construction, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, building and more. Through our streamlined RPL process, we assess your existing skills and knowledge to provide you with nationally recognised qualifications that meet industry standards, allowing you to apply for your trade license.
Why Get a Trade License?
A trade license isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s the key to unlocking new opportunities and ensuring you meet legal requirements to work in your field. Here’s why obtaining a trade license is essential:
Comply with Legal Requirements
Many states and territories require a license to legally operate in certain trades. Without it, you may be unable to work or take on contracts.
Increase Job Opportunities
Licensed tradespeople are more likely to win contracts, work on larger projects, and be trusted by employers and clients.
Enhance Your Credibility
A trade license showcases your professionalism, skills, and commitment to maintaining industry standards.
What Is RPL?
How RPL Works
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a government-approved process that allows you to earn formal qualifications based on your existing skills, knowledge, and work experience.
No need for classroom learning— get certified for what you already know.
How Certified Australia Helps
We streamline the RPL process by guiding you in gathering the required evidence of your skills. Once assessed, you’ll receive a recognised qualification, making you eligible to apply for your trade license.
Trades We Cover
At Certified Australia, we help professionals across a wide range of trades, including:
Building Licence
Qualification requirements
To qualify for a NSW builder’s or contractor’s licence, You must show a total of 2 years of experience in the last 10 years along with one of the following qualifications below.
Pathway 1
Pathway 2
Pathway 3
For more information, check out the fair trading website here.
Plumbing Licence
Qualification requirements
There are two options available when it comes to plumbing. They are a tradesman certificate and/ or a contractor license.
Option 1 - Tradesman Certificate
Qualification requirements:
Requires completion of Certificate III in plumbing and does not need any practical experience. However this licence will only allow you to work under supervision of a licensed plumber and you can not sign off on any work.
Option 2 - Contractor License
This option is to obtain your full contractor license as a plumber and requires the following:
Qualifications:
Certificate III in Plumbing and
Certificate IV in plumbing services
Practical Experience Requirements
2 years of experience must be shown either through completion of an apprenticeship or 2 years after the completion of your certificate III in plumbing.
Carpentry Licence
Qualification requirements
To qualify for a NSW carpentry licence, You must show a total of 2 years of experience in the last 10 years along with a Certificate III in Carpentry qualification.
Electrical Licence
An Electrical Licence is required in NSW before performing any electrical wiring work, including:
- Installation
- Repair
- Alteration
- Supervision of electrical systems
Qualification requirements:
Applicants must also hold:
- A Certificate of Proficiency (issued after completing a course or apprenticeship)
- At least 12 months relevant electrical wiring experience using the wiring rules AS/NZS 3000:2018
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Licence
To carry out air conditioning or refrigeration work in NSW, individuals must hold a licence or certificate issued by NSW Fair Trading.
This licence allows individuals to install, repair and maintain air conditioning and refrigeration systems, including associated electrical wiring.
Qualification requirements:
Applicants must hold:
OR
- Completed an apprenticeship as a refrigeration or air conditioning mechanic prior to 10 December 2010, supported by a Certificate of Proficiency
Mandatory Electrical Units
Applicants must also complete:
- UEERL0004 – Disconnect and reconnect electrical equipment connected to low voltage installations
- UEERL0005 – Locate and rectify faults in low voltage electrical equipment
Bricklaying Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Light Vehicle Mechanic Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanic Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of AUR31120 – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
To work as a Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanic, individuals must hold a Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificate.
Automotive Body Repair Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Concreting Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Concreting.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Tiling Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Roof Tiling Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Roof Tiling.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Roof Plumbing Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Roof Plumbing.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Landscaping Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Landscape Construction.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Painting Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Painting and Decorating.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Joinery Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Joinery.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Shopfitting Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Shopfitting.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Glass and Glazing Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Glass and Glazing.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Stonemasonry Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Stonemasonry.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Waterproofing Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Wet Plastering Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Solid Plastering.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Dry Plastering Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Cabinet Making and Timber Technology Licence
Qualification requirements
Requires completion of Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology.
Licensing requirements rely solely on having the qualification and does not require any practical experience.
Certificate III in Carpentry
Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
Certificate III in Concreting
Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
If you don’t see your trade listed, contact us to discuss your specific needs.
FAQ's
Why should I get a trade licence?
Trade licensing is a method of regulating any type of industry within a certain location. The main goal of a trade licence is to ensure that those who practise a profession are fully qualified to efficiently and safely conduct business.
If you obtain a licence and maintain registration with a regulatory authority in your state, you can assure your clients that you are a reliable and experienced professional.
Who is eligible to obtain a trade licence?
In Australia, you can apply for a licence depending on where you want to live and work. The cost of obtaining a trade licence varies by state and industry. For detailed information on each industry and trade, you can visit our links below to understand eligibility criteria.
How long does the RPL process take?
The duration depends on how quickly you can gather and submit your evidence. However, many of our clients complete the process in just a few weeks.
Obtaining a trade license is a critical milestone in your career.
It ensures you are legally permitted to operate in your field and helps maintain high industry standards for work quality and safety.
A trade license not only establishes your credibility but also demonstrates to clients that you have the skills and qualifications to complete the job effectively.
Proving your skills is a key step toward securing your license. A nationally recognised qualification through Certified Australia is the perfect way to get started.
