How to Get a Builders Licence in WA: A Guide to Navigating Licensing and Registration

Planning to run your own building projects in Western Australia? You’ll need a builders licence. Whether you're a tradie stepping up or a site supervisor ready to take charge, getting licensed is the key to working legally and independently on jobs over $20,000.  

In WA, all builder licensing is managed by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, through their Licensing and Registration team. This guide breaks down what you’ll need to apply, how to meet the requirements, and how to avoid common mistakes that slow applicants down.  

Do You Need a Builders Licence in WA?

In Western Australia, a builders licence is required if you want to:

• Contract for building work valued over $20,000 (including labour and materials)
• Supervise or take responsibility for any work that requires a building permit
• Be named on a building permit application as the builder responsible

There are two main types of licences in WA:

1. Building Practitioner Licence

• Allows you to be named on building permits
• You cannot contract for building work
• Common for supervisors or those employed by a licensed contractor

2. Building Contractor Licence

• Allows you to contract for building work and supervise construction
• Required if you want to operate as a builder or run a building business
• Includes an extra assessment of your financial and business capacity

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Builders Licence in WA

Here’s how to meet the WA building licence requirements and navigate the application process:

Step 1: Choose the Right Licence Type and Make Sure You’re Qualified

In Western Australia, you must hold a Diploma of Building and Construction (or an equivalent approved qualification) to apply for a builder licence. Unlike some other states, there is no experience-only pathway, you cannot be licensed in WA based on trade or site experience alone.

When applying, you’ll need to choose between two licence types:

• Building Practitioner Licence – allows you to be named as the builder on building permits, but not to contract for building work.
• Building Contractor Licence – allows you to contract for building work and operate your own building business. This licence also requires you to meet financial and business competency requirements.

If you don’t yet hold the required Diploma, completing that qualification is your first step. Make sure the training provider is nationally recognised and that your course aligns with the Licensing and Registration requirements in WA.

Step 2: Gather Evidence of Your Qualifications and Building Experience

The next step is to prove that you’ve applied your knowledge on real building sites. Licensing and Registration will assess whether you’ve been actively involved in the type of work your licence will cover and that you understand how to supervise, coordinate, and deliver compliant building projects.

You’ll need to submit documentation that shows:

• You’ve completed the required qualification
• You’ve worked on relevant building projects
• You understand WA’s building legislation, codes, and Australian Standards
• You can manage site safety, scheduling, and compliance from start to finish

This means preparing a well-organised portfolio that includes:

• A detailed CV outlining your building-related roles
• A list of past projects, including site addresses, scope of work, and your responsibilities
• Site documentation such as plans, permits, or progress photos
• Referee statements from qualified supervisors or builders who can verify your involvement

Make sure your experience reflects more than just trade work. Licensing and Registration want to see that you’ve contributed to supervision, coordination, and compliance, not just hands-on tasks.

Step 3: Demonstrate Business and Financial Competency (Contractor Licence Only)

If you're applying for a building contractor licence, Licensing and Registration will also assess your ability to run a building business.

You’ll need to provide:

• A basic business plan
• Proof of financial capacity (e.g. financial statements or forecasted budgets)
• Insurance details (such as home indemnity insurance where required)
• Knowledge of contract administration, dispute resolution, and consumer law

The aim here is to ensure that you’re not only capable of doing the building work but also managing the business side responsibly.

Step 4: Complete the Application and Submit to Licensing and Registration

Once you’ve chosen your pathway and gathered your documentation:

• Download the correct form from the Licensing and Registration portal
• Fill it out completely and clearly
• Double check your supporting documents
• Submit the application in full, missing items will delay your assessment

You may also need to provide certified copies of qualifications or identity documents, so check the checklist provided with the application form.

Step 5: Assessment and Outcome

After submitting your application, Licensing and Registration will review it to ensure you’ve met all builder licence requirements in WA.

• You may be contacted if further information or clarification is needed
• In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview or technical assessment
• If successful, you’ll receive your licence and be added to the public register

Note: Approvals can take time. Rejections typically happen faster, often due to missing evidence or inconsistent documentation.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Delays or Rejections

Here’s what to avoid if you want your application to proceed smoothly:

• Submitting a vague or incomplete project history
• Failing to demonstrate supervisory experience
• Providing inconsistent information across your CV, forms, and referees
• Applying under the wrong licence type
• Neglecting the business and financial section (for contractor applications)
• Not understanding the WA-specific requirements, such as legislation and codes

Make the Process Easier with Better Preparation

Getting your builders licence in WA is achievable, but only if the application is done properly. The more complete and consistent your submission, the more confident Licensing and Registration will be in approving your licence.

Here’s how to put forward a stronger application:

• Choose the correct licence
• Provide detailed, well-documented project experience
• Use clear, factual language. Don’t exaggerate your role
• Ensure all documents support each other
• Get advice early if you’re unsure about qualifications or gaps in your experience

Take Control of Your Career with the Right Licence

Holding your own builders licence gives you more control, more opportunity, and more responsibility. Whether you’re aiming to become a building practitioner or a contractor, make sure your application reflects the quality and professionalism you bring to the job.

If you’re stuck, confused, or don’t want to risk delays, get support before you submit. With the right preparation, you’ll be in a much better position to succeed, without the back-and-forth.

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