Trade & Builder Licenses Made Easy

Carpentry Licence NSW Made Easy

Find out how our team of expert licensing consultants can manage every aspect of your Carpentry Licence application through NSW Fair Trading.

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Up to date NSW trade & building knowledge to get your licence approved
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Affordable Advice for small business owners
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NSW Fair Trading License Application preparation services

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Why choose us for QBCC licensing?

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Why should you choose us for your NSW trade or builders licensing?

98% Successful Application Rate

1,000+ Trade Licences Processed

100+ Builder Licences Processed

Applying for a Carpentry Licence in NSW

In New South Wales, NSW Fair Trading regulates trade and contractor licences, including carpentry work. If you aim to contract, advertise or supervise carpentry work valued over $5,000 (labour + materials, including GST), you are legally required to hold a licence or certificate.

Understanding the Requirements

Licence Types Available

Depending on your role and business structure, you may apply for:

  • Individual / Contractor Licence (allows you to contract and advertise carpentry work)
  • Company / Partnership Contractor Licence (if trading under a business entity)
  • Qualified Supervisor Certificate (supervising and performing carpentry work for a licensed contractor)


When a Licence Is Required

You must hold a licence if you:

  • Contract or advertise carpentry work valued at over $5,000 (labour + materials, inclusive of GST)
  • Are supervising or performing carpentry work under a contractor role
  • Operate as a business (sole trader, partnership, company) offering carpentry services above that threshold


Qualifications & Experience

To be eligible, you will need:

  • Qualification (generally as cert 3 in Carpentry).
  • Industry experience (often a minimum of 2 years verified work in carpentry or related trades)
  • Evidence of your work contributions: references, work logs, portfolios, supervisor statements
  • Be a fit and proper person (no disqualifying convictions or poor regulatory history)
  • Possess relevant insurances (public liability etc.) and financial capacity as required by NSW Fair Trading
  • Be able to comply with any continuing professional development (CPD) or renewal obligations as set by Fair Trading NSW

Because rules may change, we always recommend a chat with our expert licensing team to verify your own personal path.


How Licensing Advice Supports You

Getting a licence is not just filling forms.. Mistakes, missing evidence or misinterpretation can cause rejections or delays. Our service provides:

  • Eligibility assessment (we map your qualifications, experience, gaps)
  • Document preparation & review (so you submit correct & complete evidence)
  • Application filling & lodgement on your behalf
  • Communication with NSW Fair Trading, handling queries or clarifications
  • Guidance on CPD, renewals, and compliance post-licence
  • Support for Company / Partnership / Qualified Supervisor applications

We reduce your risk, remove the guesswork, and significantly increase your chances of approval.

NSW Domestic Builder Limited Carpentry Licence
Common Questions

This licence allows you to carry out domestic carpentry work in NSW within the limits of a Domestic Builder Limited licence. It covers residential projects including timber framing, flooring, and structural repairs.

Licensing Advice assesses your intended work and confirms the correct licence type. We also advise if additional endorsements are needed for certain specialised projects.

Anyone who contracts or supervises residential carpentry work valued over NSW thresholds must hold this licence.

Licensing Advice checks your projects and confirms whether a licence is required, helping you stay compliant while taking on work.

In NSW, any domestic carpentry work valued at $5,000 or more requires a Domestic Builder Limited licence.

Licensing Advice reviews your contracts and projects to ensure you understand these thresholds and avoid penalties for unlicensed work.

You need recognised carpentry qualifications and demonstrable experience in residential construction projects.

Licensing Advice reviews your experience, identifies gaps, and provides a clear pathway to meet eligibility requirements before application.

Typical documents include ID, qualification certificates, work history, and references from previous projects or employers.

Licensing Advice prepares a checklist, reviews all documents, and ensures your application meets NSW Fair Trading standards before lodgement.

Yes, you may apply under mutual recognition if you have an equivalent carpentry licence elsewhere in Australia.

Licensing Advice confirms eligibility, prepares evidence, and manages the application process to ensure a smooth transition.

Processing times vary based on application completeness and Fair Trading workload. Complete applications are generally processed faster.

Licensing Advice manages your submission, responds to any requests, and keeps your application on track for timely approval.

Incomplete documentation, unclear experience evidence, or non-compliance with NSW Fair Trading rules are typical issues.

Licensing Advice audits your application, fills any gaps, and liaises with Fair Trading to minimise delays and increase approval chances.

Yes, we handle eligibility checks, document preparation, lodgement, and follow up until approval.

Licensing Advice ensures your qualifications and experience meet Fair Trading requirements and guides you through every step of the process.

How Licensing Advice Works

1

Enquire with Us

Book a free 15 minute consultation with our in-house licensing experts.

2

Assessment Stage

We’ll complete an over the phone work experience assessment to confirm your qualifications, experience and eligibility for the available options to get your application across the line.

3

Preparation Stage

Provide your documents and we’ll prepare the entire application. If you have referees, we’ll contact them and help draft their statements.

4

Application Submission

We’ll handle the application submission, track progress, and keep you updated. If the regulator needs more information or makes an error, we’ll assist you at no extra cost.

5

Panel Interview or Exam

You may be required to attend a panel interview or exam (depending on the state we apply in). Our team will prepare you thoroughly, ensuring you are confident and ready to succeed.

6

Checklist

After lodgement, you may receive a “Checklist” letter requesting extra information or documents. We’ll decode the jargon, translate it into plain English, and prepare the response. If the regulator has misunderstood your application or made an error, we’ll dispute it for you.

Licence Issued

Success! Once approved, the state regulator issues your brand new licence. You are now licensed in your chosen field.

  • How do I get a Carpentry Licence in NSW?

    How do I get a Carpentry Licence in NSW?

    1. Check Eligibility: ensure you meet qualification and experience rules.
    2. Obtain Required Qualification: typically Certificate III in Carpentry or equivalent.
    3. Gather Experience Evidence: work logs, references, portfolios.
    4. Choose Licence Type (Individual, Company, Supervisor)
    5. Fill & Submit Application: through NSW Fair Trading / Service NSW with supporting documents.
    6. Wait for Assessment & Approval: once approved, you’ll hold the licence to contract for carpentry work above $5,000.

  • Can I work without a Carpentry Licence?

    You may do carpentry work valued under $5,000 (labour + materials) without needing a licence. However, doing work above this threshold or contracting/advertising without a licence can lead to penalties.

  • What is a Qualified Supervisor Certificate?

    This certificate lets you supervise and carry out carpentry work (for a licensed contractor), but does not allow you to contract or advertise work as your own business licence. Many carpenters hold both a supervisor certificate and the contractor licence.

  • How long are licences valid?

    Licences and certificates can be granted for 1, 3 or 5 year terms, depending on your application choice.

  • What qualifications does NSW Fair Trading accept?

    They typically accept Certificate III in Carpentry, but can also accept equivalent older versions. We highly recommend speaking with our team to confirm. 

What Our Clients Say

Real feedback from builders we’ve helped get licensed.

★★★★★

“Huge thanks to Hannah for helping me get my licence! She was very knowledgeable, and made the whole process so much easier.”

– Ben Trowse
★★★★★

“Licensing Advice made the process of getting my builder’s licence easy from start to finish.”

– Matthew Griffin
★★★★★

“They got my licence over the line, even when QBCC was at fault and trying to make us jump through hoops.”

– Nathan Niclair
★★★★★

“The team at Licensing Advice has been absolutely fantastic from beginning to end.”

– Rolena Khoshaba
★★★★★

“I had an outstanding experience and cannot thank Lucy enough. She truly is a star.”

– Jonathan (MrJonbol)
★★★★★

“Aydin, Bella and Chloe were very helpful with every stage of getting my QBCC Painting and Decorating Licence. Highly recommend!”

– Matt Faulkner
★★★★★

“Savannah is amazing — fantastic help! Great team and prompt service.”

– Keast Shutters & Blinds
★★★★★

“I cannot recommend Wendy highly enough for her outstanding support.”

– Dan
★★★★★

“Harmony and the team made my builder licence application smooth and stress-free.”

– EverGreen Homes QLD
★★★★★

“Wouldn’t recommend anywhere else to help get your licence. Very knowledgeable and always reply to any questions.”

– Shannon Southern
★★★★★

“Jordan and his team got my contractor’s licence sorted. Excellent service and great to deal with.”

– Peter Robinson
★★★★★

“Great working with Licensing Advice. Harmony and the team got my licence across the line with minimal stress.”

– Luke Reed

We’re committed to helping tradespeople and builders put their best foot forward.

Enquire with us today to find out which licensing pathways you qualify for, the steps to become eligible, and how we can help you obtain your trade or builder licence.

The licensing landscape is constantly shifting across Australia. These changes can affect your business and your licence application. We stay across the detail so you don’t have to.

Speak to us today for an obligation free 15 minute consultation. It could be the difference between a successful or unsuccessful licence outcome.

Licensing Advice is a boutique construction licensing consultancy. We help small businesses, tradespeople and builders through the process of obtaining their licence.

Applying for a builder or trade licence can be challenging. Each state has different licensing laws, and the rules can be complex. We guide you through the process at small business prices, and can assist in any Australian state or territory.

Up to date industry knowledge

Our team follows regulatory changes and industry updates daily, so your application reflects the latest requirements and best practice.