Which ACT Construction Trades Need a Licence? Builders, Carpenters and Bricklayers

According to the ACT Government’s construction licence guidance, builders, including owner-builders, electricians, plumbers, drainers and/or gasfitters—including medical gas installers and technicians—building surveyors or private certifiers, building assessors, gas appliance workers, works assessors and plumbing plan certifiers need an ACT licence. Carpenters and bricklayers do not currently need one; the same guidance says licence holders must report detail changes within 14 days, and the Constructions Occupations Registrar can take action for up to 10 years after construction services are complete to rectify construction work (figures checked 1 October 2026).

This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the current ACT Government regulator page and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for any insurance policy you are considering before relying on a licensing or insurance answer.

What does the ACT licence-required list include?

The ACT Government says every occupation in the licence-required column must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004. A current licence must be maintained and must be valid whenever its holder is working in construction.

What should I check if the trade does not need a licence?

The current ACT occupations list does not require carpenters or bricklayers to hold a construction licence. That answers the licensing question only: it does not establish that a particular business is insured, identifiable or suitable for the work.

Access Canberra’s tradesperson guidance advises consumers to check that a tradesperson is appropriately licensed and insured for the work and to ask to see a certificate of currency for public liability insurance. Access Canberra describes this insurance as protecting consumers and third parties against damage the tradesperson may cause.

Ask to see the certificate of currency and confirm that it is current. Because a certificate does not replace the policy wording, read the PDS for the applicable terms, exclusions and conditions. A trade not requiring an ACT construction licence is not proof that public liability cover is in place.

How can I check an ACT tradesperson’s licence status?

Access Canberra maintains public registers for all business licences. For a construction occupation, its registers can confirm whether a practitioner holds an appropriate licence to carry out construction work in the ACT.

1. Identify the tradesperson or business and the occupation they will perform.
2. Search for the person or business on the relevant public register.
3. For a licence-required occupation, confirm that the licence is current and appropriate for the work.
4. Check whether the register reports an expired, suspended, surrendered or cancelled status.
5. Where applicable, open the Details tab to see any disciplinary action recorded against the licence holder.
6. Check whether Access Canberra has issued a public warning, an enforceable undertaking or disciplinary action.

The licence register and public liability certificate answer different questions. A current construction licence does not, by itself, verify public liability insurance.

What do licence renewals and detail changes involve?

Licensed practitioners should renew before expiry and keep the licence valid while working in construction.

Reportable detail changes include an address, email address, phone number or name, including changes involving corporations and partnerships. A change in directors or partners is also reportable.

The replacement-card form can only be used for licences, registrations and cards issued in the ACT. Licence, renewal and replacement fees are determined by the Fee Determination for the relevant financial year, so check the current amount rather than relying on an older figure.

What can happen if a rectification order is issued?

The Constructions Occupations Registrar may make a rectification order on a licensee, former licensee or director of a construction service. A licensee or former licensee must take the action stated in the order.

The guidance also says the Registrar can take action against a licensee, a partner and directors of a corporation despite deregistration, for up to 10 years after the construction services are complete, to rectify construction work. Deregistration therefore does not necessarily mark the end of the Registrar’s regulatory involvement.

Who can I contact about licences or consumer concerns?

For ACT construction licensing questions, the Construction and Work Place Licensing team lists:

• Phone: 02 6207 8096
• Email: cwpl@act.gov.au

Access Canberra is responsible for enforcing the Australian Consumer Law in the ACT and is the first point of contact for advice or raising consumer concerns about a business, product or service. It can work with the involved parties to resolve consumer matters, but it does not provide legal advice or assist with business-to-business disputes.

Sources

• Construction licences - City and Environment Directorate - Planning — figures checked 1 October 2026.
• Choosing a tradesperson - Access Canberra — figures checked 1 October 2026.

FAQ

Do carpenters and bricklayers need an ACT licence?

No. Under the ACT Government’s current occupations list, carpenters and bricklayers do not need a construction licence. This does not establish whether a particular tradesperson has public liability insurance or is suitable for the work.

Which construction trades need a current ACT licence?

The licence-required list covers builders, including owner-builders; electricians; plumbers, drainers and/or gasfitters, including medical gas installers and technicians; building surveyors or private certifiers; building assessors; gas appliance workers; works assessors; and plumbing plan certifiers.

Does “no licence required” mean there is no need for an insurance check?

No conclusion about insurance follows from the licensing position alone. Ask to see a current public liability certificate of currency and read the policy’s PDS for its terms, exclusions and conditions.

What should I check before I hire an ACT tradie?

• Identify the trade: confirm whether the occupation is on the ACT licence-required list. Builders, including owner-builders, need a licence; carpenters and bricklayers do not currently need one.
• Check the register: if a licence is required, search for the tradesperson or business on the relevant Access Canberra public register.
• Confirm status: make sure the licence is appropriate and current, and check for expired, suspended, surrendered or cancelled status.
• Review action: where applicable, check the Details tab and any public warning, enforceable undertaking or disciplinary action.
• Ask for insurance evidence: request a current certificate of currency for public liability insurance and read the policy’s PDS.
• Record identity details: before signing, confirm the full name, physical address rather than only a post office box, registered business name and Australian Business Number (ABN). The ABN can be checked on the Australian Business Register.
• Compare quotes: Access Canberra says consumers are under no obligation to accept a quote and can obtain as many quotes as they want.
• Check payment records: request an itemised invoice. Access Canberra advises paying only when the job is complete.
• Recheck before relying on the answer: licensing status and policy terms can change, so return to the regulator page and the current PDS before making a final decision.